Liberty rules eased for U.S. troops based in Japan

Officials tightened liberty regulations for Japan-based troops in 2012 following several high-profile incidents, including the rape of a woman on Okinawa. The two U.S. sailors involved were convicted of the crime in 2013 after the incident , which shocked and outraged Okinawans, in 2013.

Marines based in Okinawa, stationed on that island, which is home to the toughest liberty restrictions, were briefed about caught wind of the policy shift in early July. Several reported attending unit receiving briefs ings on the pending changes shortly before Independence Day.

Officials did not immediately respond to queries about whether the tighter rules in Okinawa would change under the new policy. Some commanders remain authorized to impose more restrictive liberty policies as deemed necessary, the new policy states.

The changes to the liberty policy go into effect are effective ​Dec. 9. Here's what you need to know:

Tweaking the buddy system. Troops with a rank of E-5 and below will be able to stay have an extra hour to enjoy off-base for an extra hour before needing a liberty or battle buddy (also known as a battle buddy). After the policy change goes into effect, those service members can stay out alone until 10 p.m. by their lonesome. Currently, a liberty buddy is needed between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. These can be: a fellow service member; a Defense Department civilian employee; a pre-approved "responsible" individual; or a spouse or relative.

Staying out later. Curfew similarly will also be extended for troops ranked E-5 or below. Currently, military personnel in those pay grades must be on base or, if still outside the installation, in a private residence or hotel between midnight and 5 a.m. Starting Dec. 9, they can remain out until 1 a.m., with a liberty buddy, of course. Curfew is waived for troops performing official duties. As with the buddy system, select commanders can grant individual exceptions depending on the circumstances.

Preparing for liberty. As is the case now, all troops regardless of rank must undergo a series of service-specific training sessions in the previous year before becoming eligible for off-base liberty. The required courses include cultural training as well as sexual assault prevention and response training. Now troops will also be Additionally, though, troops are now are expected to participate in a session focused on drinking responsibly.

Alcohol rules Rules to drink by. While curfew and liberty buddy restrictions will ease, officials are retaining regulations on imbibing, specifically public drinking. Troops out on the town must call it a night at midnight. Off-base public drinking on the part of service members, regardless of rank, remains banned between then and 5 a.m., regardless of rank.

Oki restrictions dropped could remain. nawa remains restricted.The new revisions released by officials in November make no mention of lifting the additional liberty rules troops face in Okinawa. tougher than usual liberty regulations troops face facing troopson Okinawa, wFor the first time in years, troops stationed on Okinawa will face the same rules as service members elsewhere in Japan. There, opportunities to go out for a drink are severely limited. Service members heading off-base there can grab up to two drinks while enjoying a meal in a restaurant, and even then only between 6 and 10 p.m. The other exceptions include in the individual's private, off-base residence, a hotel or at an authorized event.