The Newcomer’s Orientation Welcome Aboard brief is mandatory for all accompanied USMC and USN Service Members, family members (military and civilian), children ages 16 and up, all unaccompanied USMC and USN (E-6 and above) Service Members and civilian personnel. New arrivals are required to attend the NOWA brief within 72 hours of  arrival.

ALL E-5 and below unaccompanied Marines and Sailors assigned to Marine units arriving on Okinawa, please read the Joint Reception Center (JRC) Welcome Aboard Letter.

Event: In-person Newcomers’ Orientation Welcome Aboard (NOWA) Brief

Times: 0645 - Arrival time for any Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) privately owned vehicle (POV) license testers, Japanese license holders, and within Japan transfers (Any personnel who arrive after the 0700 SOFA POV licensing examination start time will not be permitted to enter the testing area).

0700 – 0830 - SOFA POV license examination (Optional if completing before/after the NOWA Brief at the Installation Safety Office).

0815 - Arrival time for non-POV SOFA license examination testers

0830 – 1300 - Mandatory NOWA Brief

Location: Camp Foster Community Center Auditorium Bldg. 5908

Attire: Proper civilian attire or uniform of the day

Per the United States Forces, Japan Instruction 36-2811, all SOFA status personnel and their family members stationed in Japan are required to complete an indoctrination training program within 72 hours of arrival to their permanent duty station. The NOWA Brief satisfies this requirement.

Children ages 16 years and older are required to attend a NOWA Brief.*

*A Youth and Teen Tour will be available for newcomers ages 10 - 15 years and will consist of visits to the following Camp Foster facilities: Kishaba Youth Center, Base Exchange, Library, and Bowling Center. The tour will depart from Camp Foster Ocean Breeze parking lot at 0840 and return at 1130 in time for the youth and teens to join their parents for the Information Fair. Please note that seating is limited to 28 participants. Parents are highly encouraged to pre-register their youth and teens when signing up for the NOWA brief.

Children aged 15 years and younger are not required to attend a NOWA Brief.

Virtual NOWA Brief:

To request a Virtual NOWA Brief, please complete the online form:

Virtual NOWA Request Form

If you experience any issues or need further assistance, contact us at mcbb_reloassist@usmc.mil with the subject line “Virtual NOWA Brief Request.”

Eligibility for the Virtual NOWA Brief includes:

• Spouses of Active-Duty service members, DoD civilians, and contractors with children under 16 years old
• Single parents with children under 16 years old
• Newcomers eligible to take the Online SOFA License Test via the Installation Safety Office (O-4 and above; CWO4 and CWO5; E-8 and E-9; GS-13 and above; NAF-4 and above)

All other newcomers are required to attend an in-person NOWA Brief. 

Children are welcome to attend in-person sessions, though some content may not be suitable for all ages.

The Virtual NOWA Brief is a 2-hour, video-based webinar. Access links and completion codes are individualized and will be emailed to the approved newcomer’s personal email address the Thursday following the in-person NOWA Brief, by 1000.

Newcomers who complete the Virtual NOWA Brief before 1400 on Friday will have their names forwarded to the MCIPAC-MCBB Installation Safety Office POV Licensing Section as proof of completion
 

MCCS Child Care Services for NOWA Brief Attendees:

Free childcare service with MCCS Child & Youth Programs (CYP) is available on a one time, limited, space available basis. The following details apply:

• Services will be provided at the Camp Foster, Chimugukuru Child Development Center (CDC), building 499.
• Limited spaces available for children 6 weeks – 5 years of age.
• Drop off will be no earlier than 06:15 and children must be picked up no later than 15:00.
• Parents must pre-register their child/children at the MCCS Resource & Referral (R&R) office in building 495, room 100, on Camp Foster.
• Reservations for care are made at the MCCS R&R office after completion of registration, but no later than noon Tuesday the day prior to the NOWA Brief.
• Registration packets can be emailed to the parent or picked up at the MCCS R&R office by parents or their sponsor.
• For more information, parents or sponsors should call 645-4117 or 645-4062 as early as possible prior to the newcomer’s arrival.
• Reservations can only be made once registration is completed.

