Orders for Okinawa in July

[raleask]

So we just got orders (which were very unexpected) for there in July. I know we're coming at like peak season, so does anyone know how long the housing wait really is? We're not taking our pets with us (they are staying at my parents house), so that opens up our options. I really don't have a problem living in the apartments, in fact, I almost prefer them becuase from what I've seen they are bigger. We have 3 kids, a 4 year old boy and 19 month old girls, so I know we'll get a 3 bedroom, right? Do the houses have washer & driers in them? TMO told us that every house did, but I'm thinking the apartments don't? Is it like a coin-op laundry?? (That's gonna suck!!) And honestly, what did everyone put in the express shipment and what did every put in the slow shipment? Sorry for all the questions, but we have a horrible sponsor (single guy, just got over there and lives in the barracks, so he's not particularly helpful!)... Maybe not horrible, just uneducated... Anyways, thanks for all the help!! We can't wait to go over there for the new expirences, but planning it when you don't know what you're planning for sucks!!!

Rae

[SGT_OKINAWA]

1. Do a search on this forums for each topic you asked about, it has been asked before... :thumbup:

Read, it may help and learn stuff about the island before you even get there. :)

2. Have you gone to your service's web site about re-location? They have many links and do's and don't's etc. to answer most of your questions.:first:

3. Don't worry you are not the first to do this, you will get through it, 1000's of Military, Dependants and Civilians PCS to Okinawa every year, there will be:

a. Someone to pick you up at the Air Port

b. Temporary housing for you to stay in until you get:
1. Car
2. Apt off base/post
3. Lots of help from your sponsor.

Speaking of Sponsors, have you made contact with the Unit, Location or place where you will work? All of them from USMC to DLA have to have a sponsor for any newly arrived person on the island.

I notice you are posting now (During the day in the USA), so most of the people in OKINAWA are asleep, and will not answer until later. I lived there for 10+ years and can help, drop me a PM and I will get you my cell number and you can call me.

Good Luck!
Peace!

P.S. Will you take me and my family with you, I am trying so hard to get back to Okinawa as a DOD Civilian. :crying:

[raleask]

Thanks!! My husband know's his sponsor from a MEU that they were on last summer together. He hates the guy and is trying to get a new sponsor. The problem is that he's brand new to Okinawa, no family with him (not married, no kids), and just doesn't know waht he's doing! Getting a new sponsor is proving to be problamatic!

I figured I wouldn't get an answer until I was asleep, so I posted and then did some more reading!!! I've been to most of the websites they gave us to research, and that's how we decided NOT to bring our cats. If I knew of a way to sneek them into the apartments (where we'll probably end up) then I so would bring them, but it's too risky for me.

I've heard horror stories of people's sponsor's forgetting to pick thme up at the airport, but since we expect that, I'm not too worried about it. We have 3 young children, so the move itself isn't going to be fun, but we're looking forward to it anyway!

I'd love to take more people with us! From what I hear, you either love it or you hate it there! I'm pretty good at making the best of things, so I'm sure we'll love it! But the airplane ride with 2 toddlers and a preschooler is going to suck! :)

[SGT_OKINAWA]

Sounds like you are going to have fun, you can get another sponsor, they are dime a dozen, and just ask your unit for another one. Any excuse will do.

You keep saying appartment, well, be very shocked when you get here, you will see Really nice houses right next to a square box cement house . appartment. That is what you'll be in, the houseing office makes it so hard for a off base renter to get thier property listed as "OK" for American use, that "we" end up with the mid range places. Look and press hard when at the off post rental agency, they keep some nice ones tucked away, and BTW don't try to 'fake them out" on the rent, or any services, THEY know more about what you are doing and how much your hubby makes then you do, so keep that in mind.

Also, have some idea of what base you'll be on, and that will help you start looking NOW for a appartment off base, and be advised, THEY ARE SMALL, I would not bring anything big... Fridge, Dish washer, stove, washer, dryer, etc.

And the Japanese have a really small washer and dryer system built in, or American style hok ups in that appartment, but be aware of the cost of electricity, it is really high over there, so an american drayer will cut you pay in half. "I am Just saying, be careful"

Also, yes read and read a lot on here all the questions you asked have been asked before, and again you might learn some good stuff.

Peace! and Good luck!:army:

P.S. Check this out... no lie, small places and big rent, (Don't worry you get enough COLA for it)
http://www.tomiyahousing.com/english/index.html

[raleask]

We'd planned on living on base housing, at least for the first year or so. I've honestly NEVER been out of the country, so this is going to be completely new for me. I just assumed that with my husband being a Sgt. and us having 3 kids & not bringing pets, we'd get the Towers... We've already made plans to get rid of our couch and my son's bed (we'll be getting him a new one over there), so the only big items we'll be bringing really are our bed (a queen, is it going to fit in the bedrooms?), my daughter's cribs, & our computer set up. I think we're even going to get rid of our basic dishes and just pick up new ones when we get a place. We're trying to keep what we bring to a bare minimum... Our bikes are going along with the bike trailer for the girls 'cause I have no idea how long it will take to get a licence over there...

