Okinawa PCS "Must Know" Information document contains important relocation information needed by Service Members and their families to assist them during their relocation to Okinawa.  We have now added the Accompanied and Unaccompanied PCS Flowcharts, which provide step-by-step diagrams of each of the major relocation processes, to the Okinawa PCS "Must Know Information" Guide.

Emergency Conditions

In the event of an emergency condition on Okinawa caused by a natural disaster or crisis, all non-essential personnel may be evacuated off-island.  III MEF Family Emergency Evacuation Webpage contains a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section and all of the forms need to compile an Emergency Evacuation Package (EEP) for Marines and their families to use to prepare for this situation

You can also stay informed through the AtHoc Notification Messaging System. Your Sponsor can help you register you and your family upon arrival.

Have little ones in your family? Visit Ready Kids to help them learn about disaster preparedness in a fun and interactive way. The Air Force also provides a site that offers all sorts of puzzles and activities to help kids learn about disaster preparedness; visit Be Ready Kids to download your activity sheets for kids ages 4-12.

The Military OneSource webpage is a central hub and go-to place for the military community. Find out more about benefits and prepare for the big stuff – deployments, reintegration, moves, parenthood, retirement, managing finances and much more.

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In-person 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

0830–1415 | Mandatory NOWA Brief

Location: Camp Foster Community Center, 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 10 years and older are required to attend a NOWA Brief.

Children aged 9 years and younger are not required to attend a NOWA Brief.

Register online via Eventbrite »

Virtual  NOWA Brief

Due to a lack of childcare for the NOWA Brief, the MCIPAC Chief of Staff has provided the option to request a virtual NOWA Brief for accompanied Service Members, DoD civilians, and contractors with family members under the age of 10.  The virtual NOWA Brief is available for the spouse only of the Service Member, DoD civilian, or contractor unless the newcomer is a single parent with a family member under the age of 10.

All others are required to complete an in-person NOWA Brief.  All children are still welcome to attend an in-person NOWA Brief; however, some content discussed may not be considered suitable for all ages.

The virtual NOWA Brief is a 4-hour, video-based webinar facilitated via the Qualtrics system. Virtual NOWA Brief codes and training links are specific to the individual and will be emailed to the approved newcomer personal email address on the Thursday following the in-person NOWA Brief by 1000.

All newcomers that complete a virtual NOWA Brief prior to 1400 on Friday will have their name(s) forwarded to the MCIPAC-MCBB Installation Safety Office POV Licensing Section showing proof of virtual NOWA Brief completion.

To request the virtual NOWA Brief, please email mcbb_newcomers@usmc.mil.

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 0615 and depart at 0630 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 0745 and depart at 0800 to accommodate those attending the mandatory portion of the NOWA Brief.  Those newcomers not billeting at the Westpac Inn, are responsible for coordinating their own transportation with their sponsor to the Camp Foster Community Center building 5908.

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 https://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

Household Goods:

• Household Goods Information & Suggestions - COVID-19 & ROM Suggestions
• DMO Moving During COVID-19
• 5 Measures to Protect Your Health While Moving in a COVID-19 Environment
• 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 Agreement Form - Temporary Kitchen Items 

Childcare and Schools:

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

Miscellaneous:

• Useful Japanese Phrases
• Drivers in the Military - Renewing your Stateside Drivers' License
• 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://passportmatters.army.mil/Default.aspx for up-to-date important notices for the Special Issuance, Official and No-Fee Passports.

MCIPAC-MCBBBul 1610 COVID-19 In-Stride Guidance for Units in Okinawa

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

It is important for you to stay safe while traveling during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to your flight, begin to self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms. Ensure you have the following items prior to your flight:

• Cloth face masks - for each traveler
• Hand sanitizer/disinfecting wipes
• Laptop/tablet

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.

During COVID-19, many 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. 

Specific temporary lodging aboard Okinawa has been designated for incoming personnel to conduct their Restriction of Movement (ROM). 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!

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Housing

IMPORTANT NOTE:  All accompanied Marines are now required to check into the MCIPAC Regional Housing Office, located at Camp Foster Building 361, after the completion of their ROM and 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)

Per MARADMIN 396/20, immediately upon receipt of PCS Orders, accompanied Marines are directed 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 needing to conduct their ROM. 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 TLFs to conduct your ROM upon arrival (if required). Once you have completed your ROM 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.

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.

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Please refer to the following websites for the latest guidance regarding COVID-19.

• U.S. Forces Japan (USFJ)
• III Marine Expeditionary Force (III MEF)
• Marine Corps Installations Pacific (MCIPAC)

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.