DEPARTMNT OF AMPHLETQ. 108A 608-8
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PREFACE
The information in this pamphlet has been assembled to assist you and your dependents in making personal plans for travel to and assignment in the Canal Zone.
In welcoming you to your oversea assignment, the Army hopes that you will benefit from advance information about what to expect, how to adjust, and how to make your tour valuable to yourself and to the Army.
The entitlements for civilian employees assigned in the Canal Zone differ somewhat from those described in this pamphlet for military personnel. The civilian employee should inquire of his civilian personnel office for full information as to the logistic support and benefits to which he and his dependents may be eligible at the new permanent duty station.
Being a US Ambassador
It is important that the US Forces respect the Panamanian people and develop a close bond of understanding and good will with them. At times, you may have to recognize and accept customs which are different from your own social concepts and belief. By so doing, you will, however, earn the respect of your hosts and enhance the image which they now hold of the American people.
*Pam 608-8
PAMPHLET HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY NO. 608-8 WASHINGTON, DC, 26 June 1974
CANAL ZONE
FACTS YOU NEED TO KNOW
Page
Personal Affairs .............................. ................... 2
Your Arrival ............................................................. 3
Army Community Service ................................................... 3
Dependent Travel ......................................................... 4
Baggage ..................................................................... 4
Clothing ..................................................................... 4
Cost of Living ................................ .................. 6
Dependent Employment .................................................... 6
Domestic Help ................................ .................. 6
Education .................................... .................. 6
Electrical Appliances ........................ .. ................... 6
Financial Facilities ............................. .................. 7
Food............. .... ............................................. 7
Health Conditions .......................... .. ................... 8
Housing and Furnishings ................................................... 8
Language ................................................. .................13
Laundry and Drycleaning Services.......................................... 13
Legal Matters............ ...................................... 13
Medical and Dental Care ................................................. 13
Pets ....................................................... 14
Police, The Law, and You ..................... .. ................... 14
Postal Service................................................. 15
Post Exchange Facilities .................................................. 16
Radio and Television Services .............................................. 17
Recreation ................. ..................................... 17
Religious Facilities.............. ................................ 20
Telephone and Telegraph Services.......................................... 20
Transportation ................................................................ 20
Vehicles .................................... .................. 21
Weapons ..................................................................... 22
The Weather Report ....................................................... 22
Armed Forces Hostess Association .............. .. ................... 23
Distribution ............................................................. 23
*This pamphlet supersedes DA Pam 608-8, 10 October 1969.
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Pam 608-8
Personal Affairs
The following list has been prepared to help you organize your personal family affairs prior to departing CONUS. These items should be put together before the movers arrive and kept with you personally until the move is completed. They should then be stored in a safe place such as a safety deposit box.
1. Marriage certificate.
2. Birth certificates of all members of the family.
3. Adoption papers, if any.
4. Citizenship papers, if any.
5. Passports.
6. Previous discharge papers, all divorce documents, death
certificates, and annulments pertaining to prior
marriages, if any.
7. Armed Forces Identification Cards for all dependents.
8. Copy of will.
9. Serviceman's Government and civilian insurance policies,
or a list of companies, policy numbers, type of insurance
and local business addresses.
10. Stock certificates or in case of street name stocks, name, address, and phone number of broker handling
your account.
11. Property and automobile titles, deeds and registration. 12. Savings and checking account books with appropriate mailing envelopes.
13. Credit cards.
14. Names and addresses of companies where you have open or closed accounts (to be notified in case of loss).
15. A list of companies due payment from you during the process of your move (to insure payment does not become
delinquent).
16. Report cards.
17. Shot records.
18. Medical records.
19. Copy of application for allotment. 20. Household goods shipping and storage documents. 21. Hold baggage documents. 22. POV shipping documents. 23. Port call instructions. 24. A minimum of three copies of serviceman's PCS or TDY orders.
25. A minimum of three copies of dependent travel orders. 26. Other personal documents and papers.
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Pam 608-8
Your Arrival
Military personnel and dependents generally arrive in the Canal Zone by Military Airlift Command (MAC) planes, landing on the Pacific side at Howard Air Force Base. Regardless of how you arrive, a representative or sponsor will meet you. For those who fly commercially and arrive at Tocumen Airport, Republic of Panama, it is important to notify the command of the day and hour of arrival, the flight number, and the name of the airline. Personnel who meet you will offer every assistance in getting you settled in your quarters, whether BOQ, permanent or temporary housing, or a hotel.
Although in traveling to the Canal Zone you will be outside the United States, neither a passport nor a visa is normally required. Personnel who will be occupying quarters within the Canal Zone will need only their travel orders and immunization records for entry upon arrival.
Civilian employees, and military and civilian dependents, who will be residing in the Republic of Panama during part or all of their tour of duty in the Canal Zone will require a passport for registration with the Panamanian government and nine photographs (2/2 x 2 ) of all dependents together.
It is suggested that you bring copies of birth certificates of the family, in case you should decide to take a trip to another Latin American country where a passport is required. Birth certificates of parents are also handy in proving the citizenship of children born in this area.
During your tour of duty in the Canal Zone, you may want to have visits from relatives or friends from the United States or elsewhere. For their entry into the Canal Zone you must obtain an entry permit in advance from the AG Passport Branch, Fort Amador. Similarly, any outside travel from the Republic of Panama for yourself and your dependents, not on government orders, will require exit and re-entry authorization from the AG Passport Branch.
Army Community Service
While awaiting the arrival of your household goods, many of the items you will need to set up housekeeping may be borrowed from the Army Community Service. There are two ACS facilities, one at Fort Davis, serving the Atlantic area, and the other on the Pacific side of the Isthmus at Fort Clayton. From ACS you may get a household kit that contains utensils, silverware, dishes, cups, glasses and other items you may need, in addition to baby cribs, irons, ironing boards, etc., which are available on a limited basis.