Oh, and my husband will be at Schwab...

[SGT_OKINAWA]

Check your personal message, upper right corner. :D

Peace!:army:

[Takako]

Here's a good resource that has pictures of some of the towers, a brief description and other good info:

http://www.okinawahai.com/my_weblog/to_live_onbase_housing/index.html

Good Luck on the move.

Snuff


So we just got orders (which were very unexpected) for there in July. I know we're coming at like peak season, so does anyone know how long the housing wait really is? We're not taking our pets with us (they are staying at my parents house), so that opens up our options. I really don't have a problem living in the apartments, in fact, I almost prefer them becuase from what I've seen they are bigger. We have 3 kids, a 4 year old boy and 19 month old girls, so I know we'll get a 3 bedroom, right? Do the houses have washer & driers in them? TMO told us that every house did, but I'm thinking the apartments don't? Is it like a coin-op laundry?? (That's gonna suck!!) And honestly, what did everyone put in the express shipment and what did every put in the slow shipment? Sorry for all the questions, but we have a horrible sponsor (single guy, just got over there and lives in the barracks, so he's not particularly helpful!)... Maybe not horrible, just uneducated... Anyways, thanks for all the help!! We can't wait to go over there for the new expirences, but planning it when you don't know what you're planning for sucks!!!Rae

[htran804's slave]

Here is a decent thread about some off-base housing concerns. I put some information in there that might be able to help you out. Post up any specific questions you might have.

http://www.japanupdate.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1672

[AFuel567]

If you end up having to wait for base housing, Tokuzato http://www.tokuzato-hsg.jp, Central http://www.central-housing.jp/ and Joy http://joy-housing.com/ housing tend to have properties with American hookups and substantial size, particularly, if space is more important than a view of the ocean for you (Living out in town is actually pretty cool). Make sure your stateside drivers licenses are up to date, that can cause a snag with your SOFA license if they're not. Sounds like your sponsor is worthless and being single is not the reason(I'm single and got a few families situated when on active duty). Okinawa is great place and if you're open you'll have fun.

[DoctorP]

Your husband should contact his unit SgtMaj, or have his current SgtMaj do it and request a new sponsor. You can also go to family services and request that they get you a new one. It would be best for you to have one with kids so that they can help with the school and everything else that a single guy would not understand.

Good luck!

[SGT_OKINAWA]

If you end up having to wait for base housing, Tokuzato http://www.tokuzato-hsg.jp, Central http://www.central-housing.jp/ and Joy http://joy-housing.com/ housing tend to have properties with American hookups and substantial size, particularly, if space is more important than a view of the ocean for you (Living out in town is actually pretty cool). Make sure your stateside drivers licenses are up to date, that can cause a snag with your SOFA license if they're not. Sounds like your sponsor is worthless and being single is not the reason(I'm single and got a few families situated when on active duty). Okinawa is great place and if you're open you'll have fun.


I want to die... not really but my heart feels like it...:crying: seeing those web sites made me get flush with pitty.
I sooo wish I was there to rent one of those. *Sigh* :8:

Peace.:army:

[AFuel567]

I want to die... not really but my heart feels like it...:crying: seeing those web sites made me get flush with pitty.
I sooo wish I was there to rent one of those. *Sigh* :8:

Peace.:army: I know what you mean, I was lucky to get a job to come back here. Have you looked into contractor jobs? Not as secure as GS but they will move you here.

[Trail]

It's not uncommon for a sponsor to drop the ball. It happened with us and many others. Some squadrons are much better than others with handling new, incoming people. As far as I am concerned, 18th AMXS has their heads up their behinds on newcomers/incomings.

[AFuel567]

It's not uncommon for a sponsor to drop the ball. It happened with us and many others. Some squadrons are much better than others with handling new, incoming people. As far as I am concerned, 18th AMXS has their heads up their behinds on newcomers/incomings.
I don't want to sound partisan but it sounds like more of a USAF problem than a USMC problem. Do USAF sponsors get orders assigning them as sponsors from the CG? I know you do on the USMC side.

[Trail]

I don't want to sound partisan but it sounds like more of a USAF problem than a USMC problem. Do USAF sponsors get orders assigning them as sponsors from the CG? I know you do on the USMC side.

AF- It might be but I have heard similar complaints from a marine wife I am friends with. Not sure if it is more limited occurrence in the USMC vs. USAF. I know that sponsorship is determined by what rank you are and Mr.Trail has sponsored a few single airmen and you are more often than not, match with similar ranking incomings. Not sure what CG is neither does Mr.Trail.

[AFuel567]

AF- Not sure what CG is neither does Mr.Trail.
CG=Commanding General, when I was assigned as a sponsor each time it was done in writing by orders signed by CG 1st MAW and the sponsorship training was required.

[P_chan]

AF- It might be but I have heard similar complaints from a marine wife I am friends with. Not sure if it is more limited occurrence in the USMC vs. USAF. I know that sponsorship is determined by what rank you are and Mr.Trail has sponsored a few single airmen and you are more often than not, match with similar ranking incomings. Not sure what CG is neither does Mr.Trail.

