Welcome to the Defense Institute of International Legal Studies (DIILS) course on Conducting Stability and Peacekeeping Operations in Accordance with the Rule of Law in Newport, Rhode Island. The following information was prepared to assist you during your stay here in Newport. DIILS is located in historic Newport, Rhode Island, on board Naval Station Newport. While in Newport, you will live in the Bachelor Officer’s Quarters (BOQ). Your classes will be held on the Naval Station. ARRIVAL INFORMATION Personnel traveling to Newport from overseas should fly into Providence, Rhode Island. T. F. Green Airport (airport code PVD) in Providence is approximately 25 miles from the Defense Institute of International Legal Studies. A DIILS representative will meet you at the airport and transport you to the Naval Base. If your flight plans change, please contact the International Military Student Officer (IMSO) or one of the staff (see the INTERNATIONAL MILITARY STUDENT OFFICER section below for phone numbers). If you are unable to contact the IMSO or any other DIILS representative, there are commercial transportation options available at the airport. Cozy Cab Van/Newport Shuttle: If you cannot make connections with the DIILS representative, we recommend you use the Cozy Cab/Newport Shuttle. The Newport Shuttle (Cozy Cab) departures are usually at 1 hour intervals beginning at 0800 and ending at 2000; one final run is made at 2400. Service is not available after 2400. For transportation after 1930, reservations must be made by 1730 that day. The reservation number is 401-846-2500 or toll free 1-800-846-1502. Reservations are recommended as passengers holding reservations will be seated before walk-on passengers. Passengers who reserve seats and miss their shuttle departure will be seated on the next shuttle departure. The cost of shuttle service is $25.00. MasterCard and VISA are accepted until 1800, and travelers' checks (in U.S. Dollars) are accepted. Make sure you ask for a receipt. Airport Taxi: The Providence to Newport one-way fare (at your own expense) is approximately $80.00 to $85.00. The number for taxi service is 401-737-2868. Car Rentals: You may rent a car at your own expense if you so choose. You will need a valid driver's license, liability insurance, and a major credit card. If you choose to rent a car, you should make all arrangements prior to leaving your home for the United States. Avis Hertz National Thrifty
800-331-1212 800-654-3131 800-227-7368 800-367-2277
The above list is representative and in no way implies an endorsement of any rental company by either DIILS or the U.S. Government. If you choose to rent a car, Newport can be reached from the south by traveling I-95 (Interstate Route 95) North to Rhode Island (RI) Route 138 East to Newport. The Newport Bridge toll is $2.00. From northern New England, follow Massachusetts and R.I. Route 24 South to R.I. Routes 138 or 114 into Newport. Parking: The BOQ has ample parking. Seatbelts: Naval Base regulations (and State law) require that all persons in a motor vehicle being
1
operated on the Naval Base (or on local streets) wear seatbelts whenever the vehicle is moving. INPROCESSING Your report date is Wednesday, 7 October 2009. The class start date is Monday, 12 October 2009. You will receive an information packet with a detailed schedule and other materials when you arrive. INTERNATIONAL MILITARY STUDENT OFFICER The IMSO is Mr. Kevin Joeckel. He can be contacted as follows: Mr. Kevin Joeckel
Office Phone: (401) 841-1524, ext. 163 Cell Phone: (401) 662-5736 FAX: (401) 841-2878 EMAIL:
[email protected]
Mr. Joeckel will be available each class day to address any issues that students may have concerning their visit to the United States or their travel arrangements. If Mr. Joeckel is not available, you may contact the Resident Course Program Manager, Ms. Dana Scott. If neither Mr. Joeckel nor Ms. Scott is available, please don't hesitate to contact any of the primary instructors for this course: Ms. Dana Scott
Office: Bldg. 441 Office Phone: (401) 841-1524, ext. 160 Office FAX: (401) 841-2878 Cell Phone: (401) 338-1583 EMAIL:
[email protected]
TELEPHONE COMMUNICATION A frequent concern of students is the ability to communicate with family, friends, and coworkers once they arrive in Newport. Please be aware that your personal cell phone may NOT work once you arrive in the U.S. If your phone does function, you may be charged very expensive roaming fees. We advise that you check with your cellular network provider before leaving your home country to determine if your personal cell phone will function in the U.S. You may need a different SIM card, or may need to have your phone “unlocked” for international use. Some international providers have agreements with U.S. cell phone providers that allow international callers to use U.S. networks under certain conditions. If you are unable to use your cell phone while at Newport, you have the following options: • Pre-paid calling cards can be purchased at the Newport Naval Exchange. The cards are available in various denominations, can be used for international calls, and may be used with the phone in your quarters. • You will be issued a laptop computer for your use shortly after you arrive. This computer will have SKYPE software preloaded. SKYPE is a software application that allows you to make voice calls over the internet. If you are unfamiliar with SKYPE, please visit their website at www.skype.com. Calls from one SKYPE computer to another are free. Additionally, you can use SKYPE to call a cell phone or landline at economical rates. • Pay-as-you-go cell phones are available for purchase at the Naval Exchange. These phones generally sell for $30-40 and are preloaded with approximately 300 minutes of usage time. The time can be “reloaded” as needed. Please refer to the instructions with each pay-as-you-go phone.