It would be advisable to write your sponsor and request he obtain one of these kits so that it will be available when you arrive. Your sponsor may also get sheets, blankets and pillowcases from your unit supply for use until your household effects arrive.
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Dependent Travel
Eligible personnel (E-4 over 2 years service or of higher grade/rank) may apply for dependent travel. Application for dependent concurrent travel may be submitted to the oversea command in accordance with AR 55-46.
Baggage
Accompanied Baggage. Personal baggage for air travel is limited to 66 pounds for sponsor, plus any excess authorized in orders, 100 pounds for dependents over 12 years of age and 66 pounds for dependents under 12 years of age.
Unaccompanied Baggage. Military personnel and their dependents are entitled to shipment of unaccompanied baggage. You should contact your local transportation officer within 10 days after receipt of orders, if practicable, to arrange for this shipment so that your unaccompanied baggage arrives in the Canal Zone approximately the same time you expect to arrive. To insure prompt receipt of your baggage, a copy of your orders that supports the shipment or a statement of personal identification should be placed inside each container and piece of baggage. The statement should include your name, grade, social security number, branch of service, present duty station, destination, and home address. Clothing
General. Summer clothing is worn throughout the year. The first rule is to have the very lightest weight apparel. If possible, avoid bringing woolens, furs, and clothings with linings. There are no facilities in the Canal Zone for storing furs. It is wise to bring a few woolen items as you may occasionally visit neighboring high altitudes or return to the United States during winter. Silks, woolens, and leather goods are all affected by the intense humidity. Most wearing apparel is sold locally in quality and quantity desired, but sizes, colors, and styles are limited in comparison to those available in the United States. Overcoats, galoshes, heavy woolen blankets, and other Stateside winter items are useless; high humidity and insects make storage impractical even though such articles are inspected and cleaned periodically.
For Dependents:
(1) Women. Women should bring a good supply of light cotton dresses for home and street wear as well as formal dresses for parties, dinners, and other social gatherings. Wardrobes may also include beachwear, shorts, sundresses and slacks. Gloves and hats are usually worn to church and official functions. The main exchanges carry a good selection of summer dresses, hats, gloves, hosiery, and lingerie at popular prices. From experience ce, women have usually found that shoes manufactured in Panama fit poorly. The post changes and the Panama Canal Company stores both sell women's shoes. Those who sew will find bargains in linen and
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other quality materials in Panama. Coats, sweaters, and jackets may be useful when traveling outside the Canal Zone and the immediate vicinity.
(2) Children. For the most part, children's clothing is in adequate supply in wanted styles and sizes throughout the Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) outlets and the Panama Canal Company stores.
For Military:
Uniforms. The Army summer uniform cotton khaki is worn all year. Military personnel should have a minimum of eight sets to allow time for laundering while a fresh one is worn each day.
Enlisted personnel must bring all items, including woolen clothing. The cotton uniform (abbreviated) is optional for duty wear. The tropical sun helmet may be worn by enlisted and officer personnel with the duty uniform (conventional or abbreviated). Both the helmet and the cotton uniform (abbreviated) are available at clothing stores. Officers must have at least one Army green uniform and blouse to wear at prescribed functions.
All officers, except those non-Regular Army officers who have 2 years or less to serve on their current tour of active duty, must also have the white dress and white mess uniforms to wear on appropriate occasions.
The Army blue uniform is not required dress for wear in the Panama area; however, it may be worn by officers, warrant officers, or enlisted men on appropriate occasions, as desired by the individual. It may, however, be required wear for personnel of this command while in other Latin American countries on official business.
Since the green uniform is required for all military personnel returning to the Continental United States by Government transportation during the period 15 September through 15 May, it is mandatory that officers include with their wardrobe at least one complete green uniform. Ample stocks of uniforms and accessories are on sale at Army Quartermaster clothing outlet stores and post exchanges. Exchange concessionaires are approved for the tailoring of uniforms.
Female Military Personnel. The Army green cord uniform is worn all year. Personnel should have a minimum of six uniforms to provide for frequent laundering. Enlisted personnel must bring all items issued. Officer personnel and warrant officers, except nonRegular Army officers, who have 2 years or less to serve on their current tour or category commitment will have the Army white uniform. Officers should include the Army blue uniform for trips to other areas of the command.
Civilian. Civilian clothing may be worn during off-duty hours unless prohibited by the unit commander.
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Cost of Living
The cost of living within the Canal Zone compares to that of a large United States city. Food and clothing remain about the same. Entertainment costs are generally considered reasonable.
Dependent Employment
Employment opportunities in the Canal Zone and with the military are limited. Dependents with clerical (typingstenography) experience can generally find employment. There is very little opportunity for employment of dependent children. Employment of US military and dependent personnel in the Republic of Panama is generally prohibited by the treaty between the United States and Panama.
Domestic Help
Domestic help is chiefly English-speaking of West Indian or Panamanian origin. Wages start at $45 a month, while a combination cook, laundress, and maid is paid up to $65 a month. Servants are subject to a physical examination upon being hired and annually thereafter.
Education
Canal Zone schools are operated by the Panama Canal Government and are comparable to most US schools in curricula, terms, and teacher qualifications. Grade schools are conveniently located either in Canal Zone communities or on military posts; however, high schools are located only in Balboa and Coco Solo. The Canal Zone College is located at Balboa on the Pacific side. Birth certificates and report cards from the last school attended should be presented when new students enroll in schools. A Catholic elementary school, first through eighth grade, is located in Balboa. On the Atlantic side, grades 1, 2, and 3 are taught at Fort Davis Elementary School with grades 4, 5, and 6 taught at Fort Gulick Elementary School. A contract bus service provides transportation to and from school from all posts within the Atlantic and Pacific areas.
