February Spotlight

Information & Referral (I&R) Specialists are available to provide one-on-one assistance with information and relocation services. For more information, please contact your nearest Personal & Professional Development- Resources facility or email: mcbb_ppdr_request@usmc.mil.

I&R Specialists are available to coordinate unit and small group sponsorship trainings. For more information contact one of the following Marine and Family Programs Specialists:

Camp Foster : 645-7494

Camp Kinser & MCAS Futenma : 637-2509

Camps Hansen : 623-3055

Camp Schwab : 625-2622

Camp Courtney : 622-7739

To submit a request for support please email mcbb_ppdr_request@usmc.mil.

Survival Japanese Writing

Learn to read and write basic Japanese words and phrases that are written in Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji styles.

February 23 1130-1300 Camp Kinser Bldg. 1220

February 09 1130-1300 Camp Courtney Bldg. 4425

February 28 1130-1300 Camp Foster Bldg. 445

Survival Japanese Language

Learn basic Japanese phrases and pronunciation.

February 02 1130-1230

February 07 1130-1230

MCAS Futenma Bldg. 407

Camp Hansen Bldg. 2339

February 23 1130-1230 Camp Schwab Bldg. 3429

Japese Language Part 2

This is a basic class for adult learners. Learn calendar dates, days of the week, how to tell time, Japanese counters, and Japanese adjectives (i-adj/na-adj).

February 6, 7, 9, 10 1130-1300 Camp Kinser Bldg. 1220

Japanese Language Part 4

This is a basic class for adult learners wanting to develop their Japanese language skills. Learn Japanese particles, expressing desire, describing order of events, polite/casual expressions, present perfect tense, and future tense.

February 13, 14, 16, 17 1130-1300 Camp Foster Bldg. 445

February 13, 14, 16, 17 1130-1300 Camp Courtney Bldg. 4425

Japanese Grocery Tour

Take a guided tour to a local food store and discover traditional dietary choices and typical Japanese ingredients. Please bring your own vehicle for transportation.

February 27 1030-1200 Parco City

Bingata Craft

Bingata is a traditional dyeing method in Okinawa that has about 500 years of history. In this class, we are making a coaster using the dyeing method.

February 02 1130-1300 Camp Courtney Bldg. 4425

February 24 1130-1300 Camp Foster Bldg. 445

Newcomers’ Orientation Welcome Aboard (NOWA)

Accompanied USMC and USN personnel (all ranks), civilian employees, family members age 10 and up, and unaccompanied USMC and USN personnel (E-6 and above) are required to attend a NOWA brief. NOWA brief attendance is required to obtain a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) privately owned vehicle (POV) driver’s license. Please contact the Installation Safety Office at 645-7219 to inquire about taking the SOFA POV license examination prior to attending a NOWA brief. A valid stateside driver’s license is required to obtain a SOFA driver’s license. MCCS will facilitate the NOWA brief with the assistance of installation leaders and program subject matter experts.

Due to a lack of childcare for the Newcomers’ Orientation Welcome Aboard brief, the MCIPAC Chief of Staff has provided the option to request a Virtual NOWA brief for accompanied Service Members, DoD Civilians, and Contractors with family members under the age of 10. The virtual NOWA will be available for the spouse of the Service Member, DoD Civilian, or Contractor unless that member is a single parent and the child(ren) under the age of 10. All others are required to participate in the in-person NOWA brief. The Virtual NOWA brief is a four-hour, video based webinar facilitated via the Qualtrics system. Virtual NOWA brief codes and links are specific to the individual and will be emailed on Thursday by 1000, the day after the NOWA brief. Completion rosters will be submitted that Friday by 1400 to the Base Safety Office.

Children under the age of 10 will be permitted to attend the NOWA brief; however, parents should be made aware that the information being presented during the brief may not be considered appropriate for this age group. Two copies each of web orders (USMC)/original orders (USN) and Area Clearance/Dependent Entry Approval message, valid driver’s license, and valid identification card are required for SOFA POV license testing (for family members) immediately following the NOWA brief. Active duty personnel under the age of 26 must bring a certificate of completion for Driver’s Awareness (USMC)/Driving for Life (USN) training.

February 01 0730-1440

February 08 0730-1440

February 15 0730-1440

February 22 0730-1440

PCS Flowcharts

Foster Community Ctr.

Foster Community Ctr.

Foster Community Ctr.

Foster Community Ctr.

