Iwakuni MCAS » Welcome Aboard Package
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This information is UNOFFICIAL and is simply for the purpose of military spouses helping others. If you find something that is possibly outdated or incorrect, please send a message on the contact form at the upper right corner of the page. The air station is going through many new changes. We appreciate your proactive help with keeping the information current for everyone to use.
Welcome Aboard Package
On this page I have assembled all available resources for your convenience. Also, be sure to check the official MCAS Iwakuni Welcome Aboard page at:
http://www.marines.mil/unit/mcasiwakuni/Pages/welcome-aboard/Welcomeaboard.aspx
Before Arrival
Welcome Aboard Letter (Accompanied)
Click on the above link for the “Welcome Aboard” letter for accompanied personnel; updated on October 30, 2007
Inbound Accompanied Overseas Assignment Gouge
An invaluable source of information for accompanied personnel inbound to Iwakuni. This document contains information about passports, overseas screening, exceptional family member program, TMO shipment weight restrictions, flight information (including some very important stipulations concerning commercial flights vs. AMC flights), TMO weight allowance, and many other important topics. PLEASE NOTE: some information in this document is specific to MALS-12 inbounds, so if you are with a different unit, ensure that, for example, your area clearance is directed accordingly, etc. (the info on Page 2 states that your area clearance notification message must be directed to MAG-12 and MALS-12, for example, so just be sure you recognize and realize the differences for your own individual situation. If you are uncertain whether specific portions of this document pertain to you, please ask your sponsor. This document was updated on October 30, 2007.
Inbound Personnel Checklist
This is MCAS Iwakuni’s inbound personnel checklist. It is a nice rundown of everything you need to accomplish once you find out you have orders. This has been incorporated into thre “Preparing for the Move” page, but this is the original document.
Installation Overview Booklet
This is the same booklet that you can obtain by visiting Military HOMEFRONT then click Troops and Families, then click Moving to download a copy of the installation guide for MCAS Iwakuni (it contains base information and a phone directory, and a lot of your questions may be answered by browsing this guide). It is a huge document, however, and the site doesn’t offer the option to download it (only to print it) so I am providing it here for you in a downloadable format. There is also a move planner that will generate a calendar to help you plan your move every step of the way.
PCSing to Iwakuni
You have orders; now what? This guide will help you to proceed initially after you receive orders to MCAS Iwakuni. It covers the first steps; getting your pet ready, how to begin the medical screening process, etc. All of this information is covered throughout this site, but if you want the original document as an overview, here it is.
Housing Inbound Info
A short document regarding housing, which may be helpful in determining what to bring and should provide you with an idea of what to expect from both on-base housing and off-base housing.
Air Travel and Customs Information
Travel Documents Checklist
Documents that you need to bring with you while you travel inbound to Iwakuni. These should be readily available and should be placed together in your carry-on luggage so that they do not get separated from you
Inbound Customs Brief (PDF file)
Inbound Customs Brief (Power Point Presentation file)
What to expect from customs, and what not to bring into Japan.
Prohibited Items List TMO
Items that you are not allowed to ship to Japan with TMO.
Prohibited Items List Airlines
Items that you are and are not allowed to bring on an airplane, provided by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). This list distinguishes items that may be carried aboard the plane and in checked luggage.
United Airlines Pet Travel
Information about traveling with pets aboard United Airlines, including how to ship your pet separately via cargo (for example, if you need to come to Japan first, and have your pet shipped to you later without accompanying it on the plane).
Drivers Manual
The complete, detailed manual on how to drive under the SOFA agreement in Japan. You will be required to know some of this information for your SOFA License test. I realize that it says it is for Okinawa, but the rules are the same no matter where in Japan you will be driving; just ignore the Okinawa-specific information if you are not going to drive on Okinawa. This is the same manual that is available for check-out at the Iwakuni library.
Road Signs
Full-color images of the Japanese road signs. You will be required to know these for your SOFA License test.
Post-Arrival and Base-Specific Information
I’m Here; Now What?
After arrival, the member must report to IPAC New Joins at Bldg 1, 2nd deck the next normal work morning following arrival with all orders, endorsements, area clearance approval, SRB and receipts/tickets. If you arrive in the evening or the weekend, you can get orders endorsed at the MAG duty on the bottom deck of Bldg 1 and see IPAC on first working day.
Welcome Aboard Indoctrination
All inbound personnel, including family members age 13 and over, must attend the Welcome Aboard Indoctrination. It is held on Mondays at Club Iwakuni in Talbot’s Dining Room. If Monday falls on a holiday, it is held on Wednesday. Representatives from a multitude of service organizations aboard MCAS Iwakuni will brief newcomers on the various services and opportunities available to you while stationed here. Newcomers will also learn about customs and culture and their responsibilities as a member of the military community while stationed in Japan. Attendance of this indoctrination is a requirement for obtaining the SOFA driver’s license. Here is a link to the MCCS Information, Referral and Relocation office that coordinates the Welcome Aboard Indoctrination:
http://www.mccsiwakuni.com/index.php?p=53
Liberty Card Program
Be advised that service members assigned to Marine Corps Bases Japan and III Marine Expeditionary Force will adhere to the Liberty Campaign Order. Liberty Cards will be issued at unit commanders’ discretion. Depending on the cardholder classification, restrictions include use of the buddy system when on liberty off base, time and place of consumption of alcoholic beverages (example: you can’t consume alcohol off base after a certain time of night), and curfews (example: you must be back on base or in your place of residence by an established time).
Station Postal Information
Instructions from the post office on proper use of your mailing address and postal facilities while at MCAS Iwakuni.