Adults. Army Education Centers are located at Fort Clayton and Fort Kobbe on the Pacific side and at Fort Gulick and Fort Davis on the Atlantic side. Classes leading to high school diplomas, Vocational/Technical Group Study Classes, MOSrelated classes, and various levels of language classes are offered to military personnel and their dependents at all centers. Canal Zone College provides undergraduate and graduate level courses.
Electrical Appliances
All military posts in the Canal Zone have 60-cycle electric current. The current off the posts is also the standard 110/115, 60 cycles. No problems in using US appliances have been experienced.
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The Army and Air Force Exchange handles a wide variety of household appliances. Washing machines, hi-fi's, television sets, air conditioners, refrigerators, deep freezers, etc., are available in a limited variety; however, any style, brand or size may be specially ordered.
Financial Facilities
Currency. US currency is used in both the Canal Zone and the Republic of Panama. Although Panama does not print its own paper money, it does mint a series of coins which correspond in size and value to US coins. Its largest coin is the Balboa, which is equal to our dollar. US and Panamanian coins are exchanged freely in either markat.
Commercial Banking Facilities. Branch offices of the Chase Manhattan Bank of New York are located in Balboa, Colon, and Panama City to serve your banking needs. Checks drawn on these local banks or your Stateside bank may be cashed at post exchanges, officer and NCO clubs, and at the Army commissaries where checks may be made out for the exact amount of purchase. Most commercial establishments in the Republic of Panama accept checks drawn on either 16cal or Stateside banks. If you have stateside obligations, it is advisable to maintain a stateside checking account in order to avoid fees imposed on checks drawn on Canal Zone or Panamanian banks.
Credit Union. USARCARIBAIR, the credit union serving military personnel in the Canal Zone, is located at Albrook AFB.
Food
Military Sources. Local Army commissaries stock varieties of food comparable to Army commissaries in the United States. The Panama Canal Company commissaries operated principally for company employees are comparable to department stores in the United States. Military personnel with proper documentation are authorized to patronize the commissaries and other retail outlets. In addition to Army and Panama Canal Commissaries, there are many cafeterias, snack bars and theater refreshment stands operated by the Army and Air Force Exchange Service. Restaurants and snack bars are also available in the enlisted and officer clubs, and private establishments.
Civilian Sources:
(1) The isthmus has a few Chinese gardens where a limited variety of fresh fruit and vegetables is always available.
(2) There are also a variety of food stores and restaurants in Panama, but these are not under the surveillance of the military medical services or the Health Department of the Canal Zone Government. When utilizing such facilities, individual discretion should be used, keeping in mind the necessity for proper sanitary measures including the refrigeration of perishable foods in a tropical environment.
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Health Conditions
Sanitation. The Canal Zone Government Health Bureau has jurisdiction over sanitation in the Canal Zone and cooperates with Panamanian authorities in the supervision of public health and quarrantine in the cities of Panama and Colon.
Insect Controls. Many species of annoying or diseasetransmitting insects exists in the Canal Zone due to the tropical climate. However, responsible authorities have been highly successful in combating and controlling disease through the application of a continuous program of drainage of breeding sites, the use of insecticidal mists or fogs in outdoor areas, and the application of residual sprays to buildings. As a result, insect annoyance to occupants of military installations is relatively minor. Insect space sprays and aerosol bombs may be purchased locally for use as a temporary pest control measure in quarters. Malaria is well-controlled in areas under the supervision of the military and Canal Zone authorities and is easily avoided if continuing attention is given to preventive measures.
Housing and Furnishings
Availability of Housing. Government quarters including all permanent and substandard assets, do not meet the housing requirements either in total number or in location as related to the duty station. As a result, many personnel reside on the local economy or at posts other than their duty stations, but in most cases within a reasonable distance to their duty station. Local economy housing is expensive and usually not on par with CONUS standards. Average monthly rent rates are:
Unfurnished Furnished
1 Bedroom $ 145 $ 180 2 Bedrooms $ 190 $ 230 3 Bedrooms $ 250 $ 300
One month's rent, in cash, must be paid in advance in addition to the rent for the month in which the apartment is accepted. The individual must make his own arrangements for utilities which are also expensive. A $75 deposit must be paid for installation of telephone service and connection of electrical power. Occupants are required to sign a lease agreement for a definite period of time and should the lease be broken for reasons other than movement to Government quarters, the advance rent deposit is forfeited.
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Your Housing Referral Office (HRO):
Under current regulations, you are required to report to the HRO during your in and out-processing.
The local HRO offers convenient service in locating suitable and reasonable priced housing that is available to all US Forces personnel and their dependents without regard to race, color, religion or national origin. Procedures have been established to protect the soldier and his family from discriminatory policies of landlords. Housing Referral Offices are staffed by competent military and civilian personnel who will give you information and assistance concerning the availability of local rental units and inform you of housing facilities you may not rent because of discriminatory rental practices on the part of landlords/managers.
Complaints of any nature concerning community housing should be submitted to the HRO before you seek resolution through other sources. Complaints are often simple misunderstandings which can be resolved by the HRO without referral to legal agencies. You should realize also that HRO has the responsibility for accepting complaints from landlords against military tenants. In either situation your cooperation is necessary for prompt and effective resolution.
If you should encounter what you consider to be discrimination while seeking economy housing, report the incident immediately to the HRO. An investigation will be conducted, and if discriminatory practices are confirmed, restrictive sanction will be imposed against the facility involved.
