Action Line #90612 -- Izmir Head Garments

  • Published
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  Complaint: 

According to SFOI 31-101, paragraph 3.4.1.1, dated March 2007, no head garment or religious-style outfit may be worn within the 425th Air Base Group installation. When speaking directly with the security forces superintendent he indicated that the rule is broad but is not up for interpretation. I have been visiting relatives during the summer months in the Izmir area every other year since 1995 and this was the first time my sister-in-law was turned away for wearing a scarf to cover her hair. I understand that we must be able to identify personnel entering the installation and any form of cover is a concern under force protection. However, this must apply to all NATO forces and not just to the local community entering the installation.

During my wait, prior to speaking with the superintendent, one lady in civilian attire was allowed to enter the installation with her hair tucked into a cowboy hat. Another male enter the installation wearing a cap and dark sun glasses covering his head down to his upper cheek. Both were unchallenged based on this operating instruction and both are considered head garments. The instruction does not distinguish between styles of covers. Neither does the instruction refer to the head garment as a religious outfit. There was a separate entry for this attire. So why is there prejudice for the local community? Is there a set rule for locals and NATO forces?

In addition, the male I mentioned above attempted to bring a local girl onto the installation without proper identification. They were rounding the corner when another local security guard questioned the other and determined that no form of identification was provided. The Air Force SF person spoke to him and the girl left. In my opinion this entry would have been allowed if my family was not there and questioning this garment policy. How do we ensure the security of the installation if favors are given to "liked" personnel? There must be some form of checks and balances to keep personnel manning the gate responsible for their actions.

Finally, the reason for why this concern was addressed to you is when I asked about the commander's Action Line to raise the issue at the 425th ABG level, the two SF personnel I asked did not know these procedures and were unable to direct me appropriately. In addition, I visited the command section and an NCO in the front office did not know how to direct my concern to Colonel Robel either. One would like to know that personnel working in these sections are able to answer a question of this nature. Nevertheless, I would like to know what the true procedure is for head garments and ensure all are treated fairly regardless of their position within the 425th ABG.


Response:

Thanks for the question; I was not aware of this policy either! The security forces were enforcing installation policy as written in SFOI 31-101, paragraph 3.4.1.1 states no head garment or religious-style outfit may be worn within any 425th Air Base Group installation. After reviewing the policy, we are going to change this to permit all types of headcoverings in 425th Air Base Squadron facilities. Pertinent 425th ABS instructions will be updated to encompass these changes.
Of course, all persons entering 425th ABS installations will still be subject to search and inspection; this includes all persons entering wearing any head covering. So...if any person is not willing to remove their headcover for inspection they may be refused entry to the base.
Thanks for bringing this to my attention. My action line is for all members of the 39 ABW...GSUs included, so feel free to let me know if you have any other questions.