Shuttle Service:

A shuttle bus to and from the NOWA Brief is available for members staying at the Camp Foster Westpac Inn temporary lodging facility. A shuttle will arrive at the Westpac Inn at 0600 and depart at 0610 to accommodate those SOFA POV license testers, Japanese license holders, and within Japan transfers. For those who are not completing the SOFA licensing exam, a shuttle will arrive at the Westpac Inn at 0730 and depart at 0740 to accommodate those attending the mandatory portion of the NOWA Brief. The shuttle bus schedule will be as follows:

For those SOFA POV license testers:

0600 – Arrive at Westpac Inn

0610 – Depart Westpac Inn

0620 – Drop off at Foster Community Center (Parents using free CDC services should remain on the shuttle bus).

0625 – Drop off at Foster Chimugukuru CDC (Shuttle bus will wait at CDC to return parents to Community Center after checking in their pre-registered children).

0645 – Drop off at Foster Community Center

For those only attending the mandatory portion of the NOWA Brief:

0730 – Arrive at Westpac Inn

0740 – Depart Westpac Inn

0750 – Drop off at Foster – Foster Community Center (Parents using free CDC services should remain on the shuttle bus).

0755 – Drop off at Foster Chimugukuru CDC (Shuttle bus will wait at CDC to return parents to Ocean Breeze after checking in their pre-registered children).

0815 – Drop off at Foster Community Center

Items to bring for the NOWA Brief:

• Check-in sheet if available
• Light jacket or sweater

Items to bring if completing the SOFA POV license examination:

• 2 copies of web orders (USMC)/original orders (USN) or Letter of Employment (civilian)
• 2 copies of Area Clearance/Dependent Entry Approval if accompanied
• Valid stateside driver’s license
• Military identification (ID)/valid photo ID
• Driver’s Awareness training certificate (USMC) for those Service Members ages 26 and under
• Driving for Life training certificate (USN) for those Service Members ages 26 and under

Dependents attending the NOWA Brief without their sponsor are required to have their sponsor’s signature on the Application for USFJ Form 4EJ Driver’s Permit (Yellow Card) to take the SOFA POV license examination. Sponsors are not required to stay with dependents throughout the NOWA Brief.

Any personnel who arrive after the 0700 SOFA POV licensing examination start time will not be permitted to enter the testing area.

Welcome Aboard Information:

Please visit www.okinawa.usmc-mccs.org/about for an electronic Welcome Aboard packet, which contains information about driving, transportation, housing, childcare, pets, schools, and more.

Military Installation Information:

For additional information on MCB Camp S.D. Butler, please visit https://installations.militaryonesource.mil.

If you have any questions or require special accommodations, please contact your nearest MCCS Personal and Professional Development Resources office:

Camp Foster, Bldg. 445, DSN: 645-2104

Camp Courtney, Bldg. 4425, DSN: 622-7739

Camp Kinser, Bldg. 1220, DSN: 637-2815

Camp Hansen, Bldg. 2339, DSN: 623-4522

Camp Schwab, Bldg. 3000, DSN: 625-2622

*************** ADDITIONAL INFORMATION*****************

SOFA POV License Examination:

All portions of the NOWA Brief must be completed prior to receiving your SOFA POV driver’s license.

Personnel are highly encouraged to complete the SOFA POV license examination prior to attending a NOWA Brief. Test sessions are held on non-holidays, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday at 0800 and 1000, at Camp Foster building 5831 and Camp Courtney building 4319. Check-in starts 30 minutes prior to the test sessions.

E-5 and below personnel without their commanding officer’s signature will not be authorized to test at the NOWA Brief.

E-3 and below personnel will not be authorized to test at the NOWA Brief.

Attendees who hold a Government of Japan driver’s license, or licensing transfers from mainland Japan, are highly encouraged to visit the licensing office prior to attending a NOWA Brief, as they are required to watch the driving video prior to be issued a SOFA POV license. If they do not, they will need to remain at the NOWA Brief during the license testing portion to receive their SOFA POV license at the NOWA Brief.

A copy of the Japanese Traffic Regulations for SOFA Licensed Drivers is available online at https://www.okinawa.usmc-mccs.org/about under the “Driving and Transportation” tab.