Because all quarters are basically furnished, limits are established for the amount of household goods which may be shipped to the Canal Zone. The weight limitations table below indicates the maximum amount of household goods and unaccompanied baggage authorized.
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Weight Limitations
Grade HHG Unaccompanied Baggage
COL ............ .......... ............3,375 lbs .................... 800 lbs
LTC ......................... ............3,250 lbs ..................... 600 lbs
MAJ- CW4 .................. ............3,000 lbs ..................... 600 lbs
CPT- CW 3 .................. ............2,750 lbs ..................... 600 lbs
1LT- CW 2 ................... ............2,500 lbs ..................... 600 lbs
2LT- CW 1 ................... ............2,375 lbs ..................... 600 lbs
E-9 .......................... ............2,375 lbs .... ................. 400 lbs
E-8 ........................ ............2,250 lbs .................... 400 lbs
E-7 ........................ ............2,125 lbs .................... 400 lbs
E-6 .......................... ............2,000 lbs ..................... 400 lbs
E -5 .......................... ............2,000 lbs ..................... 400 lbs
E-4 (over 2 years service)................2,000 lbs .................... 400 lbs
E-4 (under 2 years service),
and E-3, E-2 and E-1 .................None ........................ 225 lbs
All dependents over 12 years old .........None ....................... 350 lbs
All dependents under 12 years old........None ....................... 175 lbs
It takes from 6 to 8 weeks for household goods to arrive in the Canal Zone, and from 4 to 6 weeks for unaccompanied baggage.
The weight limitation for household goods cited in this table does not apply to shipments from the Canal Zone to a location where administrative weight restrictions are not applicable incident to permanent change of station orders having an effective date on or after 28 February 1974.
Furnishings:
The Canal Zone is one of the few overseas stations where a complete basic "package" of household furniture is provided. Nevertheless, you will still need to ship china, cooking utensils, glassware, linen, table silver, decorative objects, and the other items which help transform a house into a home.
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Item Quantity Article
Living Rm
A ................ 2 ...................... Chair, Occasional
B .............. 1 ....................... D avenport (sofa)
C .............. 2 ............................ Chair, easy
D.......... ................. Slip covers for B and C
E ............... 1 .......................... Table, coffee
F ............... 2 .................. .......... Table, end
G .............. 1 .............................. Bookcase
H............... 2 ..... .....................Lamp, floor
I................ 2 .................................... Lamp, table
J ............... ... ...... ....... ............... ......R u g
K ............. ......................Rug cushion for J
Desk
Dining Rm
A .............. 1 ........................... Table, dining
B ............. 2 ...................... ....... Chair, arm
C .............. 1 ............... ..... ............ B uffet
D ............... 1 ............. ................... Server
E .............1.......... ........... China cabinet
G ............... ...................... .......... ....R ug
H ............... 6 ............................. Chair, side
Kitchen
A ............... 1 ..... 1................... Table, Kitchen
B .............. 4 ......... ............... Chair, Kitchen
C ..... ......... 1 ......................... Stool, K itchen
D ............ .. 1 .. ............ ............... Refrigerator*
E ............................ ........ ..... Range*
Main Hall
A ............... 1 ........ .................Table, side
B ............... 1 ................. ......... .... M irror
C ............... ...........................Rug, runner
D ........................................... Rug cushion
Master Bedroom
A .............. 2 .... ........................ Single bed
B ............... 1 ........................ Spring (each bed)
C ............... 1 ....... ...... ...... Mattress (each bed)
D ............... 1 ...................... .......... Pillow
E ....... ....... 1 ................................ D resser
F ........... ... 1 ..................... Chest of drawers
G ............ .. 1 .. ........ ..................... Chair, side
H............... 1 ...................... Table, night
I............... 1 .....................Mirror for dresser
J .............. 1 ............................ Rug (3x 5)
K.............. 1 ................Pad, mattress (per bed)
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Other Bedroom (not exceeding three)
A .............. 1 ................... Bed, single (per occ.)
B .............. 1 ...................... Spring (each bed)
D .............. I .................Pad, m attress (per bed)
F .............. 1 .................. Dresser (per bedroom)
G .............. 1 ................... M irror (per bedroom )
H .............. 1 .................. Chair, side (per bdrm )
I............... 1 .................. Chair, side (per bdrm )
J .............. 1 ............ Chest of drawers (per bdrm)
K.............. 1 ...............Rug (3 x 5) (per bedroom)
*Size of refrigerators authorized for housekeeping quarters:
2 Bedroom 12 cu. ft. capacity 3 Bedroom 13 cu. ft. capacity 4 Bedroom 14 cu. ft. capacity
**Size of ranges authorized for housekeeping quarters:
All except colonels' and general officers' quarters
30" range with single oven.
All quarters for colonels and general officers
40" range with double oven.
NOTE: Personnel eligible for Government quarters will be provided basis furniture and kitchen equipment while residing in local economy housing. Washers and dryers are provided for on-post housing.
Overstuffed furniture will develop a musty odor during the rainy season if it is not cared for regularly. Unless specifically built for the tropics, pianos should be covered with a coat of special varnish to prevent damage by humidity and be equipped with an inside electric heating element to keep the interior of the instrument dry.
Philippine rattan furniture, well suited for the tropics, is available locally. Native mahogany furniture can be made to order.
Only a limited number of quarters are air-conditioned; however, window air-conditioners can be purchased in the Post Exchange and be installed at the occupant's expense.
The numerous Hindu shops in Panama City sell oriental items, such as camphor chests, desks, etc. The post exchanges handle a limited variety of household furnishings.
It is not advisable to ship large appliances such as refrigerators, washers, and dryers into the command, since they are usually furnished in all government quarters. Freezers are "nice to have" items and are useful, however, these items are
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available for purchase through the Exchange and Panama Canal facilities in the Canal Zone. It is not advisable to ship large type appliances if residence on the local economy is planned due to the high cost of electrical power.
Language
Spanish language courses are offered at all education centers on a continual basis to military personnel and dependents.
Laundry and Drycleaning
Monthly payroll deduction, piece rate and hanger service for military clothing is provided by the Army laundry. The Post Exchange and Panama Canal Company provide laundry and drycleaning services, as well as the Post Exchange having washeterias. Generally, all of these facilities provide approximately 4-day service, while both laundry and drycleaning service is available on a special order 24-hour basis at slightly increased rates.
Legal Matters
When placing personal affairs in order before departure, personnel should remember that they will be a long distance from a Stateside residence for a considerable period of time. It is often advisable to seek the aid of a legal assistance officer in making legal arrangements necessary to protect your Stateside property.
Military personnel and their dependents may request assistance free of charge from the local legal assistance officer in the Canal Zone.
Medical and Dental Care
The Canal Zone Government provides in-patient medical care and consultation services for all military personnel and their dependents at Gorgas Hospital on the Pacific side and Coco Solo Hospital on the Atlantic side of the Isthmus. Also, there are two Army Health Clinics which provide out-patient medical care for military personnel and their dependents; one at Fort Clayton on the Pacific side, and the other at Fort Gulick on the Atlantic side.
Dental. Fort Clayton Dental Clinic on the Pacific side and Fort Gulick Dental Clinic on the Atlantic side provide dental care for military personnel and dependents. Dependents, however, are advised to have all necessary dental work completed before arrival as routine care is very limited and subject to restrictions of emergency treatments only due to the lack of personnel and the primary needs of the military. Orthodontic treatment is not provided at the clinics, however, one civilian orthodontist practices in the Canal Zone and several in Panama City.
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Pets
Household pets are defined as dogs, cats, and certain species of birds, including birds of the psittacine or parrot family (parakeets, macaws, and cockatoos) which are kept for personal enjoyment and are not intended for resale or commercial purposes. Pets may be shipped to the Canal Zone without prior permission from the command, but Canal Zone health regulations must be complied with. In the case of cats and dogs, the owner must present a valid certificate of rabies vaccination signed by a licensed veterinarian. There is a mandatory 30-day quarantine period which costs the owner $0.50 per day. You are permitted to visit your pet daily, but you are not required to attend him during quarantine.
Pets must be shipped by commercial means at the expense of the owner; shipment via commercial air is recommended. Do not attempt to drive to Panama with your pets and do not ship pets to an address outside of the Canal Zone.
You should contact your transportation officer and follow his advice regarding shipment of pets. You are permitted to ship your pet in advance of your arrival, if you so desire, so that the period of quarantine can begin early. Consign "Rover" to yourself at this address: name, grade, and social security number, c/o Canal Zone Health Bureau, Animal Clinic, Corozal, Canal Zone. When the animal arrives in the Canal Zone, the proper authorities will be notified and they will place him in quarantine. Animals are transported from the point of arrival to the quarantine facility without prior arrangement by the owner. After the 30-day quarantine period has elapsed, pet maintenance will cost $1 per day, so you should arrange to settle your account at that time and take your pet home to avoid the increased cost.
Police, The Law, and You
All persons residing in the Canal Zone, whether on or off a military reservation, are subject to the Canal Zone Code the laws enacted by the Congress of the United States for the government of the Canal Zone. Violations of the Canal Zone Codes are prosecuted in Canal Zone courts. There are several US Magistrates Courts as well as a US District Court for the Canal Zone.
US citizens, whether subject to military law or not, are subject to the laws of the Republic of Panama, just as in any other foreign country.
In addition, many military personnel may be tried by courtmartial for any offense committed in the Canal Zone, the Republic of Panama, or any other place.
US Military Police operate within the Republic of Panama under an agreement between the Armed Forces and the National Guard of Panama. It is not uncommon to see members of each force patrolling together.
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The rules concerning the civil jurisdiction of the courts of the Canal Zone are similar to those in the several states of the United States and the District of Columbia. Persons residing in the Canal Zone may be sued for debt or other civil liability in the Canal Zone courts.
The rules concerning the civil jurisdiction of the courts of the Republic of Panama differ in many respects from those with which you may be familiar. For example, civil and criminal actions may be initiated jointly and, thus undertaken, pursued to a conclusion usually resolved in a single determination. Civil action also may be initiated separately.
In instances where members of the Armed Forces or their families anticipate or are having difficulty with Panamanian law enforcement agencies, they should call the Provost Marshal and request advice. If legal assistance is required, they should contact by telephone, or otherwise, the Army Staff Judge Advocate.
Postal Service
General. Postal service in the Canal Zone is excellent. The Canal Zone administration operates a postal service entirely independent of the United States civil postal service and maintains post offices at the major Canal Zone communities and military reservations. There are no military post offices within the Canal Zone although the APO form of address is authorized and benefits the user through cheaper postal rates and improved service. Mail addressed to the Canal Zone rather than to an APO does not enter the military postal system while in transit and will automatically receive surface transportation unless paid at the airmail rate. Mail sent to the APO address requires postage only to the New York gateway.
Types of Postal Service:
Airmail letters and parcels. All airmail, including parcels prepaid at the airmail rate, is transported by aircraft within the United States and from the gateway terminal of New York. This mail should be delivered to you in the Canal Zone within 3 to 5 days after it is mailed in the United States.
First-class mail. Letter mail and sound-recorded communications such as magnetic tape recordings used for personal correspondence, when prepaid at the first-class rate, are transported by aircraft when it will expedite movement within the United States. This mail is transported to the Canal Zone by spaceavailable, nonpriority airlift. It should be delivered to you in the Canal Zone within 4 to 7 days after it is mailed in the United States.
