Relocation Assistance

Your Military and Family Support Center provides relocation assistance to help make PCS moves as smooth as possible. Resources include:

• PCS planning: Most relocation assistance programs offer consultations to help you with the moving process. If this your first military move, your first time moving overseas or you have challenging or complex circumstances contact your installation Relocation Assistance Program as soon as possible for support.
• Plan My Move: An online Defense Department relocation tool that provides you with customizable checklists and links to helpful resources for the tasks ahead.
• Military OneSource: A website and call center that offer 24/7 support for moving information and resources. Learn more about PCS basics. For comprehensive moving resources and information, including Defense Personal Property log in details, visit Moving Your Personal Property.
• Workshops and briefings: Workshops vary by location. You may find classes on housing options, moving with children, moving with pets and more.
• Predeparture briefings: These sessions provide essential information about your move and may be required for some populations.
• Special needs: If you have a child or family member enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program, contact your installation EFMP-Family Support office to assist you.
• Settling-in services: Look for welcome programs or local area tours that may be offered. Overseas services may include introductory language classes and cultural awareness activities.
• Foreign-born spouse support: Assistance includes information and referral to resources such as immigration and naturalization.
• Emergency assistance: Sometime emergencies occur while moving. The Military and Family Support Center has the resources to provide emergency financial assistance, as well as information and referrals.
• Authorized housing flexibility options: Eligible service members with PCS orders may be entitled to flexibilities such as extended stays in government housing and early housing eligibility. Contact your military personnel office for more information.
• Spouse licensure reimbursement: Your service branch may reimburse spouses up to $1,000 for relicensure and certification costs resulting from relocations or PCS moves. See this Military OneSource article Transferring Your Professional License for more information and specific service branch policies.

Welcome Aboard

The Welcome Aboard Brief (WAB) is not just a formality, but a crucial orientation for all Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) status personnel aged 16 and older, including those on TAD or UDP orders for 30 days or stationed in MCAS Iwakuni and Okinawa before. It is an essential introduction to life aboard MCAS Iwakuni.

During the DAY Welcome Aboard Brief, you'll gain valuable insights into your responsibilities as a member of the military community stationed in Japan. This session offers an introduction to Japanese culture, customs, and local etiquette, helping you better integrate and thrive in your new environment.

You’ll also have the opportunity to:

• Meet key representatives from various organizations and support services aboard MCAS Iwakuni
• Learn about the programs, resources, and benefits available to you and your family
• Ask questions and begin building connections within the installation community
• This brief is designed to set you up for success and ensure a smooth transition into life at your new duty station.

Welcome Aboard schedule

Monday: 7:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Tuesday: SOFA permit test 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Sakura Theater
Dress code: Appropriate civilian attire

SOFA Permits

The Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) is a treaty between the United States and Japan setting out the terms under which military members, Department of Defense civilian employees, and family members are allowed to operate within the country of Japan. SOFA status is a legal residency in Japan requiring those under SOFA status to observe certain responsibilities such as being a goodwill ambassador and respectful representative of the United States and learning and obeying Japanese laws.

How to obtain a SOFA Permit

The Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) Permit is required for eligible personnel who wish to operate a motor vehicle while stationed in Japan. Follow these steps to successfully obtain your SOFA Permit:

Step 1: Attend the Welcome Aboard Brief
Before beginning the driving process, you must complete the Welcome Aboard Brief (WAB). Attendance will be verified and is mandatory before any SOFA permits are issued.

Step 2: Pass the SOFA Permit Test
You must take and pass the SOFA Permit Test, which assesses your knowledge of Japanese driving laws and base regulations. This test is administered by the Base Safety Office. The test is self-study only, and you can access the materials guide here: Driving in Japan – MCAS Iwakuni Website

Step 3: Pick Up Your SOFA Permit
Visit the PMO Pass & Base Registration Office (bldg.360). Permits may be picked up as early as Thursday following the date you passed your test. Test results are valid for 60 days

Important Note:
The PMO will not issue your SOFA Permit until your Welcome Aboard Brief attendance is officially confirmed.