2
Most of these phones do not allow international calls until your account is verified, which can take up to 48 hours. Calling from the BOQ/Visitor’s Quarters: Your BOQ/VQ room will have a phone for your use. If you place long-distance calls with this phone without using a pre-paid calling card, you may incur extremely expensive charges. You are personally responsible for all charges resulting from the use of this phone and will be expected to pay before checking out of the BOQ/VQ. Please read the instructions in your BOQ/VQ before placing any calls. The BOQ also has a voice mail system that allows people to leave messages for you. LIVING ALLOWANCE The IMSO will establish a pay account for you shortly after you arrive and you will be reimbursed for your travel and lodging expenses on a monthly basis. You will be provided with additional information after your arrival. Please ensure you arrive with enough funds to cover your expenses for the first 2-3 weeks of the course until your pay account is established. Certain FMS-funded students will not receive any per diem from the United States Government and must be prepared to pay their BOQ/VQ and meal costs. BERTHING AND DINING Berthing: You will be staying in the BOQ/VQ. Students are required to pay for the cost of lodging at the BOQ/VQ in Newport. There will be only one student per room. Overnight guests, including family members, result in additional charges for which students will be personally responsible. Students must make any such arrangements directly with the BOQ. Dining on the naval station: The Dining Facility (galley) on the Naval Base offers breakfast for approximately $2.30; lunch and dinner are available for $4.25 each. The Officer’s Club offers lunch and light dinner fare such as sandwiches (costs vary). There are limited cooking facilities available in the BOQ/VQ (microwave ovens, coffee pots and refrigerators). You are not authorized to use additional cooking appliances in your room. Transportation to the Ney Dining Hall (galley) for lunch will be provided during the school week. Dining out: Newport is one of the best small cities in the United States for fine dining. There are dozens of superb places to eat, suitable for almost all tastes and budgets, within walking distance of the Naval Base. Remember that the listed price does not include the sales tax or gratuities, that tax will be added to your bill before it is presented to you. Please contact Ms. Scott or the IMSO for recommendations. When dining out, It is customary to tip 15-20% of your total meal amount for the table server. Check your bill carefully as some restaurants add a service charge on the bill when the number of people at your table exceeds 6-8 persons (varies from place to place).
UNIFORM/CLOTHING REQUIREMENTS The standard daily uniform for class is “business casual”. The definition of business casual is collared shirt and slacks for men, and blouse and slacks/dress for women. Please do not wear jeans, “t-shirts”, or athletic wear to class. Military students will be required to bring a military uniform for formal events and photographs. Civilians will need to bring a coat and tie for men, and business wear for women. Your class schedule will indicate the proper dress for all scheduled activities. Be sure to bring enough casual clothing for field trips and free time. Daytime temperatures in Newport during Fall are usually between
3
20-25 degrees Centigrade. We recommend you bring a warm coat or jacket as well. MEDICAL/DENTAL CARE If you require medical assistance during the course, please contact the IMSO to make arrangements for your care. Medical care is intended for emergency or urgent care services only. You should have been medically screened and found fit to attend courses in the U.S. prior to departing your country. The Naval Health Clinic New England Newport, Rhode Island (Bldg. 23) serves outpatients only. Your eligibility for this care (and who pays) is determined by your ITO. Emergency care for a serious injury or acute illness requiring inpatient care is not available at the Naval Base's medical clinic and will require treatment at the nearest civilian hospital. In case of an emergency illness, you may call the Emergency Navy Ambulance at 841-2222. You will be transported directly to Newport Hospital. Be sure to bring a copy of your travel order (ITO) and medical file, if you have one.