Space-available mail (SAM). Parcels mailed at surface parcel post (4th-class) rates, and not exceeding 15 pounds in weight and 60 inches in length and girth combined, are moved by air, on a space-available basis from the New York gateway. These parcels are moved between the point of mailing and the gateway by surface
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transportation. This mail should be delivered to you in the Canal Zone within 7 to 12 days after it is mailed in the United States.
Parcel air lift (PAL). Parcels not exceeding 30 pounds in weight and 60 inches in length and girth combined, with postage paid at the surface parcel post rate, are entitled to space-available air movement from the point of mailing in the United States, provided the required PAL fee of $1 is also paid. This mail should be delivered to you in the Canal Zone within 4 to 9 days after it is mailed in the United States.
Fourth-class parcels. Ordinary fourth-class parcels, posted at the surface parcel post zone rate and not eligible for SAM service because of size and weight, or for which the $1 PAL fee has not been paid, move by surface transportation from point of mailing. This service is extremely slow and should not be used for items which have a time value or which may deteriorate. This mail should be delivered to you in the Canal Zone within 15-35 days after it is mailed in the United States.
Change of address notification. To reduce disruption in mail service, insure that during out-processing and in-processing by military personnel office, as prescribed in DA Pam 600-8 (Military Personnel Office, Management and Administrative Procedures), DA Forms 3955 (Change of Address and Directory Record) are completed and sent to:
a. Correspondents and publishers.
b. Postal officer of unit from which departing, or postmaster of city or town from which departing if housed off-post.
c. Postal officer of APO from which departing, if applicable.
d. Postal officer of new unit.
e. Postmaster of city or town in Canal Zone if post office box is rented.
Personnel and their dependents should use only the unit address of Canal Zone post office box number. Dependents should have their mail addressed in care of their sponsor. There is no mail delivery to quarters in the Canal Zone. Quarters addresses, therefore, should not be used.
Postage. Canal Zone postage is used exclusively for outgoing mail; therefore, it is suggested that US postage not be brought to the Canal Zone.
Envelopes. Conventional-type gummed mailing envelopes are not suitable for use in humid climates; nongummed and rubbergummed envelopes are used and can be obtained locally.
Post Exchange Facilities
The Army and Air Force Exchange Service, Panama, with administrative offices at Fort Clayton, operates all exchange services in the Canal Zone. Department store type retail outlets are located at Fort Clayton, Howard AFB, and Fort Gulick. Branch and specialty stores are located at Albrook AFB Quarry Heights, Fort
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Amador, Fort Davis and Fort Sherman. The post exchange provides a wide variety of beverage, snack, amusement, and food services with coin-operated vending machines.
Exchange concessionaires provide shoe repair, watch repair, radio and TV repair, laundry and drycleaning service, tailor service, garage service, beauty and barber shops, washeteria service, optical service, car rental, photo studio and air-conditioning repair.
In addition to providing for most needs, special orders may be placed when an item is not available.
Radio and Television Services
The Armed Forces Radio and Television Services (AFRTS) provides both radio and television programing to members of the Armed Forces and their dependents throughout the Canal Zone. AFRTS in the Canal Zone is staffed by Army, Navy, and Air Force personnel. Studios are located at Fort Clayton and relay transmitters are at Ancon and Fort Davis. Radio is on the air 24 hours a day, broadcasting news, music, and transcribed feature programs. Major news and sports events are transmitted direct from the United States at frequent intervals through the facilities of the Armed Forces News Bureau in Washington, DC.
Telecasting is carried on 60 hour per week. Locally produced news and feature programs share air time with kinescope recordings of some of the most popular Stateside network shows. Standard commercial television receivers and outside antenna are adequate for reasonably good audio and video reception.
There are about 40 radio stations in Panama, one of which broadcasts entirely in English. There are also two commercial television outlets operating on channels 2 and 4. Both TV stations transmit almost entirely in Spanish, using Spanish language sound tracks with a large number of television shows that were originally produced in English by the US television industry. Other programing covers local news, sports, and variety type shows.
Recreation
General. Recreation and entertainment have no seasonal interruption and are as diverse as one can find in any moderate-size stateside city.
Sports:
Fishing. The word "panama" means "abundance of fish," and world records bear out the truth of this phrase. The Bay of Panama affords excellent deep sea fishing. Sailfish and black and striped marlin are caught around the Pearl Islands, about 60 miles southeast of Panama City. For those preferring fresh water fishing, there are the Canal Zone lakes of Madden and Gatun from which fishermen have reported landing snook, tarpon, and fresh water varieties.
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Hunting. The Canal Zone affords good small game hunting. Blue-winged Teal winter on local lakes. The mountainous regions of the Republic of Panama afford good pigeon and quail hunting.
Riding. Horses may be rented at local riding clubs.
Roller skating. There is a roller skating rink in operation in Balboa, available to military personnel and their dependents.
Swimming. Olympic-type pools are available to all personnel. In addition to fresh water swimming in the pools, there are several beaches. Fort Amador and Fort Kobbe in the Pacific area and Fort Sherman in the Atlantic area have beaches with shark nets. Several civilian beach resorts in the interior of Panama also are frequented by military personnel.
Golf. There are three fine golf courses on the Army posts of Fort Amador and Fort Clayton on the Pacific side and Fort Davis on the Atlantic side. In addition, a number of civilian and other service courses are open to military personnel.
Athletics. Interservice competition in ten major sports by batallion designated teams offers the sports-minded individual many hours of entertainment.
