L.I.T. Guide To Okinawa: PCSing In & Out
It’s been forever (2 years) since I published the first post on the Little Island Takara Guide to Okinawa and I have a few more posts in mind for the guide, but my never-ending travel posts to catch up on, our move to North Carolina, my homesickness for Okinawa and now COVID-19 has put a little damper on my writing. I wrote this PCS guide for the 2020 Spring/Summer issue of Starsand Magazine, where I am a Co-Editor, Writer, and Social Media Manager; and I thought it would be fitting to share all this useful information for service members and their families here on the blog. You can find all of my articles on the featured page.
Receiving military orders to Okinawa can be incredibly exciting, anxiety-inducing, or maybe a little bit of both. It’s completely normal to go through feelings of confusion, shock, panic, etc. Moving halfway across the world might mean a lot of sacrifices, leaving the comfort of stateside living and going into the unknown, missing important family events, not having much of a support system, or sometimes spending a lot of time alone. But trust that it’s a wonderful experience for growth!!
Research
After hearing the news of your upcoming PCS you’ll ultimately end up on Google doing so much research, thankfully there are so many resources online. Start by printing out this MCCS Okinawa PCS checklist, because it has everything you need to know/do.
Next head over to social media and start following other spouses on the island and join some Facebook groups, because trust me they’ll become a lifeline. A few of my recommendations are: “Military Spouses of Okinawa“, “Living in Japan: Cultural Awareness and Tips“, “Everything Okinawa — Housing Edition“, “Farmers Markets of Okinawa“, “Okinawa Pet Information & Supply Sales“, “Okinawa Cafe Journal“, “Tips for Asia Travel“, also like/join any page/group for your specific base or housing area. I shared some more insight over our experience in Okinawa over on Olive Fox Design blog.
Prep
Within 10 days of receiving the orders, you must begin the Overseas Suitability Screening. This process involves a medical, dental, and educational screening that will identify if any of the family members have any special needs and if the U.S. Naval Hospital, Okinawa will have the resources to service these needs during your family’s likely 3-year mandated tour. After being found suitable start the process of receiving the Area Clearance/Dependent Entry Approval for command sponsorship.
Visit the Travel Office at your current military installation to apply for your no-fee passport. While you’re at it apply for a tourist passport if you don’t have one already. If you do have one, make sure it’s still valid. Schedule your shipment pick-up dates with DMO. Request a sponsor, have them book your temporary lodgings, and set up appointments for Housing, IPAC in-processing & the Newcomers’ Orientation.
Visit move.mil to get all the information for planning and scheduling your move. Note that shipments take about two months to arrive in Okinawa. The military provides 90-day temporary government furniture to help with the wait and there’s a loan locker on Kadena stocked with basics while you wait for your express shipment to arrive.
Pets
Begin the process for your pets as soon as possible, you can find all the information in this PDF. Start by visiting your local veterinary facility and making sure your pet has a microchip and up-to-date rabies vaccine. They will need a rabies anti-body test done 180 days before their arrival in Japan. Advance notification must be given to Animal Quarantine Service no less than 40 days before arrival and a health certificate must be signed by your vet. If you arrive on the island before the 180-day quarantine is complete your pet will have to finish the process on base. If staying in temporary lodging that isn’t pet friendly or moving to housing off-base, pets can finish quarantine at Karing Kennels boarding facility on Kadena.
Traveling through Air Mobility Command (AMC)? Spots can be secured 90 days in advance, call everyday leading up to it if needed, as there are a very limited amount of pet spots available per flight.
Kids
Notify your child’s school of your PCS orders and request their school records. Visit the School Liaison’s website to find a list of schools and information on the enrollment process. If your children are younger create an account on Military Child Care and visit Bldg. 495 on Camp Foster once you arrive on island to continue the childcare process.
Receiving PCS orders out of Okinawa after living 3-4 years in paradise can be bittersweet. Some of you may be ready to get off “the rock” while others (like myself) dread the moment the airplane takes off and takes you back to reality. Whichever team you’re on this time can be rough, but PCSing is part of this crazy military life we’re all on. My hope is that you leave Okinawa with zero regrets, a group of lifelong friends, once in a lifetime experiences, and thousands of photos to help you remember your time on island ages from now.
Prep
There isn’t as much information on the internet about PCSing out of Okinawa, besides a PCS checklist from August 2018… maybe because moving outbound is considered “easier” than inbound? The best way to start the process is by attending the Smooth Move Workshop at Camp Foster’s Bldg 5908 where you’ll get a refresher since you most likely have forgotten all that it takes to have a successful move.
If you got orders to another overseas location (lucky!) you will have to re-do your Overseas Suitability Screening and request a new Area Clearance/Dependent Entry Approval.
Schedule your Household Goods (HHG) and Express shipments with DMO. Start the process of selling your Oki vehicles either online or utilizing the lemon lots either on Kadena or Foster. Notify your Housing Office and schedule the move inspections. Book temporary lodging.
Pets
Like mentioned in the “before you arrive” section begin the exportation process for your pet(s) as soon as possible! If your pet traveled to Okinawa with you then you have an idea of what needs to happen, but if you adopted an animal on island then it’s time to get acquainted with the process. You can grab all the paperwork at the Okinawa Veterinary Activity on Kadena.
Keep in mind that you may have to use a third-party shipper, especially if you have a large dog(s). We ended up having to use Sarah’s Pet Paradise to ship our German Shepherd to DC, but also check out Almost Home Pet Transportation and Camp Canine. This service can be very expensive, so make sure you start saving as soon as possible.
Packing Out
The one thing you don’t need to worry about when moving out of Okinawa is the actual pack-out. Japanese movers are magicians who work incredibly fast and efficiently which means all of your valuables will totally make it safely to your destination, especially those breakables and sentimental souvenirs. Fun Fact: You can bring back food and alcohol in your HHG shipment, all you need is a form from DMO and to turn it in 5 days before your pack out day!
Oki Bucket List
During the stressful months of your PCS try and find little moments to enjoy the things Okinawa has to offer. Eat at your favorite cafés one more time, go to the beach as much as possible, visit the places you’ve been meaning to go and take all the photos. Time flies by and before you know it you’ll be missing Okinawa. Check out my list of 101 Things To Do In Okinawa and my seasonal lists in case you need some inspiration for places to check out before your move.
