BajaNomad

TELL THAT TO THE MARINES!

ELINVESTIG8R - 1-22-2009 at 10:40 AM

Citing a wave of violence and murder in Mexico, the commanding officer of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force based at Camp Pendleton has made the popular military "R&R" destinations of Tijuana and nearby beaches effectively off-limits for his Marines.

The order by Lt. Gen. Samuel Helland restricts travel into Mexico by the 44,000 members of the unit, many of whom have had multiple tours of duty in Iraq, Afghanistan and other combat zones under their belts — or are there now.

FULL STORY HERE: http://www.usatoday.com/news/military/2009-01-21-camp_N.htm

Bajahowodd - 1-22-2009 at 11:27 AM

How crazy is that? Protecting Marines?

CaboRon - 1-22-2009 at 11:46 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bajahowodd
How crazy is that? Protecting Marines?


No, it is to protect the Mexicans :lol:

CaboRon

BajaGringo - 1-22-2009 at 11:47 AM

:lol::lol::lol:

Bajahowodd - 1-22-2009 at 12:06 PM

Protecting them from making a buck (peso)?

DENNIS - 1-22-2009 at 12:21 PM

It's my understanding from previous reports that this restriction is only for enlisted personel. Jeezo....all they want to do is buy a beer after getting their asses shot off in service to their country. Doesn't seem right.

Woooosh - 1-22-2009 at 12:30 PM

I'm a little confused. The Navy boys can still come down to TJ (with permissions) but the tough-guy marines are restricted? Isn't the Navy a branch of the Marines?

" The restrictions don't apply to the more than 75,000 active duty Navy sailors in the area, but they are required to inform their chains of command if they cross the border."

tjBill - 1-22-2009 at 12:46 PM

The US Marines can't handle Tijuana?? :no:

And these guys are supposed to protect the USA... :rolleyes:

[Edited on 1-22-2009 by tjBill]

Cyanide41 - 1-22-2009 at 12:58 PM

The problem is that Marines go down and get drunk and get in trouble. All it takes is one to make the whole Corps look bad. I remember when overseas having a local bar banned because some Marine a few years prior got into a huge fight with some sailors. We went there almost weekly and never had an issue.

[Edited on 1-22-2009 by Cyanide41]

Cyanide41 - 1-22-2009 at 01:01 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Woooosh
I'm a little confused. The Navy boys can still come down to TJ (with permissions) but the tough-guy marines are restricted? Isn't the Navy a branch of the Marines?

" The restrictions don't apply to the more than 75,000 active duty Navy sailors in the area, but they are required to inform their chains of command if they cross the border."


I had read in another article that the Marines need written permision from a commanding officer. So while they are not completely restricted. I wouldn't imagine some officer granting permission for a trip to Revolution Ave.

Bajahowodd - 1-22-2009 at 01:07 PM

All well and good. Service people have gone to Tijuana, partied, and raised hell for decades. Occasionally some get into trouble with the local authorities. But the point missing here is that to restrictive order noted in the article was because of the violence in Tijuana. If I was the local chamber of commerce, whatever they call it there, I'd be infuriated. It almost looks like our military has taken an active role in tanking the economy of TJ.

ELINVESTIG8R - 1-22-2009 at 01:36 PM

Do you remember during May 2008 when this Marine was shot at for running a checkpoint.

DENNIS - 1-22-2009 at 01:55 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Woooosh
Isn't the Navy a branch of the Marines?



I think it's the other way around.

ELINVESTIG8R - 1-22-2009 at 02:08 PM

That's right Dennis. The Marine Corps operates under the United States Department of the Navy as depicted in our seal.

Bajahowodd - 1-22-2009 at 02:10 PM

It's a unique situation. Both the Commandant of the Marines, and the Chief Naval Officer report to the Secretary of the Navy.

TMW - 1-22-2009 at 02:14 PM

The marines are always getting into fights and sailors are lovers, that's why the navy can go.