Normally they try to give you a sponsor of the same rank. But that's not always true. I'm about to sponsor someone who comes in august because I'm married, and so is he. Since TLF is gone right now he will need a house ASAP. Since I've already gone through the process of getting a house off base, they gave him to me to sponsor.

As far as sponsorship training goes, there is such a thing in the AF. But, I know I didn't complete it before I was tasked to sponsor this guy. Of course, I'm not an idiot and I know what needs to be taken care of. Otherwise, they wouldn't have picked me.

[AFuel567]

Of course, I'm not an idiot and I know what needs to be taken care of. Otherwise, they wouldn't have picked me.
Which is the most important thing and just wanting to be helpful.

[raleask]

Normally they try to give you a sponsor of the same rank. But that's not always true. I'm about to sponsor someone who comes in august because I'm married, and so is he. Since TLF is gone right now he will need a house ASAP. Since I've already gone through the process of getting a house off base, they gave him to me to sponsor.

As far as sponsorship training goes, there is such a thing in the AF. But, I know I didn't complete it before I was tasked to sponsor this guy. Of course, I'm not an idiot and I know what needs to be taken care of. Otherwise, they wouldn't have picked me.

TLF??? Are there no houses on base available? Do you know the general waiting time???

We finally did get a new sponsor, and he does seem to know what he's doing.... I hope!

[raleask]

Okay, so now I'm kinda gearing up to possibly live off base... I searched for OHA amounts and I got this:
Allowances
Effective: 20080101 Local Currency US DOLLARS
OHA Rental Allowance 180000.00 YEN $ 1855.10
Utility/Recurring maintenance/miscellaneous Allowance 64325.00 YEN $ 662.94
Move-In-Housing Allowance (MIHA) 62716.00 YEN $ 646.36


I get it that OHA is monthly and MIHA is a one time thing, but what is the utility/recurring maintenance/misc. allowance? Are we getting that $662 a month as well??

Also, as for COLA, we were recieveing it in Alaska, but I forgot how this works... When I did the calculator it came up to:
TOTAL PAY PERIOD ALLOWANCE: $ 501.92
Is that MONTHLY or BI-MONTHLY? It says pay period, which leads me to think that it might be the 1st and 15th, but I'm never sure...

Thanks!!!

[P_chan]

Your utility allowance is also a monthly deal. But, I think you got the cola rate messed up. For the month of april my cola was about 650 for the month, which would be 325 per pay period. But then again, I only have one dependent.

[raleask]

Thanks. My husband has 4 dependants (me & 3 kids) so I'm guessing that's why our's is more? I know I typed everything in right (E-5, 8+ years, 4 dependants)... COLA changes every month right?

[P_chan]

With the information you gave me I got 501.92 per pay period. Which is 1003.84 per month.

[raleask]

WOW, are we actually going to need all that? I know that sounds weird, but *IF* we're living on base, is the cost of living REALLY that much highter, or will we be able to save some of that for trips?

[P_chan]

IMO you really don't need that much cola to live over here. If you spend smart and know where to shop off base, then you really don't need that much.

[clcinoki]

hi, we live in the towers, you do got a washer and dryer, we live on the 9th floor of the towers on foster, we live in the newer ones. we like them our tower is kinda quiet. though we have only a 2 bed room. the 3 bedrooms are pretty big though considering everything. most of the towers are pretty nice. some are not so good. this was my first place to live overseas as well and i really love it here. There are lots of off base stores that are pretty cheap.

[KeitaShae]

So we just got orders (which were very unexpected) for there in July. I know we're coming at like peak season, so does anyone know how long the housing wait really is? We're not taking our pets with us (they are staying at my parents house), so that opens up our options. I really don't have a problem living in the apartments, in fact, I almost prefer them becuase from what I've seen they are bigger. We have 3 kids, a 4 year old boy and 19 month old girls, so I know we'll get a 3 bedroom, right? Do the houses have washer & driers in them? TMO told us that every house did, but I'm thinking the apartments don't? Is it like a coin-op laundry?? (That's gonna suck!!) And honestly, what did everyone put in the express shipment and what did every put in the slow shipment? Sorry for all the questions, but we have a horrible sponsor (single guy, just got over there and lives in the barracks, so he's not particularly helpful!)... Maybe not horrible, just uneducated... Anyways, thanks for all the help!! We can't wait to go over there for the new expirences, but planning it when you don't know what you're planning for sucks!!!

Rae








Hi there! I was just reading your thread. I'm kinda new to the forum too, so maybe we can help each other out. I'm moving to Okinawa in the next few months also. We will be stationed at Kadena. We have a daughter that will be 2 years old when we get there. Our only problem is that they suspended our concurrent travel. My daughter and I can't go with my husband when he's scheduled to leave. We will arrive there in less than 20 weeks max. It really sucks because at first they said we could go and now we can't. I hope your move goes great. Are you nervous?? What base are you stationed at now?