Traveling with Weapons 2 (the Gulf)
(Extracted from Iaido-L)

From "Eric Johnson"
Sent: Saturday, 30 March, 2002 10:33 PM
Subject: Can you bring your sword to the Gulf?

> Mr. Tim Greenish brought a question I would like to know.  I will be
> deploying to the Middle East like Kuwait, Bahrain, and Saudi, does the
> goverments allow U.S. servicemembers to practice Iai there?  The last thing
> I need is to be walking on their base with my iaido and have them come down
> on me with AK-47s.

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From : "Ed Olson"
Date : Mon, 1 Apr 2002 15:39:55 -0500
Subject : Swords in the Gulf

[ * Moderator: Cut * ]

My understanding on an issue like this is that you would need AT LEAST your unit CO's permission.  You might also be required to get the base CO's permission.  Make sure that you approach both of them with a proposition that starts "I have an imitation sword that I use for martial arts practice", not "I've got this bitchin' sword that I practice hacking people up with".

Start ASAP.  Your unit CO should be fairly easy, but he might insist on permission from a higher authority.  You might also be able to contact the base on the internet and get permission that way.

You might also be stuck with a bokken for the beginning of your tour.  Leave your iato with someone you trust to ship it later when you do get permission.

Please let me know what problems you encounter because I believe that sooner or later it will apply to me.

Olson

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Last updated on 13 Sep 2002