Employment

The Employment Readiness Program at Kadena's Military & Family Readiness Center offers workshops as well as individual appointments to assist you with your career goals. Workshop topics include resume writing, interview preparation and navigating federal employment. Job seekers are encouraged to register to attend a workshop shortly after arrival by visiting https://tockify.com/kadenamfrc/pinboard. After attending a workshop, individual appointments are available for resume review or job search assistance. Additionally, we have an online job board to get you connected to local employment opportunities: https://kadenamfrc.jobboardhq.com/.

Employment opportunities throughout all military bases on Okinawa are cyclical. Most jobs become available between May and October during the peak rotation period, however, there are openings available throughout the year. The majority of positions are with non-appropriated fund organizations and are recruited as part-time, intermittent or full-time. More information about NAF employment can be found online at the Kadena NAF Human Resources Office website https://www.kadenafss.com/naf-human-resources. Federal and civil service positions on Kadena can be found on the USAJOBS website at https://www.usajobs.gov/. For information about positions on other installations on Okinawa visit the Marine Corps Community Services careers website at https://careers.usmc-mccs.org/.

As you prepare to come to Kadena, it is important to gather all relevant documentation, such as your resume and school transcripts, so you are ready to submit applications immediately upon your arrival. It is recommended that these documents be hand carried or downloaded to a personal device and not packed in household goods. For current federal employees, it is recommended that you check with your local personnel office prior to departing about leave-without-pay status. Be sure to hand carry your latest SF-50, performance evaluations, and any other relevant personnel documents.

The Military and Family Readiness Center offers transition assistance to those who are retiring, separating or considering separation from the military.

In accordance with National Defense Authorization Act 19, the following mandatory Transition Assistance Program services are required.

• Initial Counseling – This one-on-one counseling kicks off your transition process. The completion of the service member assessment is required prior to completion of the counseling. The assessment is used to gain an understanding of the service member’s level of preparedness for transition and determines the requirement tier a service member is assigned to. Initial counseling allows service members to develop a comprehensive plan to complete all TAP requirements and begin preparing to fill gaps or coordinate training to assist in a smooth transition to the civilian sector. Initial counseling and pre-separation counseling are required for all members no later than 365 days prior to separation or retirement.
• Pre-Separation Counseling – This counseling is mandatory for all members separating or retiring from the military. Counseling consists of providing information, assessments, and referrals to supporting agencies for pre- and post-separation support. Service members are eligible to register for the TAP workshop at the conclusion of the Pre Separation Brief.
• TAP Workshop – This workshop is a mandatory seminar that covers career exploration, job search skills, stress management, resume writing, interview skills, education resources and more to help prepare for life in the civilian sector.
• Capstone (DD Form 2648) – Capstone is a Department of War mandated appointment with an MFRC transition counselor to verify if a service member has or has not met their Career Readiness Standards as outlined in compliance with the service member’s tier assignment. Completion of initial counseling, pre-separation counseling and the TAP Workshop are mandatory prior to the Capstone. Capstone completion required no later than 90 days from date of separation.

TAP 2-day tracks

• Employment Track – This two-day workshop is focused on in-depth post transition career guidance, resume writing and interviewing skills. 
• Education Track – This workshop assists members in understanding their educational benefits and how that translates to use at their intended university or college, how the college application process works, and researching colleges and universities to ensure they receive their degree from a quality, accredited program. 
• Boots to Business – This workshop is an entrepreneurial education and training program offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration as part of TAP. The course provides an overview of entrepreneurship and applicable business ownership fundamentals.
• Career, Credentialing and Exploration Track – This workshop assists participants in completing a personalized career development assessment of occupational interest and ability. Participants will also be guided through a variety of career considerations, including labor market projection, education, apprenticeships, certifications and licensure requirements.

Sponsored by the Air Force Aid Society. For more information, visit the General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant Program website.

SpouseWorks scholarship, formerly known as My Career Advancement Account Scholarship Program. SpouseWorks was formerly known as SECO.

For information on SpouseWorks scholarship and SpouseWorks, visit the https://spouseworks.militaryonesource.mil/portal/ or Military OneSource.

Air Force Reserve Opportunities

If your family member is a reservist and is interested in reassignment to PACAF or work short-term active duty man-day tours, contact the HQ PACAF Reserve Affairs Office at DSN: 315-448-0653. A letter from PACAF/RE is included in the base welcome package.

Personnel Offices

All the military services are represented in Okinawa, however, not all have employment offices. For example The Air Force Civilian Personnel Flight services the Air Force GS and WG positions, while the Marine Corps Base Camp Butler Civilian Human Resources Office recruits for all Navy and Marine Corps civil service positions. All services recruit for their own Non-Appropriated Fund positions. The eight personnel offices on-island are within 20 minutes of each other and are situated in the middle of the island with Kadena as the central location. The Department of Defense Dependent Schools (DoDDS) recruits full-time teachers through their Arlington, Virginia office. Several of the personnel offices are currently on-line with employment information. If you have access to the Internet you can access these Internet boards prior to your arrival.