Requirements for SOFA Permit (4EJ) at PMO, Pass and Base Registration office

• Valid DoD ID Card
• Valid stateside (or Government of Japan) driver's license
• Copy of Orders/Letter of Employment (LOE)/Letter of Authorization (LOA)- (as applicable)
• E-5/below ranks - Unit Commanding Officer endorsement - provide an approval letter from a unit commanding officer. (If applicable)
• If uniform service personnel (age 25 and under) - complete drivers' awareness (or equivalent)

NOTE: SOFA Permits: SOFA permit valid periods are based on the date of employment terminations, change of statutes, rotation date, or expiration date on driver's license (whichever occurs first).

MCCS Driving School

At MCCS Driving School, driver education should be accessible, affordable, and effective. Whether you're a new driver or looking to improve your skills, they are here to help.

• First Time Driver's course
• The course costs $ 545, and it is open to all SOFA-status persons aged 16 and older.
• Please contact OMBIwakuni.DriversducationCourse@usmc-mccs.org or DSN at 253-5996.

For more information or assistance, you can always reach out to the Information, Referral, and Relocation at 253-6161, the Station Safety Office at 253-3925, and the Station PMO at 253-3161/4626. We are here to support you.

PCS with Success Workshop

This workshop will assist you by providing the right relocation information at the right time. Experts from the Installation Personnel Administration Center (IPAC), Distribution Management Office (DMO), Behavioral Health, financial readiness, TRICARE, the Information, Referral and Relocation (IR&R) and more will conduct overviews on benefits, required documents and relocation preparation. We provide helpful hints, checklists, pamphlets, resources and vital information on housing, DMO shipments, disbursing allowances, claims, financial planning and more. All Marines are required to attend at least three months prior to your detachment date.

Sponsorship

The Information Referral and Relocation program acts as the coordinator for the Navy and Marine Corps Command sponsorship program. To ensure optimal transition, the program requires all personnel, regardless of rank, marital status, and assignment to an accompanied or unaccompanied tour, to be assigned a sponsor.

Lending Locker

The IR&R program provides a Lending Locker free of charge while you are awaiting the arrival of your household goods shipment. You may borrow the kitchen items for up to 60 days for inbound personnel. If, after 60 days, your shipment still has not arrived, contact the office at DSN 253-3357. Items include a kitchenware set. We do not have any Microwave, bed linens, towels or shower curtains. This service is available for all SOFA status personnel, accompanied or unaccompanied, under permanent change of station orders (inbound and outbound).

In-Transit Emergencies

No matter how well you've planned, emergencies do happen. What should you do in case of emergency while you are traveling? First of all, make sure you have all your important papers with you - not packed with your household goods. Numbers for the officer on deck, your command duty office and your sponsor can be invaluable in case of emergency while in transit.

The American Red Cross is always available for emergency aid anywhere you may be. They can sometimes help with emergency financial assistance and contacting individuals that will need to know where you are and what's happening.

PCS with Success Workshop

This permanent change of station workshop will assist you by providing the right relocation information at the right time. Experts from the Station's Installation Personnel Administration Center (IPAC), the Distribution Management Office (DMO), disbursing, financial readiness, TRICARE, the Provost Marshal's Office (PMO), the Behavioral Health, the Relocation Assistance Program office and more will conduct overviews on benefits, required documents and relocation preparation. We provide helpful hints, checklists, pamphlets, resources and vital information on clearing housing, DMO shipments, disbursing allowances, claims, financial planning, check-out process, stress management, and more. This is a required training for all Marines who will be PCSing out from MCAS Iwakuni 90 days in advance, and spouses are welcome to attend. We recommend attendance at least three months prior to your detachment date.

Sponsorship

To ensure optimal transition, the program requires all personnel, regardless of rank, marital status or assignment to an accompanied or unaccompanied tour, to be assigned a sponsor. Any SOFA personnel are welcome to attend the sponsorship training to obtain the most updated/accurate information to support all inbound personnel who will be stationed to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan.