First Duty Station in Okinawa, Japan - United States Marine Corps

Though I am knowingly aware that specific individuals will experience different results, I have provided my own personal experiences while serving in the United States military overseas. The third article associated with the respective military branch consists of my own opinionated review and brief description of what to expect while transitioning to life in Okinawa, Japan. Of course, this may vary in depth from similar occurrences depending on the location, command unit, etc.

My first reaction as we transited from Futenma Air Base to Camp Foster is avidly described as "culture shocked." Traffic was a mirror reflection of my accustomed driving; signs were complicated designs of words described in shapes, and vehicle operators appeared careless and inexperienced. Of course, we eventually reached the confines of base and were distinguished as "receiving." The first week comprised of formally checking into your respective unit and initiating introductions with your proper sections. Eventually, you will be provided living quarters, meal cards, and standard operating procedures according to your occupational specialty and section schedule. For those questioning newbie status, please note that the Marine Corps will never completely accommodate your needs; however, as rank and time in service proceeds you, stress levels and hardships will decrease.

I, personally, despised the Marine Corps until I qualified for Non-Commissioned Officer rank nearly two years later. Enlisted ranks 1-3 comprise of routine room and uniform inspections, parade details, additional "voluntold" work activities, and little freedom. These non-conformities are especially apparent in that of a foreign duty station such as Okinawa. After all, the aforementioned ranks are not eligible for personal operated vehicle or liberty privileges. In fact, you are required to accompany a libo buddy at all times and provided a Cinderella curfew. Basically, if you desire quality time with a female companion, you had better engage in sexual activities in the base hotel, or off base with a libo buddy present...before midnight, of course.

I, however, provided personal relief for the latter of my time. Of course, I failed to abide by all the regulations coherent, but was never suspected guilty of such. A few occasions nearly vandalized my career in the service after developing trust with supposed individuals. Unfortunately, they lacked supporting evidence of my actions, which I claimed innocence. Luckily, I remained unsuspected....or unproven to say the least. My liberty consisted of learning the language (which I remain conversant in), exploring the vast coasts of the island, and partaking in local festivities. Dating was also a profound hobby of mine, though I deeply regret few occurrences. I noticed that few locals spoke English well enough to interact with an American in a relationship. The few represented, of course, were already exclusive. I assumed that by learning the language, I would be able to choose my date instead of settling for leftovers, etc, and indulged much time into simply speaking with shop owners, pedestrians, and other locals whom also possessed a deep interest in the English language.

To conclude, I departed Okinawa with regret. I was offered the opportunity to remain as a government employee aboard Futenma, yet declined the offer in hopes of starting anew in the US. I still agree that the island is limited, and while a good 95% of the US service members casually remain on the base or surrounding areas, I left much unexplored after 3 ½ years. My advice is to partake in off base activities and take an interest in foreign culture, as it will undoubtedly propose a more beneficial solution than associated military installations have to offer. The duty station will be accustomed to how you perceive it.