Escort on, escort off Published Dec. 29, 2011 By Airman 1st Class Tara A. Williamson 18th Wing Public Affairs KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- Here on Okinawa, military members have the opportunity to escort locals onto base temporarily. While this is a way for service members and Okinawans to get to know each other, escorts must remember that with this power comes great responsibility. "Over the past month, there have been numerous escort violations," said Tech. Sgt. Vincent Walker, 18th Security Forces Squadron NCO in charge of Pass and Registration, "after which, sponsors stated they were unaware of the escort procedures." Individuals found in violation of the escort policy will be charged with violation of Article 92 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, Failure to Obey Order or Regulation, and can lose their escort privileges. "No one found in violation of the escort policy should be able to claim that they did not understand the policy," Walker said. Prior to signing someone onto the installation, the 18th SFS Pass and Registration requires sponsors to read, understand, and acknowledge their duties and responsibilities as an escort. This policy requires escorts to remain with the personnel they sign on during the entirety of their stay on the installation. "Sponsors are letting their visitors leave the installation by themselves without an escort, and assuming that once the visitor decides to leave, he or she no longer requires an escort," Walker said. "This is inaccurate." Although the majority of violations stem from dependants and younger enlisted dorm members, violators can cover the full spectrum of age and rank. If there are any questions pertaining to escort procedures please contact 18th SFS Pass & Registration at 634-3437 or 634-1033.