Bell: Curfew in S. Korea should continue

[unhappycamper]

Bell: Curfew in S. Korea should continue
By Ashley Rowland, Stars and Stripes
Pacific edition, Monday, June 02, 2008

SEOUL — Despite saying in January that he planned to ease the curfew for higher-ranking servicemembers within two months, soon-to-retire U.S. Forces Korea commander Gen. B.B. Bell said Saturday he will not change the curfew, because U.S. troops in South Korea have a "wartime mission."

Bell said the 1-to-5 a.m. weekend curfew protects troops and helps them stay ready to fight. On weekdays, troops are required to stay indoors between midnight and 5 a.m.

"This curfew is hardly some kind of great infringement on the liberties of our servicemembers to go out and enjoy the great culture of this country," he said during an interview with Stars and Stripes, his last before he returns to the States next week to retire June 9. "It simply says there comes a point where you’re supposed to go to bed."

Bell said he made the decision three weeks ago, based on a unanimous recommendation from his five subordinate officers that he keep the curfew. Bell said he will recommend that incoming USFK commander Lt. Gen. Walter Sharp, who assumes command Tuesday, maintain the curfew.

Bell said some of his senior NCOs told him about a year ago that he should re-examine the policy, because troops were mature enough to police themselves and not put force protection at risk. After a "fairly extensive analysis," he held a commander’s conference to discuss the curfew. All five subordinate officers told him to keep the curfew as written, he said.


Rest of article at: http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=55249