KDAP promotes good ambassadorship for service members' families

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Maeson L. Elleman
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  For decades the U.S. military has demonstrated its power, discipline and respect to foreign nations it occupies across the globe by holding service members to high standards of conduct.

The Kadena Disciplinary Action Program provides an effective tool for enforcing standards of conduct expected of military family members under the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA).

"We see anyone who has SOFA status living on- or off-base who is not active duty," said Shella Sanders, KDAP family development and program specialist. "If they commit any type of misconduct, then usually that misconduct will be reported through our office after Security Forces have done their part."

The KDAP office has responded for a multitude of offenses by juvenile and adult family members including assault, theft, driving under the influence, use or distribution of drugs and black marketing. Some offenses, like leaving a child in the vehicle while running into the post office or store, is considered child negligence and is often overlooked by parents, who may not even realize the implications.

Once KDAP has conducted a hearing to determine the validity and severity of the offenses, punishments will be decided. In the past, punishments have included community service, restitution for damages, suspended driving privileges, or even restriction, or barment, from all military facilities throughout Japan. Barment of military facilities could mean that the family member endure an early return of dependent, or ERD, which could potentially separate the family for years.

"I think our program has been very effective," Mrs. Sanders said. "We have rules in our homes and in our community, and we need to abide by those rules. Our goal is to help make our community safe."

Barbara Smith, KDAP social services technician, said she believes some offenses can be attributed to military lifestyle stress, among other things.

"Maybe juveniles have committed crimes because they don't think they're going to get caught, or perhaps they're seeking attention from their parents," said Mrs. Smith. "With adults, it could come from stress from deployments or even just not knowing how to communicate. That's why they offer so many programs on base like couples communication classes, Family Advocacy, marriage counseling and speaking to a chaplain."

Mrs. Smith said no matter the reason, all service members and their families should remember that while in a foreign nation, we should continue to conduct ourselves as good U.S. ambassadors and represent our nation well.