Are US military bases in the UK deemed US territory?
Original Question: Are US military bases in the UK deemed US territory?I have heard that a lot of the US bases are actually shared bases with the British military, does this mean that the US military personnel are not allowed to have unlimited autonomy in the bases?US military installations in the UK (and indeed every US base everywhere in the world), are governed by an agreement between the US and the Host Nation called the ‘Status of Forces Agreement’. This agreement outlines the interface between military personnel and the UK personnel and government.Part of the agreement lays out how US Military personnel are dealt with for any crimes they may commit. Traffic offences are between the individual and the local LEOs and Courts(Helpful hint: When in Scotland, given a choice between hitting a sheep and hitting the farmer in a auto accident, aim for the farmer. It’s cheaper. Much, much cheaper.)Most low level crime will be investigated by the local police, the evidence turned over to the offender’s CO, and punishment meted out by the Command. Since any CO assigned to a OUTUS facility is well aware of his status as a de facto ambassador, this is NOT a mercy. The Offender will be tried, and will pay, usually a much stricter penalty than the locals would have applied.Capital crimes (murder/rape/kidnapping/ et al) the offender is handed over the the local authorities to do with as they will… And the Offender is NOT expelled from the service. Once the locals are done with him, the Offender will face Courts Martial and Uncle Sam will get his pound of flesh. I ended up sitting in on such a Courts Martial and the offender would not shut his mouth. After 5 years for stealing a car in Glasgow the Navy had him back and was going through the motions so they could send him to Philadelphia Naval Prison. The idiot claimed that they couldn’t try him, because it would be ‘Double Jeopardy’. The Full Bird chairing the CM explained that it couldn’t be Double Jeopardy because the US hadn’t tried him for anything before that day.
Is there such thing as British "Military Passport?"?
Military personnel rarely require passports unless traveling in their civilian capacity, personal travel, for which they use personal passports. On very rare occasions they use official passports that show them to be on government business, or diplomatic passports if they are working at a mission as a military attache for example. If going to Russia to visit Russian military for example they would use an official passport. If stationed at the embassy they would use diplomatic passports. If traveling to another EU country their military ID card and orders are all they need. The same is true if going to any NATO country. These rules are due to agreements signed by the NATO countries, or EU rules. In any country where there are British or US Military Bases where they might serve there is a Status of Forces agreement that specifies who may come in and how long they can stay (for example, can dependents come too, do they need passports or visas, etc.). These agreements normally say active duty military personnel on orders do not need passports or visas. If traveling on a mission against a nation (such as invading Iraq) obviously you aren't going to get a visa nor go through passport control...
RAF police officer, and general RAF questions?
I really would love some detailed information from a serving (served) RAF officer, if im lucky, maybe even a RAF police officer or maybe an RMPO? Basically i want to know if the RAFPO is like they advertise it to be? An RMP friend of mine suggested the RAFPO is not as a rewarding career, purely because you job is limited to airforce (obviously) and the specialisations such as SIB have nothing on the RMP. Also, i was very interested in the counter intelligence role unique to the RAFP, but is that again all its cracked up to be? (My RMP friend imagined walking around base seeing if bike locks were good enough) Will I be stuck dealing with car incidents and theft for the rest of my career, wishing i had joined the army? Army life does not appeal to me as much as RAF for the same reasons as what most people harp on about. Your a soldier first in the army, trade second, its a lot tougher, and living conditions lifestyle is not as good. Can anyone can comment on that? Army jobs seem more intense but the RMP lacks the counter intelligence aspect the RAFP offer. More trades are available to me of interest in the Army, such as intelligence, (RAF intel does not seem right for me) , and im wondering if RAF life is really better suited for people with interests in engineering and technology. I myself am finishing an MSc in Applied social psychology, and would love to somehow utilise my knowledge and skills with people in a stimulating environment. If anyone can comment on if im completely wrong about army life compared to RAF life, please let m know
RAF Lakenheath question?
It is because of the SOFA agreement between the US and UK, that military dependents are not allowed to work off base. She would need a specific work visa. She CAN work at some jobs on base if they are hiring. WTF are you so worried about your aunt, uncle and cousin. Your aunt and uncle are ADULTS and what they do is none of your business
Can you wear contact lenses in the Air Force (RAF in UK)?
It honestly depends on what you're doing. If you're a pilot you need 20/20 vision, non corrected (thats for fighters and bombers, they're more lax on the cargo planes). For everything else you can wear glasses contacts. If you're in combat (army, marines) you'll be issued with BCG (Birth Control Glasses lol, seriously thats what they're called because they look so bad) and that'll correct your vision
What should I expect being stationed at RAF Lakenheath?
Son got that as his 1st duty station out of tech school [plus he was bought up in the UK] Live on base, rooms are good and much cheaper, plus at your age highly doubt that you would get permission to live off base............plus I will tell you, the locals know to the LAST cent what you get for BAH etc at YOUR rank................ There is a place on base to buy cheap 2nd hand cars that others have used and are not going to bring back due to them being right hand drive..............if you are NOT a confident driver I would not rush to get one..............the UK has GREAT bus train systems and Lakenheath has good links to all the major transit hubs. You MUST make the ITT your best friend.............they do a lot of tours for the single guys / girls, cheap and good way to make friends, plus you can drink at all the pubs they stop at and not worry about driving............ Decide WHAT places you want to see in Europe [and btw the brits do NOT class the UK as part of Europe] you can be in Paris in 2 hours.............. One word of warning that I gave my son [and he was 18 when he went] is WATCH out for the local girls.........no they are not all slappers BUT a lot want a ticket out of the country and make sure, repeat make sure you double bag so there is no unwanted babies..............The 1st time you go to the club on base you will see what I mean........my HUSBAND and I went there and there where random girls coming up to him asking him to sign them in to the club..........they did not care he was with his wife...............they just wanted to get in. ps IF you think you will be buying a car no matter what, try to sort out your loan BEFORE you go, there are several places that will take a US cashiers check that do NOT rip off the young airmen.
Can a US citizen join the RAF?
The best way to find out is to contact a RAF recruiter. Britain may have different requirements than us. Keep in mind that joining a foreign military is grounds to loose your US citizenship in most cases.
As a EU citizen can I join RAF ?
ive lived in england for nearly 10 years but Im not a british citizen.. ive tried finding out and i thought the answer was no untill i get my british citizenship, but then a few friends of mine said it shouldnt be a problem.. I dont really understand it. Thank You :)