Moving to Okinawa, What am I in for or advice do you have?

2015-06-15T00:59:48-04:00

So I've accepted a new position to join the ranks of the DOD Civilians abroad working for the Department of the Navy as a Cyber Security Manager. Over my career, I did my share of PCS both CONUS and OCONUS. However, with every transition, there are things you wish knew ahead of time you would encounter. Tips about the region that would be helpful. Things you may not think of. Any insight you may have on the Okinawa region is greatly appreciated.

Response by LTC David S. Chang, ChFC®, CLU® made Jun 15 at 2015 2:14 AM

2015-06-15T02:14:51-04:00

Regardless of location, especially for international, I always tell people to understand the culture, people, and surroundings. People don't like the ugly american type, especially in a place like Okinawa where are more people who do not want us there.

Then there is the aspect of getting along with your unit too. I think that is based on humility and coming from a place of gratitude! In the end, being a sponge is key instead of coming to a new place and dictating how things should be from experiences from a different unit, area, culture, without truly understanding the new area!

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 15 at 2015 11:29 AM

2015-06-15T11:29:18-04:00

I was in Oki from 2007 to 2010 and prospered amongst Americans and Okis. Loved it, miss every bit of it! Not only by getting the best from their culture, but also contributing to it.

Wanna stand out of the crowd and attract more attention from both fronts? In addition to following advice of SFC James Sczymanski, go BEYOND basic phrases. Everybody knows them anyway.

Learn local Okinawa 'jargon' phrases that aren't even used in Mainland Japan, and alphabet (yes, they do have two main, called Hiragana and Katakana; the other one is not quite alphabet, but Kanji compilation, the most complex of them all). Learn how to read street and venue signs (I did by taking pictures and asking at work what they mean and how to pronounce, felt less of an outsider as a result). Finally, stay engaged, not only passively, but actively. In addition to pulling various community activities, I organized a beach cleanup once, great turnout and very encouraging.

And most important of all, HAVE FUN! MENSORE!!

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 16 at 2015 2:17 AM

2015-06-16T02:17:50-04:00

SFC Michael Jackson,
First thought that comes to my mind is the beautiful emerald waters, language barrier, crazy driving on the opposite side, historical sites at Shuri Castle, Okuma Bay, Naha, Sugar Loaf and great restaurants. There's a lot to learn about the Okinawan Culture and It's people. They are proud people. In fact our Governor of Hawaii is from the Ryukyun Islands and lots of my friends in Hawaii are from there to. So with that in mine get your license asap, car and start touring the Island. I served in Okinawa 1974 at a place once called Camp Haugue with the 12th Marine Artillery Regiment. Right across from the Seabee Base Camp Shields. I served again in 1986 through 1989. This time I got to bring my family with me on an accompanied tour for three years. I was station at Camp Courtney and Camp Schwab and my family and I lived at Gushikawa City not far from Camp Courtney. At first my family didn't understand what heck was going on, but we all got involved with our community where we lived and with the activities on base and toured the Island. I can say this much, you will appreciate their culture and their way of life. Okinawa was the Marines, Army and Navy last Island battle in the war with Japan. Very hsitorical Island, so enjoy it while you can because you will truly understand why we Americans are so fortunate in many ways. Good Luck SFC Jackson.

S/F,

JK

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2015 5:52 PM

2015-06-17T17:52:47-04:00

Michael, there are two things that will make or break your time in okinawa.
1st - where you will be working. Luckily as a civilian you will have a very different experience out here as your military counterparts, but the moral of the people you work with in my opinion is very important.
2nd - You ability to just flat out enjoy things.. There is so much negativity out here from those who made bad decisions while they were here, or those mama's boys and girls who can't bear with being away from home for 2-4yrs. Get out enjoy the sub-tropical island and the surrounding areas. Okinawa has an international airport which is very cheap to fly to other countries.

I love my time in Okinawa that is why I am here for a second tour. Your time will be what you make of it!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2015 12:04 AM

2015-06-18T00:04:00-04:00

I would suggest buying a car from b.c. Motors. They have a one year warranty and 0% financing. You can tell them that you were prior service and get up to 1,500 dollars off. There is an annual road tax you will have to pay and depending on engine size it can cost more. When you purchase car insurance, buy it 6 months at a time. every time you renew it you will get a discount if you have no accidents within the 6 months. Enjoy the outer islands it is beautiful. The humidity is unbearable so drink a lot of water. Good luck!!!

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Jun 22 at 2015 12:35 AM

2015-06-22T00:35:37-04:00

Get yourself a nice Japanese VIP car.

Response by CPT Marcus Jeffries made Jun 25 at 2015 1:19 PM

2015-06-25T13:19:43-04:00

As everyone stated learn and enjoy the all that the Okinawa culture has to offer. The people are friendly and the island is beautiful. One thing we did when shopping at the commissaries is that we got to know each post commissary because certain items were not in Kadena where we lived. My family enjoyed exploring so we usually made a day out of driving around the island on our way to different bases. Enjoy your time!

Response by Emilio Calero made Aug 3 at 2015 11:57 PM

2015-08-03T23:57:36-04:00

I suggest you get on okinawa yard sales you will find good deals on things you need like dehumidifier. Also look up okinawa hai it has everything you need to know from food to beaches.

Response by GySgt Moses Lozano made Aug 4 at 2015 10:43 PM

2015-08-04T22:43:38-04:00

Definitely go to the garlic restaurant by Camp Kinser. It is the restaurant with all the painted garlic figures on the outside of the building.

Response by MSgt Lisa Shawspencer made Aug 8 at 2015 1:19 PM

2015-08-08T13:19:03-04:00

Hopefully, you are not there yet, but if you are you already know about the long Typhoon Season. Many people bring sheds or purchase sheds because storage space is limited in base housing, but beware...if you don't have the proper equipment to keep it stable it will blow apart and away during a Typhoon. Bring heavy stakes and tie down straps to hold it down. The base will have sand bags available as well. The BX is pretty big with a good variety of stuff. The base has a great sports program and fantastic football program if you have kids. It is a beautiful Island, so get out and see it. You will enjoy the beaches as well...the resort for military is called Okuma Beach with many activities going on throughout the summer and you can rent cabins. Be ready for base curfews due to the location and incidents that arise involving our military and local nationals. Enjoy.