NAVMC 2658 — You And The Law Overseas

NAVMC 2658 governs legal issues affecting U.S. forces and families overseas, including foreign jurisdiction, rights, claims, taxes, and related matters.

Search NAVMC 2658

  • Publication number: NAVMC 2658
  • Title: YOU AND THE LAW OVERSEAS
  • Date: 1 Jan 1988
  • Proponent: 02000 Telecommunications
  • Status: New

View NAVMC 2658 on armypubs.army.mil


The publication covers the NATO Status of Forces Agreement, criminal jurisdiction, custody and rights of the accused, foreign prisons, military missions, civilian employees, dependents, and foreign claims. It explains how agreements determine possible foreign jurisdiction, trial, and imprisonment, and states that visiting forces must respect host-country laws.

Topics covered

  • NATO Status of Forces Agreement
  • Criminal jurisdiction
  • Custody of the accused
  • Rights of the accused
  • Confinement in foreign prisons
  • Legal status of military missions
  • Civilian employees and dependents
  • Foreign claims

Questions and answers

What does the NATO Status of Forces Agreement define?

The NATO Status of Forces Agreement defines the legal status of the armed forces of each member nation when stationed on the territory of another.

What must U.S. forces do under the NATO Status of Forces Agreement?

Besides conferring limited privileges and immunities upon the members of United States forces, the NATO Status of Forces Agreement also expressly requires them to respect the laws of the country where they are assigned.

What matters does the agreement govern?

The agreement governs the relationship between our armed forces and foreign countries in matters of criminal jurisdiction, passport and visa regulations, taxes, claims, drivers licenses, airport regulations and other civil and legal matters.

When may personnel be subject to foreign laws?

In a foreign country, depending upon the type of agreement that exists between the host government and the United States government, you may be subject to the laws of that country.

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