All American service members in Japan banned from buying or drinking alcohol after crash kills man on Okinawa

All American service members on Japan are restricted from leaving the base and their residences and alcohol consumption is banned after an American service member struck and killed an Okinawan man with a truck.

Alcohol may have been a factor in the crash, according to U.S. Forces Japan.

“Commanders across Japan will immediately lead mandatory training to address responsible alcohol use, risk management and acceptable behavior. All military members and U.S. government civilians in Japan are required to attend,” a statement from U.S. Forces Japan read.

In addition to Okinawa, all American service members on mainland Japan are banned from buying or drinking alcohol on or off of their bases.

More information about the crash on Okinawa wasn’t immediately available.

“The vast majority of Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and civilians in Japan serve honorably and make great contributions to the defense of Japan. When our service members fail to live up to the high standards we set for them, it damages the bonds between bases and local communities and makes it harder for us to accomplish our mission,” the statement read.

“We are committed to being good neighbors with our host communities and we are thankful for the support we receive from them every day.”

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