Are family members of U.S. personnel covered under SOFA?

Family members of U.S. personnel are indeed covered under the Okinawa Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA). This means they are granted certain legal protections while residing with military members in Japan. The SOFA extends some benefits and coverage to dependents, recognizing their status under the agreement.

The inclusion of family members ensures they have necessary support and legal protections similar to those afforded to active duty service members. This coverage can be crucial in instances such as legal matters, hospital care, and other civil circumstances that may arise while living abroad.

Choosing a response that limits coverage strictly to active duty service members overlooks the comprehensive approach of SOFA, which aims to provide a framework not just for military personnel but also for their dependents. Other responses that suggest conditional coverage or separate applications do not align with the established provisions under SOFA related to the protection and rights of military families.