Wing commander orders restrictions on travel to Mexico

  • Published
  • By Col. Richard Ayres
  • 17th Training Wing commander
GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The welfare and safety of our personnel are a top priority. Due to increased violence along the border and border towns, some specifically directed at U.S. citizens and U.S. military, the border areas of Mexico, to include Tijuana, Nogales, Juarez, Nuevo Laredo, Acuna, Piedras Negras, and Reynosa/Matamoros are no longer authorized travel destinations.

Therefore, I order all 17th Training Wing and tenant unit military members (as defined in para. 2) to refrain from traveling to or through these destinations. This order is effective immediately and will remain in effect until safety and security conditions improve.

All active duty members, Reservists and Guardsmen in Title 10 status, attached to the 17 TRW and tenant units are prohibited from traveling to these affected areas. All other 17 TRW personnel, including Guardsmen in Title 32 status, DOD civilian employees, contractors and family members are strongly discouraged against travel to the areas of Mexico listed above.

The 17 TRW vice commander or 17th Mission Support Group commander may approve exceptions to this policy on a case by case basis. Exceptions should only be considered for family and emergency situations or critical mission requirements and only after completing a thorough risk assessment.

Members seeking an exception to this policy must have current Level I Antiterrorism training, obtain the appropriate threat/area briefings and submit a personal AT plan to their group commander or equivalent. Personal AT Plan templates are available through the Goodfellow Air Force Base Force Protection Officer. A current threat/area briefing can be obtained through Det 408, Air Force Office of Special Investigations.

This order will remain in effect until it is rescinded in writing by the 17 TRW commander. Violations of this order are subject to disciplinary action under the Uniformed Code of Military Justice.