Marines have a reputation for taking care of their own.  This is evident on the battlefield as well as in garrison.  Marines, regardless of rank, are charged with looking out for one another and ensuring each other's well-being.  Liberty is no exception to this rule.  Marine Corps Bases Japan/III Marine Expeditionary Force Order 1050.7 Liberty Campaign Order serves as a rule and guide for accomplishing this task.

According to the order, red liberty card holders must refrain from public consumption of alcohol each night after midnight. 

"Public consumption means any consumption of alcohol off of a U.S. military installation except when in an off-base private residence," the order defines. 

While the midnight cut-off time is the same for gold liberty card holders, they retain the privilege of overnight liberty and "may purchase and consume alcohol at eating facilities where alcohol is served as an accompaniment to food services," the order explains.  

In addition to the regulation governing public consumption of alcohol after midnight, the order also prohibits all uniformed personnel from entering any off-base establishments, bars or nightclubs after midnight where the primary business is the sale and consumption of alcohol.

According to Sgt. Maj. Cevet A. Adams, sergeant major, Marine Corps Bases Japan, Marines have an obligation to do the right thing when it comes to the use of alcohol.

"Marines have a moral responsibility to do the right thing on and off duty, 24/7," Adams said.  "This includes, but is not limited to drinking in moderation and not to abuse alcohol."

While the minimum age for the possession and consumption of alcohol remains 20 years old for military and civilian personnel assigned to MCBJ/III MEF, the order explains specific guidance surrounding quantity and type of alcohol allowed by those of age. 

E3 and below (or equivalent)

The consumption or possession of hard liquor is not authorized for E3s and below in the barracks, regardless of age.  However, each legal-aged occupant is authorized to possess up to six 12-ounce beers, wine coolers, malt liquor beverages or one 750-milliliter bottle of wine, the order explains.

In addition, E3s and below are authorized to purchase and consume hard liquor in an on-base or off-base club or restaurant for the "immediate responsible consumption at that location," the order clarifies.

Responsible hard liquor consumption may also be authorized at unit functions such as birthday balls or mess nights.

E4 and E5s (or equivalent)

The consumption and possession of hard liquor is authorized for non-commissioned officers and petty officers who reside in the barracks; however, each legal-aged occupant is limited to one liter bottle of hard liquor, twelve 12-ounce beers, wine coolers, malt liquor beverages or two 750-millileter bottles of wine.  In addition, if NCO's and Petty Officers desire to have hard liquor in the barracks, they are required to lock it up when it is not being consumed.

The order also explains that "any Marine or sailor who knows that another Marine or sailor is consuming alcohol while underage or in a manner otherwise prohibited by this order and fails to stop or report it to proper authority may be subject to administrative and/or disciplinary action ..."

"Many careers have ended prematurely due to irresponsible drinking," Adams said.  "Use these examples as living proof to steer your career in the right direction.  Always lead by example using the Core Values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment as your guide."

The order also states that the possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages in any public or working area on board U.S. Bases Japan is not authorized unless it takes place within authorized U.S. Forces clubs, messes, exchange facilities, or common areas such as pavilions or barbecue areas.

Personnel are not authorized to consume alcoholic beverages at spectator-type events, public gatherings or assemblies unless such beverages are dispensed to the general public by an activity authorized by competent authority.

Consuming alcohol from an individual's personally-owned bottle while on the premises of a club or mess on a military installation, or off-base bar, cabaret or restaurant is prohibited.  The only exception to this policy is while attending a private party that is held in a rented or leased public establishment where individuals bring their own alcoholic beverages.

Consuming alcoholic beverages in motor vehicles, military aircraft, or aboard military vessels is prohibited.  This includes both the driver and any passengers in vehicle.

It is unauthorized to transport or possess alcoholic beverages in a vehicle after the container has been opened, unless it is stored in a storage compartment not accessible without stopping the vehicle.

Consumption of alcohol during Tropical Cylone Condition of Readiness 1, TCCOR 1 Caution, TCCOR 1 Emergency, TCCOR 1 Recovery and Storm watch is prohibited.  This includes all on-base or off-base living quarters.

Personnel must refrain from the use or consumption of alcohol 8 hours prior to assuming a duty status.

Public intoxication and misconduct arising from consumption or the abuse of alcohol will not be tolerated.

The MCBJ/III MEF Order 1050.7 Change 3 Liberty Campaign Order can be accessed on-line at the Camp Butler adjutant SharePoint homepage at the following CAC-protected site:  https://wss.mcbbutler.nmci.usmc.mil/G1/Adjutant/default.aspx.  Look under "Announcements" for a link to the Liberty Campaign Order.