Table 1-1.—Sponsor Checklist

1-6 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 countries will usually shower attention upon you good naturedly. If you smile and accept the attention in the same way, your hosts will make you feel welcome. If you resent it and get angry, your hosts will be confused and displeased. 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