For questions, please contact the Installation Safety Office at:

Camp Foster, Bldg. 5831, DSN: 645-7219

Camp Courtney, Bldg. 4319, DSN: 622-6202

Flowcharts:

We have provided an Accompanied PCS Flowchart and an Unaccompanied PCS Flowchart for Marines and their families. These are step-by-step diagrams for the major PCS processes needed to successfully relocate to Okinawa. 

We also have a Navy Accompanied PCS Flowchart and a Navy Unaccompanied PCS Flowchart for Navy personnel and their families to assist in their PCS move to Okinawa.

Relocation Checklist & Resources:

• PCS Checklist for Incoming Personnel
• Okinawa PCS "Must Know Information"
• Financial Planning Worksheet for a Move
• Sponsorship Request Form (NAVMC 11799) (Download file, fill out, and submit)

Household Goods:

• Household Goods Information & Suggestions
• Turning In Privately Owned Vehicle (POV) for Shipment/Storage

Housing and Pets:

• Port-to-Final Residence Flowchart - Applying for Military Family Housing Prior to Arrival
• Import Guide for Pets - Non-Designated Regions
• Import Guide for Pets - Designated Regions
• Housing Application DD Form 1746
• Lending Locker Reservation

Childcare and Schools:

• MCCS School Liaison Officer (SLO) Webpage
• MilitaryChildcare.com

Miscellaneous:

• Useful Japanese Phrases
• Drivers in the Military - Renewing your Stateside Drivers' License (Visit your state DMV website to renew)
• Tips for Sending Mail through the Military Postal System - Addressing Mail Using FPO/APO Military Addresses  (United States Postal System Website - www.usps.gov)

The Marine Corps Installation Pacific (MCIPAC)/Marine Corps Base Camp Butler Installation Safety Office (ISO) Okinawa Driving web page has all of the information and resources on driving on Okinawa for SOFA Status personnel such as the Driver's Study Guide on Japanese Traffic Regulations which is the basis for the SOFA Drivers' Licensing Test.

The Okinawa Driving Section on the Base Installation Safety Office (ISO) website contains information on obtaining the Status of Forces Privately Owned Vehicle (POV) driver's license including licensing section hours of operation, requirements on licensing, renewal and learner permits.

It is highly recommended each individual study the information in this guide, along with the road signs, prior to taking the licensing exam. Please watch the "Drive Safe Okinawa" video which explains to newly arriving drivers the rules of the road in Okinawa and how they may differ from driving in the United States.

The Japanese Traffic Regulations for SOFA Licensed Drivers study guide covers the common elements of Japanese traffic regulations for Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) sponsored personnel.

Understanding Japanese Road Signs is an important part of driving in Japan and is testable as part of the SOFA Driver’s License written exam.  Please take the time to become familiar with them.

The Green Line web page contains information and policies on The Green Line, along with the timetables and schedules for Camp to Camp Express Service and the internal camp shuttles. The Bus Map Okinawa web page contains detailed information on all Okinawa and outer island bus terminals and companies, current bus routes and timetables, how to take the bus and fare information.  It also provides information on the Okinawa Monorail system. 

The "What To Do If You Are In a Traffic Accident" brochure contains useful phone numbers, instructions on what to do if you are involved in an accident or injured, reporting accidents and much more.

The Traffic "Safety Guidelines (TSG)" brochure contains precautionary information when sharing the road with Pedestrians and Cyclists. 

Active duty personnel may receive special assistance with renewing their stateside driver's license while overseas. Check your state for specific information on how to renew your Stateside Drivers' License via DMV.org.

The Joint Services Vehicle Registration Office web page provides information on vehicle registration, inspection, and safety standards in accordance with Japanese laws, U.S. Forces Japan Instructions, and Marine Corps Installations Pacific Orders.

PASSPORTS

Please visit https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html for up-to-date important notices for the Special Issuance, Official and No-Fee Passports.

Traveler's Tips contains information on the TSA screening process, 3-1-1 for carry-on, permitted and prohibited items and much more.

If arriving at the Naha Airport Domestic Terminal, please take a look the attached photos and information to familiarize yourself about Naha Airport. You can also go on the English web page of the Naha Domestic Passenger Terminal to find out more about ground transportation access from the Naha Domestic Terminal and domestic arrival routes in the Naha terminal.

