Employment

The Employment Assistance Program at Kadena's Airman and Family Readiness Center offers workshops as well as individual assistance on the local job search.

Workshop topics include interest assessments, resume writing, interview preparation federal resume and job searches. Additionally, our discovery resource center contains employment assistance reference materials, computers, printers and a job vacancy website (www.kadenafss.jobboardhq.com). Job seekers, particularly dependents, are encouraged to register to attend a workshop shortly after arrival by calling DSN 315-634-3366.

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 vast majority of positions are with nonappropriated fund organizations and are recruited as part-time, intermittent or full-time. NAF job openings can be found online at the Kadena Human Resources Office website. Federal and civil service positions are also available on Kadena. Please refer to the USAJOBS and MCCS careers website for postings. MCCS also has a job distribution sign up website (https://www.mccsokinawa.com/mccsoki2015/_sub2015.1.0.aspx?cid=4295000436&pglot=4294999392) where personnel can receive OCONUS, CONUS and Okinawa wide job opportunities straight to their inbox.

Gather all information, such as your resume, SF-50 and school transcripts necessary to have an application for employment ready to submit immediately upon your arrival. It is recommended applications, and the media storage on which they are saved, be hand carried and not packed in household goods. The media storage ensures that if changes (new address, new phone number, etc.) need to be made they will only take a few minutes.

For current federal employees, it is recommended that you check with your personnel office about leave without pay status. Be sure to hand carry your latest SF-50, transcripts and performance evaluation.

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 counseling 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. A Veterans Affairs benefits advisor provides a full-day VA benefits brief during the TAP workshop. An advisor is also available for one-on-on appointments at the M&FRC.

Capstone (DD Form 2648) – Capstone is a Department of Defense mandated appointment with an M&FRC 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 DOS.

TAP Tracks (Optional):

Employment Track: This course is offered the last 2 days of the TAP Workshop and covers in depth post transition career guidance, resume writing and interviewing skills.

Boots to Business – This course is an entrepreneurial education and training program offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration as part of the TAP program. The course provides an overview of entrepreneurship and applicable business ownership fundamentals. Active-duty members, veterans and spouses are eligible to participate.

Department of Labor Vocational Training Track, now referred to as Career, Credentialing & Exploration (C2E Track) – This training track offers a unique opportunity for participants to complete 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.

My Career Advancement Account Scholarship Program

For information on MyCAA and Military Spouse Education and Career Opportunities, visit the Military OneSource website.

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 vast majority of positions are with Non-Appropriated Fund (NAF) organizations and are recruited as part-time, intermittent or full-time. NAF jobs can be found at www.usajobs.gov 

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.