Motion pictures. Each post has a movie theater where the lastest Stateside releases are shown and different films are presented almost daily. Most of the theaters are air-conditioned and have wide screens. Military personnel and their dependents are welcome to visit the movie theaters operated at Panama Canal Company service centers on both sides of the isthmus.
Theater guild. Members of the military may join the Theater Guild, a nonprofit amateur organization which enjoys an excellent reputation locally.
Libraries. Libraries for use by military personnel and their dependents are located on all military reservations and in adjacent civilian communities. Daily locally English-printed newspapers are available in the libraries, at newstands, or by subscription; current magazines are available in libraries, post exchanges, and Panama Canal service centers.
Organizations and associations. Practically all fraternal orders, civic associations, and veterans' organizations are represented on the isthmus. Among these are Abou Saad Temple, B'nai B'rith, Elks, Knights of Columbus, Masonic Lodges, Shrine Temple, Odd Fellows, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, and Disabled American Veterans.
Clubs. In addition to officer and NCO clubs on each post, enlisted service clubs are operated by Special Services on the larger posts. Several avocational and social clubs are active in the Canal Zone. The Diablo Camera Clubmeets monthly; membership is by invitation. The Carribean Stamp Club meets twice a month. The Canal Zone Orchid Society meets monthly. The Star and Circle Square Dance Club holds regular meetings with membership by invitation.
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Arts and Crafts. There are six Recreation Services Arts and Crafts Shops in the Panama area, each with multiple facilities. They provide instruction, equipment, and supplies for such activities as automotive repair, ceramics, lapidary, leather, model building, photography, radio, and hi-fi construction and repair, woodworking and boat building. Special interest groups such as photo clubs, model clubs and art groups are also available.
Youth Activities Program:
The Youth Activities Program is chiefly designed to provide organized leisure time activities and assist in the development of dependent youth, and contribute to the morale of the Army sponsor.
But the program also assists the commander by providing diversified and wholesome activities for dependent youth as members of the Army community and helps improve retention of military personnel by increasing career satisfaction.
Swimming, fishing, hiking, archery, table tennis, billiards, bicycling, badminton, chess, and recreational reading are some activities offered for individual and group use without instruction.
The program also has activities which are organized, administered and supervised by youth program and recreation services personnel, and for which instruction is usually provided.
These include individual, group, and team sports; support of scouting program; tours, field trips, nature study, camping and other outdoor recreation activities; teen clubs, pre-teen clubs, and other youth clubs; crafts, drama, music, dance, and social activities; recreational reading and other library activities such as book clubs, story hours, discussion groups, and music appreciation; special interest groups such as stamp and coin collecting and sewing and homemaker groups; and community service projects, youth employment, special events, and contests.
Youth Activities Director personnel are employed to plan and conduct the program with the help and support of their local Youth Activities Associations and Youth Advisory Councils. The program is continually growing, expanding and changing to meet current and future needs, and the community continues to meet this great challenge.
The Canal Zone Scouting Council offers a full program: Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, and Brownies, All the installations have chapters of the various types of scouts, and new chapters are frequently formed.
Newspapers.. A tri-service weekly newspaper is published each Friday with input from the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Unit newspapers are published monthly by the major units, while two English language newspapers are published in the Republic of Panama. Daily delivery of the Miami Herald is also available.
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Religious Facilities
Every Army post has its chapel where services are conducted for all faiths. In addition, churches of various denominations are located in the civilian communities in the Canal Zone.
Telephone and Telegraph Services
Class "B" telephone service is available to all family-type and bachelor officer quarters. Call initiated on a military post to any other point within the Canal Zone or adjacent cities in the Republic of Panama are considered local calls.
Long-distance radio-telephone service is available from the Canal Zone to the United States and many other parts of the world from 0700 to 2300 hours daily, with night but not holiday rates in effect. Rates for a 3-minute stateside call vary from $4 to $9, depending on the time of day and the distance involved.
Excellent cable service is provided between the United States and Panama by All American Cables and Radio, Inc., and the Tropical Radio and Telegraph Company. Cost depends on the locality to which the message is sent, usually $0.37 to $1.26 per word. Night letters range from $4 to $4.84 for a minimum of 22 words.
Military personnel and their families are offered a series of Expeditionary Force Messages (EFM). You may choose up to three fixed tests, and the cost of sending such a cable anywhere in the United States or Puerto Rico is $0.60 to $.075.
An extensive amateur radio setup operates in the Canal Zone. Servicemen are permitted to utilize these facilities without charge.
Transportation
Bus and Taxi. Public transportation consists principally of buses which provide good service between all Canal Zone communities and military posts. Although not too comfortable by stateside standards, they are inexpensive and reliable. Canal Zonebased taxis, the least desirable method of transportation, are costly, not equipped with meters, and serve only the terminal city areas.
Airplane. The Military Airlift Command (MAC) maintains regularly scheduled flights between Howard Air Force Base and Charleston Air Force Base, Charleston, South Carolina. Flights on MAC are based on priority; first on the list are military personnel on official orders. In addition, the Pan American Airways and Braniff Airways maintain excellent passenger schedules between Panama and the United States. Fares are reasonable, especially if one avails himself of tourist flights. Neighboring cities situated at altitudes where the air is cooler than in Panama are easily accessible by air routes and flights.
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Automobiles:
(1) Travel between CONUS and the Canal Zone. Travel via the Inter-American Highway by privately owned vehicles is authorized under paragraph 4159.3 of the Joint Travel Regulations. Applications for such travel should be submitted for approval to the headquarters of the receiving organization/unit. AR 55-46 indicates action to be taken to obtain permission for the concurrent travel portion of a POV travel request. AR 55-60 provides information about mileage and AR 600-290 contains information about passports and visas.