Most Service Members and their families will arrive on Okinawa via the “Patriot Express” which arrives at the Air Mobility Command (AMC) Terminal at Kadena Air Base.

III MEF/MCIPAC 7220.1A - TLA Order contains information on policies regarding Temporary Living Allowance (TLA) and family housing for Marine commands on Okinawa.

The TLA Brochure and TLA Information Sheet contain local area information on TLA including Installation Personnel Administration Center (IPAC) contact numbers and governing policies on when TLA is authorized. 

Coordinate with your sponsor if you need to secure lodging prior to arrival.

The Westpac Lodging web page contains general information and amenities provided at the Westpac. 

Here are some useful Japanese phrases to assist you upon your arrival in Japan.

Want to learn about Japanese Culture? Please visit the Air Force Culture and Language Center to download the cultural handbook app on Japan on your smartphone or tablet device. It's also useful if you plan to visit other countries while living in Okinawa as it has a multitude of guides on other countries!

*If you have problems opening a file by directly clicking on it, please right-click and select open in new tab.

Housing

IMPORTANT NOTE:  All accompanied Marines are now required to check into the MCIPAC Regional Housing Office, located at Camp Foster Building 361, after checking into the Kadena Military Family Housing Office for in-processing and TLA certification paperwork.  (25 January 2018).
 
MCIPAC Policy Letter 12-14 covers the assignment of dual service couples (military member married to another military member) to Military Family Housing.

The Kadena Air Force Website links two web pages to its page: Okinawa Military Family Housing Office and The Kadena Family Housing web pages, both of which have current information on Military Family Housing, Housing Management Office hours of operations and, locations, Housing Assignment Application forms, policies and pictures of military family housing on Okinawa.  Starting in 2017, on-base Military Housing is conducting a five-year Military Housing renovation project that will impact the number of available units for inbound Service Members. 

If having issues with your on or off-base housing, the following flyers provide a 3-Step Resolution Process for Off-Base and On-Base Housing.  (February 2019)

Accompanied Marines are eligible to apply for family-type housing by submitting their DD Form 1746 to the Kadena Family Housing Office. It is highly recommended for families with pets secure Military Family Housing as pet-friendly rooms are limited in the designated TLFs for incoming families. The Port-to-Final Residence Flowchart and the Housing Sponsor Checklist are provided to assist Service Members and their Sponsors with this process.  If you are not eligible for the Port-to-Final Residence Program, your sponsor can assist you with securing a room at the designated TLF. Once you have arrived, the following Family Housing Assignment Flow Charts - On & Off Base can assist you with the housing assignment process for on and off-base housing.

MCIPAC/MCB Butler Bulletin 11101 (12 MAY 2022) - Permanent party unaccompanied E6 and above may decline assignment to BH at any time and elect to reside off-base (with command approval). 

These floor plans represent a few of the floor plans available on Marine Corps Bases, but the Military Family Housing (MFH) unit which may be offered could differ from those represented in the floor plan provided. Additionally, the housing counselor or customer service will also provide a floor plan for the MFH unit which has been offered to either the Sponsor or the arriving service member upon request. 

Pets

Provided below is some important information on how to get your pet ready for travel.  

Japan Pet Importation Requirements is a link to the Government of Japan website containing Japanese laws and regulations, quarantine requirements and procedures for importing pets from designated and other regions. 

The Government of Japan Import Guide for Pets - Non-Designated Regions (November 2021) provides a guide to the process to import pets into Japan from all non-designated regions.  

AQS Pet Importation Guide Designated Regions (November 2021) provides a guide on the process to import pets from the designated regions of Iceland, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji Islands, Hawaii and Guam.

III MEF/MCIPAC Order 10570.1 provides policy and direction on the proper care and control of domestic pets, registration and de-registration policies and requirements on pets for all SOFA status personnel living on and off-base and the prohibitions on certain dog breeds on Okinawa.

