Questions about oki

[Raptor2216]

I have some general questions about being stationed in Okinawa. First, how long does a tour of duty usually last for? My next question might be a little vague but relatively speaking, is Oki a difficult post to "get"? I imagine a lot of people want west coast but it didn't seem as if a lot of people were interested in Okinawa at TBS. I wonder if the lack of interest is equal on the wing side.

Also, what is the living situation like for officers? Do I have the option to live off-base if I so choose? I've heard some horror stories about the cost of living out there but then again, you are compensated for it. Is the compensation enough?

Lastly, just so I can have a general idea, is it expensive to fly from Okinawa to Tokyo? I know leave and libo can depend heavily on command but what is life like for a pilot out there? Is there enough time on the weekends to take some leave to get out to, lets say Tokyo? Again, i'm just trying to get a general idea of what life is like over there. Also, at what point in the pipeline will I have the chance to select where I would like to be stationed...and yes, i'm aware that the needs of the Corps comes before me.

 

[skidkid]

The only thing based in Okinawa permanently are Ch-46Es and C-130s. I believe the first tour guys are on 3 year orders. It is not particularly hard to get, there might be some weeks with multiple people wanting Oki but that is rare, usually if you want it, it is yours.
Many of the Os lived out in town, both married and single, I think the COLA covers all expenses and you make a little money on it. Libo is dependant on many things but I dont think heading for Tokyo for a long weekend will be a stretch, no idea on cost.

The biggest drawback to Oki is that there is not enough threat so you will be treated like a child and your Marines will be treated like toddlers. You will from time to time be grounded (restricted to base). The geo/political realities in Okinawa are that liberty incidents are the number one concern for the senior leadership.

 

[Harrier Dude]

First, how long does a tour of duty usually last for?

3-4 years. You can get a "1 year unaccompanied" tour if you meet certain rank criteria, etc. and request it. Lts. aren't generally a problem if that's what you want.

My next question might be a little vague but relatively speaking, is Oki a difficult post to "get"?

Not really. Generally speaking, if you ask for Oki, you'll get it. It gets tough for some ranks and MOSs (generally high ranking SNCOs who have done a tour there and loved it or married a local), but again, Lts. aren't generally a problem.

Also, what is the living situation like for officers?

It depends on what your interests are and what you expect for living accomadations. I lived in the BOQ and thought it was just fine. I've visited nearly every type of housing, both on and off base, and found it "fine". Great? Sometimes, but it depends on what it is you expect. Expect small and a little weird off base (outlets, toilets, kitchen).

Do I have the option to live off-base if I so choose?

Yes. Sometimes even if you are a 1 year guy, but you'd have to work it a little. 3 year guys can choose whatever they want.

I've heard some horror stories about the cost of living out there but then again, you are compensated for it. Is the compensation enough?

Don't buy into the hype. COLA (Cost Of Living Allowance) will normally make up for any extra expenses and then some. Some guys make "a lot" of money over there living like monks. I didn't, but didn't go broke either. I blew it on SCUBA equipment, golf, and stuff like that. It's pretty much a wash.

Lastly, just so I can have a general idea, is it expensive to fly from Okinawa to Tokyo?

No. Couple hundred bucks, worst case. You can always MAC it if you want to put up with the hassle. Try the local travel agents. They have great deals to nearly anywhere. I flew from Naha to LAX (roundtrip during the holidays) for $696 when I came home for Christmas.

I know leave and libo can depend heavily on command but what is life like for a pilot out there?

It depends on what you fly. You'll have 2 choices: Phrogs and Hercs. They're the only ones based in Okinawa. Hornets are based out of Iwakuni (mainland).

Is there enough time on the weekends to take some leave to get out to, lets say Tokyo?

If you're a Phrog guy, the cycles that you have the 31st MEU will be a giant pain in the ass. You're pretty much taxed the whole year with month or two stints on the boat or elsewhere. When you're off cycle, it's the opposite. Hercs have a much better cycle. Lots of week-here-and-there kind of things.

Also, at what point in the pipeline will I have the chance to select where I would like to be stationed...and yes, i'm aware that the needs of the Corps comes before me.

At several points. If you get Hercs or Helos, you can ask to get Oki when you final select (winging timeframe). If, by some miracle, they don't give it to you then, you can try to deal at the RAG with a guy who got "stuck" with it. Same with Hornets, but again, they're in Iwakuni. There's a rumor going that the Hornet squadron is going away, though (take that for what it's worth....rumor).

Overall, I loved my year over there. Nearly everybody I met that had longer term orders, or were on their second tour there absolutely loved it. I may even try to get orders there again myself (with the family this time). You never know. Good luck!

 

[Raptor2216]

Exactly what is an "unaccompanied" tour? If I select something other than phrogs, is it still possible to do an unaccompanied tour as a Lt?

Also, which aircraft are out in iwakuni other than the hornet?

 

[phrogpilot73]

If you're a Phrog guy, the cycles that you have the 31st MEU will be a giant pain in the ass.

Concur. I've never heard a Phrog guy tell me that the 31st MEU wasn't a giant pain in the ass... Of course, that was in between them mentioning libbo ports...

At several points. If you get Hercs or Helos, you can ask to get Oki when you final select (winging timeframe). If, by some miracle, they don't give it to you then, you can try to deal at the RAG with a guy who got "stuck" with it.

I've NEVER heard of a Phrog guy who wanted Okinawa not getting it. Most of us don't realize what we're missing (myself included). Part of me wishes I went there (I've heard great things), and part of me is glad I didn't (I wouldn't have met my wife). Life is what you make of it...

 

[Dhc2tacksby]

Unaccompanied means you're here alone. Accompanied means with Wife, kids etc...

I'm in Iwakuni, and I prefer it here vice Futemna, (Okinawa).
If your an aviator (not in a B billet), F-18's are the only thing permanently based here. I have a good feeling they'll be here for a while, despite rumors you might hear on here.

There are C-12's but those are crewed by various O-4's and above who are in B billets. And of course the X amount of UDP squadrons, but you won't get attached the them here.

I like it here because you can go thirty minutes down the road and be in Japan. Some have coined Okinawa as 'little America' because of the small size and amount of personal stationed there.

Japan is an incredible country, and I'm going to miss it when I PCS (soon). There is a lot to do, but it's up to you, to get out of the gate and experience it.

PM me if you have more questions.