(2) Roads in the Canal Zone and Panama. The principal paved highways are the Boyd-Roosevelt/Transisthmian Highway connecting the cities of Colon and Panama, a distance of 50 miles; and the Inter-American Highway from the Costa Rican border to a distance to 50 miles south of Panama City to the city of Chepo.
Vehicles
Automobiles, which are highly desirable for shopping and recreational purposes, may be shipped to the Canal Zone or purchased locally, duty free. An automobile also may be necessary for travel to and from your duty station as assigned quarters may be at a post other than the place of duty. When considering the shipment or purchase of a car, you should bear in mind that because of the humid climate, fabric convertible tops tend to deteriorate rapidly, metal parts must be treated against rust, and undercoating is essential. To adequately protect their dollar investment, service members should be cautioned to have their automobile rust-proofed preferably prior to shipment or as soon as practicable upon arrival. Auto rust-proofing service is offered at Army and Air Force Exchange Service automotive activities where warranted by customer demand. You should also read DA Pamphlet 55-2, Personal Property Shipping Information.
Insurance. Check your automobile insurance before you leave your present duty station. Some policies written in the United States do not provide coverage in the Canal Zone and the Republic of Panama. Be sure the certificate of title or other evidence of ownership is in your possession.
Registration. Personnel living in the Canal Zone must register their automobiles in the Canal Zone while personnel living in the Republic of Panama must register their vehicles in Panama. Canal Zone plates cost $4 for military personnel and $15 for dependents/civilian personnel for all makes of cars. The cost of Panamanian registrations is between $26 and $28 depending on type of vehicle. Dual registration is not permitted.
License. It is necessary to have either a Panama or a Canal Zone driver's license, depending on the location of your quarters. If you should reside within the limits of the Canal Zone, the Canal Zone driver's license is required. If your local quarters should be located in the Republic of Panama, a driver's license issued by Pan21
Pam 608-8
ama is required. By agreement with Panama, both of these driver's licenses are valid for driving vehicles in the Republic of Panama and the Canal Zone. Your U.S. operator's license, if valid at the time of your arrival, is accepted as evidence of your driving ability, but you must pass a written driver's examination to secure your Canal Zone license which costs $2. The Republic of Panama requires no written test and charges $10 for a driver's license. New drivers must take a driving test in addition to the written examination. Dependents may be licensed to drive if they are at least 18 years of age. Dependents 17 years of age may qualify after they have completed the driver's course given at the Canal Zone high schools and have the written consent of both parents.
Decals. To drive on a military reservation, you will need a "Post Decal." To obtain this decal, you must present a valid driver's license (Canal Zone or Panama, depending on location of your quarters), a vehicles inspection certificate obtained from any local post exchange garage, and your vehicle insurance showing that the following minimum coverage is in effect: $5,000-$10,000 bodily injury and property damage.
Shipping Private Vehicles. When shipping a vehicle, you should consult your transportation officer to ascertain the CONUS terminal from which an automobile may be shipped. A certificate of title or other evidence of ownership will be required at the time of vehicle turn-in processing. Service insurance is desirable but is not required.
Parts and Service. Most dealers of American-made cars operate garages where service is adequate. The exchange operates garage facilities, stocking common items such as tailpipes, mufflers, etc. Major parts are obtainable through the exchange from local dealers at a charge of about 10 percent over stateside prices. Steam cleaning, undercoating, painting, and upholstering services are available.
Weapons
All privately owned firearms imported into or procured in the Canal Zone must be registered within 48 hours after arrival or receipt. Registration is accomplished at the Provost Marshal's Office (Atlantic or Pacific side, as appropriate). Enlisted personnel must obtain their commanding officer's permission before registering a firearm.
The Weather Report
The Canal Zone has a tropical climate throughout the year, but it is not oppressively hot in all areas. The Zone has two seasons, dry and wet. During the wet season, May through December, abundant rainfall similar to cloudbursts occurs on an average of once every 24 hours, especially in May, June, September, October, and November. Occasionally, rain continues a full day but it is unusual. The average annual rainfall is 70 inches. The particularly high
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humidity makes the temperature of 70' to 900 more noticeable than in dry climates. Panama is not a hurricane area and winds exceeding 30 to 40 miles an hour are very rare.
Because of the high humidity, rust and corrosion develop more rapidly in the Canal Zone than in the cooler, drier climates. Metal utensils, guns, gold clubs, brass, and silverware require frequent attention. Leather goods and books will become moldy unless wiped frequently. All these items can be maintained in first-class condition, however, if stored in dry closets and given periodic attention.
Armed Forced Hostess Association
An additional source of information for you and your dependents is provided by the Armed Forces Hostess Association. You may contact them at: The Pentagon, Wash DC 20310. Include your grade/rank, date of departure, specific location in the country (APO if possible), and any special problems.
Distribution
Applicable commanders will insure that a copy of this pamphlet is furnished each individual as specified below:
a. At home station, to each officer, warrant officer, and enlisted person or his dependents upon alert for assignment to the Canal Zone.
b. At transportation areas, to each individual not previously issued a copy at home station.
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Pam 608-8
The proponent agency of this regulation is The Adjutant General's Office. Users are invited to send comments and suggested improvements on DA Form 2028 (Recommended Changes to Publications and Blank Forms) direct to HQDA (DAAG-AMP), Washington, DC
20314.
By Order of the Secretary of the Army:
CREIGHTON W. ABRAMS General, United States Army Official: Chief of Staff
VERNE L. BOWERS Major General, United States Army The Adjutant General
DISTRIBUTION:
To be distributed in accordance with DA Form 12-9A requirements for DA Pamphlets, Personal Affairs:
Active Army: B (Qty rqr block no. 398) ARNG: D (Qty rqr block no. 400) USAR: D (Qty rqr block no. 400)
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