Defined as recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring or receipt of persons by means of the threat, use of force, coercion, abduction, fraud, deception, abuse or exploitation, Trafficking in Persons is the third largest and fastest growing criminal activity in the world. A grave violation of human rights, it is a world-wide criminal threat to security, civil rights, and stability – and a direct threat to our national foreign policy goals. Trafficking in Persons undermines and degrades our readiness and will not be tolerated in the Army.

This zero tolerance policy applies to all Soldiers, Department of Defense (DoD) civilian employees, and affiliated DoD contractors and the contractors employees and subcontractor employees. Army policy:

• opposes any and all activities associated with human trafficking;
• vigorously enforces the law against all those who traffic in persons as well as those who facilitate trafficking in persons;
• applies world-wide - on or off duty - on or off military reservation;
• requires commanders to establish and enforce off-limits locations;
• requires immediate mandatory awareness training for all DoD military and civilian personnel, and for DoD contract personnel, deploying overseas;
• requires commanders to develop a program that includes an assessment of Trafficking in Persons and related issues (e.g. prostitution), awareness training and periodic checks (the IG and other investigative services).

Leaders throughout the Army must understand the dynamics and indicators of trafficking and be vigilant in correcting or reporting suspected violations or activities. We urge all commanders to make full use of all tools available to combat trafficking in persons. No leader will turn a blind eye to this issue.