If you are taking prescribed medications, please bring enough medication to get you through the course and back home. International Students are authorized emergency dental care ONLY. If you experience a dental emergency, please contact the IMSO. NAVY GYM Gym 109 on board the Naval Station has a wide selection of exercise equipment, racquet ball courts, and a sauna, all available to you at no cost. The gym is located across the street from your quarters. NAVY EXCHANGE The Navy Exchange (shopping store) is located on board the Naval Station. Your passport and ITO will serve as identification when making purchases. The Navy Exchange, like most stores in this country, relies on surveillance cameras for security. Never attempt to leave the Exchange (or any other store) without paying for any items you may be carrying. BAGGAGE ALLOWANCES For travel coordinated by the Navy's Centralized Ticketing Office you are allowed two baggage pieces not to exceed 50 pounds (22 kilos) each, and one personal carry-on piece that must fit under the seat and a laptop case. This should be remembered when making purchases to return home with, as it could cost you a substantial amount if you exceed the baggage allowance. If you are scheduled to attend only this course in the United States, you are not authorized excess baggage. LAUNDRY AND DRY CLEANING The BOQ has a no-cost “do-it-yourself” laundry and also furnishes an iron and ironing board, if you choose to do your own ironing. You will need to purchase laundry soap at the commissary or local store. Dry cleaning services are available on base. “Next Day” service is available at an additional charge. Please consult Mr. Joeckel for more details if you require dry cleaning. DRINKING (ALCOHOL)
4
Excessive drinking or drunkenness is generally frowned upon as it can lead to inappropriate behavior. Drinking and driving a motor vehicle is not tolerated in the United States and can bring severe penalties. Newport is an old Navy town, which means the local police will not hesitate to put a military member, including officers, in jail over night if that person is drunk and disorderly -- and publish details of the arrest in the local paper the following afternoon. Always be polite with local police and never argue with them. Ask to call the IMSO at the earliest opportunity. SMOKING Smoking is not allowed in any Federal building and is prohibited in most state government buildings. Many public places in the U.S. now prohibit or restrict smoking. The best rule is to ask permission before lighting up. If you are told that smoking is not allowed in that place, simply ask for directions to the nearest place where it is allowed. DO NOT SMOKE IN YOUR BOQ ROOM. If you smoke in your BOQ room, you will be assessed a cleaning charge of $50 per day. ATTENDANCE Students are required to attend and remain in class except for authorized break periods or for official appointments. Advise your instructor and the IMSO if you need to be absent from the class. Class begins promptly each day at 0800 unless otherwise instructed. You are expected to be seated and prepared to begin at that time. Tardiness or unexcused absences will not be tolerated. PERSONAL MAIL You may have personal mail forwarded to the DIILS official address. The IMSO will ensure that you receive any personal mail that arrives for you during your stay. Your Name Resident Courses Defense Institute of International Legal Studies (DIILS) 441 Elliot Avenue, Newport, RI 02841-1531 If you receive mail after leaving DIILS, we will make every effort to forward it to you. Be sure and leave us with a good mailing address for you.
COMPUTERS/INTERNET USE The DIILS Staff will provide you each with a laptop computer for the duration of the course. Wireless internet access is provided in the BOQ rooms at no charge. The Naval Station also has a Cyber Café that is located on Whipple Street across from the commissary. The Cyber Café is open Tuesday through Saturday from 1200 to 1800, and there is no charge for internet access. PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICES Electrical outlets in the U.S. provide 110 volts AC. Please remember to bring a voltage converter if your personal electronic devices require a different line voltage.
5
FAXES The IMSO or the Resident Program Manager will be able to assist you in sending faxes. You may receive faxes at DIILS at the following number: (401) 841-2878. SHIPMENT OF INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS Fifty pounds (22 kilos) of instructional material per course is authorized to be shipped to the address on your ITO. Prior to your departure, the IMSO will provide you with a shipping box, mailing label, and will transport your materials to the post office for shipping. LEAVE/ITO CHANGES/FLIGHT CHANGES If you desire to take leave/vacation upon completion of your course, you must have it approved and authorized on your ITO prior to departing for the U.S. If you do not have leave authorized by your government BEFORE departing from your country, you must personally request approval and receive it in writing prior to the second full week of class. Student training schedules are coordinated by NETSAFA, U.S. Embassy and host country. The IMSO at DIILS does not have the authority to change OR amend ITOs. For IMET-funded students, your airline ticket has been booked with a government contract carrier. Changing the carrier, airport, or itinerary for personal preferences or convenience is prohibited by US government regulation.
STUDENT COUNTRY PRESENTATIONS In order to familiarize the students with the countries that the students come from, this course traditionally has had students make a brief 10-minute introduction of their country to the class. This presentation was limited to 10 minutes per country because of the press of time in our curriculum and the limited information that should be provided. Students used to be limited to using only the materials that DIILS provided, namely a picture of the flag of their country and a map of the country (those two items are still available if needed). At the request of several previous classes the country brief will be expanded for this class (and MLDP) to a 15-minute presentation. Furthermore, the students can use any format, (photos, power point, posters, etc.) that they may choose to present the information listed below about their country. There are, however, definite ground rules for these presentations. First, they must be prepared and presented by the students (!); faculty and staff are not available to assist. Second, they will absolutely be limited to 15 minutes. Even if a presentation has not been completed, the presenter will be asked to stop when the 15 minute mark has been reached. A well-prepared
6
presentation will be one that fits within the time limit and addresses the mandatory topics listed below. Mandatory information to be presented and recommended time allotted:
3.
1.
An explanation of the national flag and the significance of its colors and symbols. (one - minute)
2.
A brief description of the geographical location of the country and its most significant geographical features. The speaker should show us on a map where he or she was born and lived before joining the military or government or NGO service. (one - minute)
A brief description of the country's peacekeeping experience and history. If the country has had a no peace support operations experience, the speaker should explain why he or she believes that the country has chosen not to participate. (two - minutes) 4.
A brief explanation of the major issue (economic, social, environmental, legal, military, etc.) that the speaker feels his or her country faces and why the speaker chose that issue. (three - minutes)
5.
Any other information that the presenter wishes to share with the class about their country. (five – minutes) 6. Questions from class members and faculty. (three – minutes)
7