AMC Flights

The utilization of AMC flight is mandatory for duty travelers; therefore, you will be scheduled on the AMC flight. PTO normally has the AMC flight schedule three months in advance. Upon receipt of orders, the member must contact their unit S-1 immediately to prepare a transfer data sheet and port call request to ensure flight availability.

AMC Terminal Greeters

When you arrive at the Kadena AMC terminal on Okinawa, Relocation Assistance volunteers will meet your family at the terminal to help you through customs/immigrations and answer any questions you may have about the base. They will help you locate your sponsor and, in the event you should need it, they will help you get settled into billeting. The Relocation Assistance Center staff can be reached at DSN 645-8395.

If you arrive through Naha International Airport or Naha Domestic Airport, you will proceed to the baggage area, then clear Customs and Immigrations. Once outside of the terminal, a white military bus will be standing by for transportation. In the event a bus cannot be found, do one of the following: If you are at the International Airport, look back at the double doors near customs. There is a red sign to the left saying "Welcome to Okinawa U.S. Military Phone". Follow its' directions and you will be stress free. If you arrived via the domestic airport, ask for assistance at the information desk on the use of the pay phone. Call 892-5111, when you hear the base's dial tone, dial 645-2644/7218. Either of these two numbers are active 24 hours a day. A driver will be dispatched immediately.

Your command will be notified of your arrival and assistance rendered at that time.

Firearms are defined as any item that expels a projectile by use of an explosive device or any part of such device.

Status of Forces Agreement personnel who meet the requirements of Japanese law may only import or purchase and register in Japan the following types of privately owned weapons. However, importation and possession of rifles and target pistols is strongly discouraged.

1. Shotgun, air or gas operated rifles, and sporting rifles for hunting, skeet and/or trap shooting. (USFJPL 125-8, Hunting License in Japan, provides specific guidance.)
2. Rifles for target shooting, NO PISTOLS OR HANDGUNS. Possession of target rifles is permitted only for members of official competition teams formally registered and approved by US military and Japanese government agencies.
3. Target pistols. Handgun importation, possession and ownership in Japan, with the exception of target pistols or starter pistols U.S. Forces Japan (USFJ) members are NOT AUTHORIZED to import or possess handguns in Japan. Advance approval is required from the gaining installation before shipping any firearm into Japan. Approval to import or possess a target pistol will only be granted to members of official competition teams formally registered and approved by US military and Japanese government agencies.

Minors: Under Japanese law, persons under 20 years of age are prohibited from using, purchasing, acquiring, possessing, retaining, carrying or registering weapons, firearms, ammunition and dangerous instruments.

1. Ammunition. The possession of ammunition off-base requires permits issued by both US military and local government authorities. In all other instances, ammunition must be stored in authorized on-base storage facilities as designated by the commanders concerned. Sale or transfer of ammunition to Japanese or third country nationals is strictly prohibited.
2. Current Japan law prohibits any firearm from being included in household goods shipment. Personnel must mail authorized personal firearms via US Postal System. For further information on this subject see your local Traffic Management Office and read the Personal Property Consignment Instruction Guide VOL II - Overseas on the shipment of Privately Owned Firearms into Japan.

When it comes to illegal drugs, Status of Forces Agreement personnel are subject to Japanese laws as well as those set forth by the U.S. government and the UCMJ. Japanese law is especially tough on anyone who smuggles illegal drugs into the island. Drugs that are illegal in the states are also illegal here. One product that is commonly found in the U.S., but illegal in Japan is Vicks Nasal Inhalers. However, Vicks Nasal Inhalers with a red triangle on the label are permitted. The red triangle denotes that the restricted chemical has not been included, therefore making it importable.

Pornography is strongly monitored. You can't import or export obscene video tapes, movies, books, drawings, carvings or any other pornographic articles.

Since the weather here is semi-tropical for most of the year, it is recommended that you bring plenty of summer clothing, such as short sleeved shirts, shorts, slacks and sun dresses. There is no particular style of clothing on Okinawa, so don't worry about having the right kind. People wear everything from T-shirts and sandals to sport coats and oxfords.

From the months of December through March, the weather turns colder and calls for sweaters or jackets/coats. Into the rainy months of April to mid-June raincoats and umbrellas are a must.

The weather at Camp Fuji is colder during the winter months; heavy winter wear will be appropriate. The climate closely resembles the northern United States. It is highly recommended that officers and SNCO's bring a coat and tie, as necessary for official local Japanese military and civilian functions.

If you plan to travel to Korea or mainland Japan during the winter months, heavy winter wear will be appropriate. The climate in these two areas closely resembles the northern United States, complete with sub-zero temperatures and heavy snows.

Individuals are strongly discouraged from individually sponsoring their dependents during an unaccompanied tour. As all Marines and sailors are currently required to live in base housing unless they qualify for special considerations, individually sponsoring a dependent can cause an extreme financial burden. It is recommended that you consult with the First Sergeant, SJA, Disbursing, Financial Counselor, Customs and Housing.

• Do try to observe how the Japanese act. If you don't understand what to do in a particular situation, watch what people around are doing and follow their example.
• Do try to learn some Japanese phrases of friendship and courtesy. A person's worth in Japan is measured by his or her manners.
• Do try to learn about Okinawa's unique customs and culture. Many books are available at on-base and off-base book-stores and/or at your base library.
• Do observe local rules and regulations just as you would follow them in your own country.
• Do wear proper clothing when visiting places of worship like the shrines and temples. Short shorts/skirts, etc., are frowned upon.
• Do show respect for Okinawa's sacred places (Utaki) and altars (Butsudan). You can distinguish sacred places by the burnt incense or 3 upright stones which are considered objects of worship.
• Do ask how to eat a certain kind of food or the use of a certain tablesauce if you are unsure. Someone will always be glad to help you.
• Do enter a Japanese home without your shoes, even if your host tells you to leave them on.
• Do control laughing, loud talking or taking of pictures inside shrines and temple. Ensure taking pictures of the temple and shrine and their surroundings compound is permitted.
• Do refrain from spearing your food with a chopstick. Instead, ask the waitress for a fork and knife, or request that they demonstrate how to use chopsticks.
• Do be polite and considerate. Do use common sense. Genuine courtesy removes most cultural barriers.
• Do ENJOY your stay in Japan's 47th prefecture by seeing as much of this beautiful island as possible.

Remember... You are an Ambassador, Be Wise