Pet Transportation Entitlement - MARADMINS 378/23

The U.S. Army, Japan Veterinary Service on Kadena Air Base provides command and control of all veterinary elements in support of U.S. Forces on Okinawa. Their web page provides information on the location of the clinic, hours of operation, installation policies and traveling with pets. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides pet shipment checklists, airline pet policies, certification requirements and much more.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture web page provides information on traveling with pets including basic information on exporting and importing pets.

HQ Air Mobility Command Pet Travel Website

Okinawa Veterinary Activity Website

*If you have problems opening a file by directly clicking on it, please right-click and select open in new tab.

Want to learn more about where to shop, eat and play in Okinawa? Looking for transportation schedules for the Green Line and the off-base bus system? Download MCCS Okinawa Liberty App as it provides this and much, much more on what is available on Okinawa.

Important Local Links

Okinawa Base Information provides information on other MCCS/USMC Installations, Okinawa Military Services, how to direct dial on-base phones from a cell or off-base phone, information on The Green Line and off-base buses, USMC on Okinawa along with other military links.

Okinawa is surrounded by world-class beaches and dive spots and is considered a "hotbed" for a variety of recreational water activities. With the pristine beaches and the wide variety of recreational water activities, there also exists an element of danger.  Water conditions can change in minutes and riptides are widely present throughout the coastline due to unique coral formations.  

It is essential all personnel engaging in water activities on Okinawa be acutely aware of the dangers involved in recreational water activities on Okinawa.   A great place to start becoming more knowledgeable is through the Marine Corps Base Butler Base Installation Safety Office's Water Safety Web Page.  Please become familiar with this important information as it may save your life!

Essential Relocation Web Sites
Essential relocation websites have extensive information on relocation. 

The  Military Installations application allows you to research important information on DoD installation military installations.

The Military OneSource web page is a central hub and go-to place for the military community. Find out more about benefits and helpful steps to take when preparing for the big stuff – deployments, reintegration, moves, parenthood, retirement, managing finances, and much more.

The Department of Defense (DoD) has launched the new PCS & Military Moves landing page on the Military OneSource website as a replacement for its previous information hub, Move.mil. Military OneSource will now serve as a single online access point for DoD members and their families to plan the full spectrum of their move. The new PCS & Military Moves landing page can be accessed under the Moving & Housing section of the Military OneSource website. Customers may use the website to schedule a move and find resources related to moving their personal property as well as other aspects of their move. Additionally, the Household Goods Inconvenience Claims - Informational Brochure provides information on how to file a claim if your shipment is delayed.

Major Commands

There are several major commands on Okinawa including:

• III Marine Expeditionary Force (III MEF)
• Marine Corps Installations Pacific
• Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D. Butler
• 3rd Marine Logistics Group (3d MLG)
• 3rd Marine Division (3d MARDIV)
• 1st Marine Air Wing (1 MAW)
• 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade
• 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit
• Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Futenma
• U.S. Navy Fleet Activities Okinawa (CFAO)
• U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa

Shopping

Please visit the Exchange and Commissary web pages for more information regarding on-base shopping in Okinawa. While in ROM, newcomers can request Sponsor's assistance with ordering groceries through Commissary CLICK2GO online ordering program. 

Pay Information

The Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) provides payment services and support for the DoD to include the MyPay website and paying all DoD military and civilian personnel, retirees and annuitants, as well as DoD contractors and vendors.

Newspapers And Current Events

Pacific Stars and Stripes and the Japan Update are newspapers that provide a look into on and off-base life on Japan and on Okinawa.

The MCIPAC Public Affairs Office provides news and current events involving Marines on Okinawa.

MCCS Publications

The Okinawa Living Magazine has articles that cover a wide spectrum of topics, including life on Okinawa, indoor and outdoor recreation, tours and exotic destinations, special events, children’s activities and sporting events.

The Okinawa Guide is a comprehensive annual publication with essential information about both on and off-base programs, services, and activities including helpful tips on driving, phone use, local customs, dining, shopping, recreation, and more.

The Calendar of Events is a monthly publication with a schedule of programs and services offered through MCCS Marine and Family Programs.

Click on each link for your FREE copy of these publications. You can also find a hard copy of the Okinawa Living Magazine and the Okinawa Guide inside your Newcomers' Orientation Welcome Aboard (NOWA) package.

Check out the Discover page for all of our MCCS social media pages to stay connected!