a foreign country as a result of a PCS or a deployment,
the ODSP will provide you with information about the
country you are visiting.
When visiting a foreign country, always remember
you are a guest in that country. As a guest, you should
respect the local customs and make every attempt to
avoid getting into trouble. If possible, try to learn and
use the local language, especially if you are stationed in
that country. Be careful about taking pictures or
recording anything without the permission of the people
around you. Most police (or even passersby) will forbid
you to take pictures of sights, such as government
buildings, no matter how illogical that may seem. Some
people will not want you to take their pictures for
religious reasons. Some may feel you are making fun of
them. They may think you will show the pictures to your
friends back home as an example of how “backward” or
“primitive” they are.
Dress comfortably, but be careful of your
appearance. A woman in shorts is a “no-no” in many
countries, and even a woman in slacks can upset people
in some rural or conservative areas. A man in shorts can
give the impression of insensitivity.
Unless you are similar in appearance to the
people in the country you are visiting, they will likely
stare, shout, giggle, and point at you, especially in
out-of-the-way places. The people of most coun-
tries will usually shower attention upon you good
1-6
Student Notes:
SPONSOR CHECKLIST
1.
Write a “welcome aboard” letter to your new shipmate. Include the following:
a.
Introduce yourself and give a warm welcome aboard.
b.
Include a copy of the rental and for sale ads from the local paper in any correspondence with the
new member.
c.
Provide the member information on how he/she can contact you (your home address and telephone
number).
d.
Ask him/her family members (if they will accompany the member, their mode of transportation,
ages, and so on).
2.
Ask him/her to keep you posted on travel and arrival plans. You are required to keep the sponsor
program coordinator and pay/personnel administrative support system (PASS) officer informed of any
changes the member may make.
3.
Ensure follow-up letter or phone calls to answer any questions the new member may have.
4.
Ensure transportation is available from place of arrival to the command if the member requests it.
5.
Before the member’s arrival, check on the housing availability. Inform the member if housing will be
available upon reporting or if he/she may need to make arrangements for temporary lodging. Help the
member with arrangements if necessary. (Make sure the new member checks in with the housing referral
office before renting or buying a house. That is a must.)
6.
Escort the individual through the check-in process.
7.
Help the member locate the personal property office to check on household goods and private auto
shipments. That may be done before the member reports in for duty.
8.
Provide a tour of the base and local area if the member desires.
Table 1-1.—Sponsor Checklist
