Kosovo Pass Policy

MISSION

Multinational Battle Group � East (MNBG-E) develops and executes a Kosovo pass program for MNBG-E (KFOR 16) Soldiers at Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo for the duration of the deployment (23 Sep 2012-30 May 2013)

PROGRAM DETAILS

1. Situation. Effective 01 Apr 12 the Army transitioned to nine (9) month deployment periods for OCONUS operations. Per HQDA EXORD 287-11 FOR ARMY DEPLOYMENT PERIOD POLICY, units deploying on a 9-month boots on the ground (BOG) are no longer eligible for funded R&R leave. This policy affects MNBG-E Soldiers at Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo.

2. In coordination with (ICW) USAREUR subordinate and tenant commands and staff, the MNBG-E commander will execute the Kosovo pass program for Soldiers under operational control (OPCON) and administrative control (ADCON) assigned or attached to MNBG-E at Camp Bondsteel.

3.The MNBG-E commander has the latitude to allow up to two (2) passes during the rotation. Each pass is not to exceed four (4) days. All costs will be absorbed by Soldiers with no cost to the government.

4. Pass destinations currently include Turkey, Bosnia, Greece, Bulgaria and Albania. Pass participants will have a U.S. passport and adhere to individual country entry/exit requirements.

CONTACT INFORMATION

STANDARDS OF CONDUCT

Soldiers and DA Civilians on Pass and in transit will at all times conduct themselves as professional representatives of the Armed Forces. Personnel are responsible for maintaining the highest standards of conduct, discipline, and military bearing that is expected of a professional Soldier and DA Civilian.

Soldiers and DA Civilian personnel must adhere to General Order #1 during travel, processing into the OCONUS or CONUS Aerial Port of Debarkation (APOD) and while in duty uniform. Alcohol consumption is prohibited during follow-on travel from the APODs and at any point during the R&R leave period while wearing duty uniform.

All Transportation Security Agency (TSA) prohibitions for carry-on and checked luggage remain in effect for R&R Leave Program flights (i.e., no knives or other items that may be considered a danger to the flight).

Soldiers and DA Civilians must remember that they represent the forces deployed in support of our nation�s Global War on Terrorism. Certain information about units and missions may be considered classified information and should be treated as such. R&R personnel should contact us if they have any further questions.

PASS ELIGIBILITY

Soldier Eligibility

  • Tour Length: Soldiers projected to remain in Kosovo for 270 days or more.
  • Beginning Time: Pass may be taken after serving 60 consecutive days in Kosovo. Personnel extending from on consecutive rotation to the next are exempt from this rule.
  • Ending Time: The last traveler must begin travel no later than 60 days prior to unit transfer of authority (TOA).
  • Frequency: Soldiers can take only one pass per rotation. Soldiers may take one pass for each rotation if they extend.

DA Civilian Eligibility

  • Tour Length: Civilian personnel projected to remain in Kosovo for 180 days or more.
  • Beginning Time: Pass begins after serving 60 consecutive days in Kosovo.
  • Ending Time: The last traveler must begin travel no later than 60 days prior to unit transfer of authority (TOA).
  • Frequency: Civilian personnel can take only one pass per rotation.