Yellow warning sign with the text Caution wet floor (suparerg (123RF))
There are many critters on the installation, including feral dogs and cats. Per the 39 ABW commander, feeding, fostering and/or adopting of stray animals on the installation is strictly prohibited and punishable under the UCMJ for active duty and civilians alike.
It is essential that you do not interact with these animals because Türkiye is a high-risk area for rabies, which is fatal if left untreated. Transmission can come from dogs, cats, bats, raccoons, skunks and foxes. They shed the virus for three to seven days prior to showing any symptoms. Even if an animal appears healthy, it may not be the case and is never worth the risk. There is NO guarantee that rabies treatment will be available at the Military Treatment Facility (MTF) or hospitals off base.
Steps to take if you are bitten, scratched or make contact with the animal’s saliva on open skin:
• Immediately wash the wound or contaminated area thoroughly with soap and water.
• Immediately seek medical care at the Clinic. Call 676-6666.
• Call the Civil Engineer Squadron (CES) at 676-7008 to report the stray animal that bit you.
• Call the Veterinary Clinic at 676-3119 for animal welfare concerns or if the animal that bit you is still present in the immediate area.
• Be familiar with your Critical Information List in your unit.
• No outside photography around the base.
• Report suspicious activity to BDOC at 676-3200 or OSI at 676-6488.
• This is not a U.S. installation, so access controls are different. Secure your belongings in your home, vehicle and workplace. If you hire a housekeeper or have guests in your residence, this is especially important to keep in mind.
• Call the OPSEC Office for questions at 676-6693.
• Be vigilant for suspicious activity, such as small, unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS). Note a description and behavior of the sUAS and photograph it if it is possible without approaching it. If it crashes, alert bystanders to stay away and call the Base Defense Operations Center (BDOC) at 676-3200. Call Anti-Terrorism/Force Protection for questions at 676-6657 or 676-1661.
• Sign up for the U.S. State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program at step.state.gov/step to get travel advisory notifications.
• In the event of civil unrest, stay tuned to advisories in order to ensure personnel safety.
If you are off the installation, you will see some of the host-nation population dressing according to local customs.
Approved Attire
• Ball caps, beanies, visors
• Collared, casual or dress shirts that cover shoulders and midriff
• Sleeves that cover at least three inches from shoulder seam
• Skirts, dresses or shorts worn at or below the knee
• Jeans, slacks and capri pants (must not be frayed or torn)
• Running shoes, sneakers and dress shoes
• Flip-flops with leather or cloth straps, or wooden sole
Always Remember
• Uniforms are not to be worn off installation.
• Some may find it offensive for service members to wear traditional host-nation attire.
• Clothing should be appropriate, neat, and conservative and without political or religious imagery or offensive logos or slogans. Know what you are wearing and what it translates to or represents before wearing it off base.
• Personnel should always carry their ID card, but never display it in plain sight.
