Dod Sofa Agreement

A SOFA should clarify the conditions under which the foreign army can operate. As a rule, purely military and operational matters, such as the location of bases and access to facilities, are covered by separate agreements. A SOFA focuses more on legal issues related to military persons and property. This may include issues such as entry and exit into the country, tax obligations, postal services or the conditions of employment of nationals of the host country, but the most controversial issues are civil and criminal justice on bases and personnel. For civil cases, SOFAs provide for how civilian damages caused by the armed forces are identified and paid. Criminal problems vary, but the typical provision in U.S. SOFAs is that U.S. courts have jurisdiction over crimes committed either by a soldier against another soldier or by a soldier as part of his or her military duty, but the host country retains jurisdiction over other crimes. [4] T.I.A.S., Agreement on Exchange and Military Visits between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of Mongolia, Agreement of 26 June 1996. At a November 26, 2007 press conference on the declaration, General Douglas Lute, presidential assistant for Iraq and Afghanistan, said the government did not foresee a forward-looking agreement with Iraq that « would have formal treaty status that would then lead us to formal negotiations or formal contributions from Congress. » White House Office of the Press Secretary, Press Gaggle by Dana Perino and General Douglas Lute, Presidential Assistant for Iraq and Afghanistan, 26 November 2007, available from georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2007/11/20071126-6.html.

For a discussion of the form and content of international agreements under U.S. law, which distinguish between treaties and executive agreements, see CRS R40614, Congressional Oversight and Related Issues Concerning International Security Agreements Concluded by the United States, by [author name rubbed] and [author name rubbed]. 1984: SOFA 1993: Amendment to the temporary secondment to Grenada in the context of exercises or activities approved by both governments according to the usual procedures While agreements for the exercise of legal jurisdiction are generally an integral part of a SOFA, more detailed administrative and operational issues may also be taken into account. A SOFA may, for example, wear uniforms by the armed forces outside of military facilities, taxes and fees, carrying weapons by U.S. personnel, use of radio spectrum, driver`s license requirements, and customs rules. A SOFA provides the legal framework for the day-to-day operation of U.S. personnel abroad. Most LAASs are bilateral agreements; therefore, they can be adapted to the specific needs of staff working in that country. . . .