United States Forces Korea took another step to combat prostitution and human trafficking with the publication a new policy letter signed by USFK commander Gen. Curtis M. Scaparrotti on Wednesday.

The letter, officially known as Command Policy Letter 12, condemns any practices that subjugate, enslave, and demean individuals. It also includes mention of the “juicy bars” that are often found around military installations. These are places where women encourage service members to buy high-priced “juice” drink in exchange for the women’s company. While the policy letter doesn’t ban these establishments, it does give installation commanders the authority to put any place off-limits if the commander feels it supports prostitution and human trafficking.

The policy applies to all military personnel assigned or permanently attached, on temporary duty, or rotational duty to Korea as well as those assigned to organizations supported by USFK units. Human trafficking is illegal under both Korean and United states law, and any service member found to be patronizing a prostitute or providing money to an employee or establishment for the purpose of gaining an employee’s company will be punished under the UCMJ.

To read the full policy letter, go to the USFK website: http://www.usfk.mil/usfk/Uploads/140/12_Combating_Prostitution_and_Trafficking_in_Persons.pdf