Travel to parts of Mexico prohibited for Vance military Published June 7, 2010 By Wing Antiterrorism Office VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- An increased risk of violence along the United States-Mexico border and in border towns, the 71st Flying Training Wing commander has prohibited all Wing and tenant unit military members from traveling to or through any portion of Mexico within 50 miles of the border. "My top priority is the safety and welfare of our personnel," said Col. Russ Mack, the 71st FTW commander. The travel prohibition applies to all active duty, reservists and Guardsmen in Title 10 status assigned or attached to the Wing or any Vance tenant unit. It also applies to Department of Defense civilians, family members and contractors when traveling in an official capacity. Colonel Mack also discourages all other Wing personnel, including Guardsmen in Title 32 status, DOD civilian employees, contractors and family members from traveling in the restricted areas. Communities included in the travel restriction are Tijuana, Nogales, Ciudad Juarez, Nuevo Laredo, Acuna, Piedras Negras, Reynosa, Matamoros, Las Palomas, Agua Prieta, Sasabe, Naco, Monterrey, Matamoras and Sonoyta. Travel to the Mexican states of Chihuahua, Durango and Coahuila is also prohibited. Only Colonel Mack can give exceptions to the travel prohibition. Those seeking an exception must complete Level 1 Force Protection Awareness training within 90 days of travel, obtain the appropriate threat area briefings from the Vance Antiterrorism officer, and submit an Air Education and Training Command Form 29b with a personal antiterrorism plan. Travel to areas of Mexico not on the prohibition list will require an AETC Form 29b and an Antiterrorism Level 1 briefing from the antiterrorism office at least 15 days prior to travel. Accountability information will also be required. For more information, contact the Wing Antiterrorism Office, 213-7230.