According to MCBJ/III MEF Order 1050.7, Liberty Campaign Order, the requirement for a liberty buddy is a proactive measure to ensure mission success and force protection for the well-being of personnel.

“It’s an overwatch system where I watch your back and you watch mine,” said Sgt. Maj. Cevet Adams, Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D. Butler sergeant major. “Liberty buddies have the responsibilities to look out for each other, stay together while on liberty, report separation from each other within 30 minutes, return from liberty together, make good decisions while on liberty and uphold the core values of honor, courage and commitment at all times both on and off duty.”

The Liberty Buddy Program was founded on the premise that discipline and sound judgment are more likely to be exercised when cross-checked by fellow Marines.

Pfc. Janelle Horton, an intelligence specialist with Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 1, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III MEF, agrees.

“I think it’s smart,” Horton said. “If one Marine is doing something stupid the other can step in with better judgment.”

The program’s policies apply to all Marines and sailors assigned or attached to MCBJ/III MEF who meet the criteria.

According to the order, the requirement for a liberty buddy applies to all liberty periods, including after working hours, during weekends and while on special liberty.

Furthermore, regardless of rank, Marines and sailors who are red card holders and are serving an accompanied tour and live on or off base are to have a liberty buddy in the event their family member is not available to accompany him/her during one of the above periods.

Marines and sailors traveling between their residence and base do not require a liberty buddy for such travel so long as they are traveling directly between base and residence and make no stops along the way.

According to the order, in the event a liberty buddy becomes separated, they must report their separation to their command within 30 minutes.

The order also explains that while becoming separated from a liberty buddy in and of itself does not represent a violation, failing to report the separation to the appropriate chain of command does constitute a violation.

Violations of the policy are punitive in nature. Service members found in violation may be subject to disciplinary action under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

Punishment can range from an informal counseling to more severe disciplinary action, according to Capt. Christopher G. Blosser, foreign criminal jurisdiction attorney with the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate, MCB Camp Butler, MCBJ.

“Violating the liberty buddy policy could result in anything up to and including a court martial,” Blosser said.

Aside from being a MCBJ/III MEF policy, Adams emphasized other important reasons for traveling with a liberty buddy.

“It’s much easier to execute a liberty plan when you have a buddy that is integrated into and committed to the success of the plan,” he said, explaining that the policy is about safety not punishment.

“The underlying intent behind the liberty buddy program is to provide a protective measure to help maintain good order and discipline while on liberty in Japan.”

Marine Corps Bases Japan/III MEF Order 1050.7, Liberty Campaign Order, is accessible online at the Camp Butler adjutant sharepoint homepage at the following CAC-protected site: wss.mcbbutler.nmci.usmc.mil/G1/Adjutant/default.aspx. Look under announcements for a link to the order.