Check out our Accompanied and Unaccompanied PCS Flowcharts that provides step-by -step diagrams for the relocation process. These flowcharts are available for download at https://www.mccsokinawa.com/welcomeaboard

For more information, please contact us online at: Email: mcbb_nowa@usmc.mil

In-Person Sponsorship Training

Get the most up-to-date information on regulations and policies affecting PCS moves to Okinawa. This includes a full explanation of the sponsor’s roles and responsibilities, and information about the resources in place to assist with a sponsorship assignment with COVID-19 regulations.

February 07 0900-1100 Camp Kinser Bldg. 1220

February 13 1300-1500 Camp Foster Bldg. 5908

February 14 0900-1100 Camp Courtney Bldg. 4425

February 24 0900-1100 Camp Schwab Bldg. 3429

February 28 0900-1100 Camp Hansen Bldg. 2339

In-Person Sponsorship Coordinator Training

This workshop is designed to train Unit Sponsorship Coordinators (USC) to better understand their roles, duties and responsibilities in the unit’s Sponsorship program. This class will review all pertinent orders and directives, the Functional Area Inspection (FAI) checklist items and update all USC’s on changes within the program.

February 02 0900-1100 Camp Kinser Bldg. 1220

February 09 0900-1100 Camp Courtney Bldg. 4425

February 17 0900-1100 Camp Schwab Bldg. 3429

February 16 0900-1100 Camp Foster Bldg. 445

February 23 0900-1100 Camp Hansen Bldg. 2339

In-Person Smooth Move Workshop

The Smooth Move Workshop provides pre-departure and destination information on travel entitlements, base and community information, financial concerns, employment

February 13 0800-1030 Camp Foster Bldg. 5908

Virtual Smooth Move Workshop

The self-paced 2 hour virtual Smooth Move Workshop provides pre-departure and destination information on travel entitlements, base and community information, financial concerns, employment opportunities, and much more.

For more information, please contact us online at: Email: mcbb_reloassist@usmc.mil

For more information, please visit us online at: www.mccsokinawa.com/relocation

Credit Report and Score Analysis

Learn how to cope with a credit crisis and establish an action plan for building, rebuilding and maintaining your credit rating.

February 21 1100-1330 VIRTUAL

Saving and Investing

This class explores how to use saving and investing to achieve financial security. Learn about basic investing techniques, taking advantage of compounded interest and time, along with exploring various saving and investing tools and uses to help you reach your financial goals. Satisfies PFM training codes: FA.

February 09 1100-1300 VIRTUAL

Money Management Workshop

This hands-on workshop will enable attendees to prepare a financial statement, develop a budget, establish a savings plan, and build/rebuild a good credit record. Satisfies PFM training codes: PR, FD, FA, FC, FH, FE, FF, TL and FL. Please bring the following to class: Current LES, bank statements, investment statements and statements of debt/obligation.

February 23 0830-1130

February 24 0830-1130

Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) Workshop

Camp Hansen Bldg. 2339

Camp Shields Bldg. 6300

This workshop will explain how to manage your TSP retirement account, to include avoiding redundancy and allocating contributions. Will also discuss the Blended Retirement System to include the pension, TPS, continuation pay and lump sum retirement. Satisfies PFM training codes, FB, FG.

February 28 1330-1530

Command Financial Specialist

Camp Kinser Bldg. 1220

This training provides Unit Command Financial Specialists (CFS) with the basic tools, techniques, and information to perform as the unit CFS. Training provided is governed by OPNAVINST 1740.5B (Navy) and MCO 1700.37 (USMC).

February 13-17 0730-1630

Camp Foster Bldg. 439

To sign-up or register for the PFM classes, visit the MCCS PFM webpage at: www.mccsokinawa.com/personal_finance_management

VA Overseas Military Services Coordinator (OMSC)

Due to the COVID-19 protocols, the Veterans Affairs Office’s located at Camp Foster Marine and Family Programs, Bldg. 445 and Kadena Air Base Airman and Family Readiness Center, Bldg. 220, were closed, effective 20 May 2020. All appointments are suspended indefinitely.

For VA inquiries email: omscjapanok.vbavaco@va.gov

VA Advisors

For inquiries on education, healthcare, life insurance, or home loans, please see the below list of VA Advisors available for support:

Jeff Hanscom

• Email: jeff.hanscom.ctr@vatap.calibresys.com

• DSN: 645-4027

Retired Activities Office (RAO)

The RAO serves military retirees from all branches of service in a number of ways, to include the following:

• Serves as a central point to obtain valuable information.

• Provides reliable answers to questions.

• Refers individuals to appropriate service providers.

The RAO volunteer is a valuable link to help retirees and family members obtain the rights, benefits and privileges they are entitled to receive.

For more information about the RAO, or if interested in volunteering, please email RAO@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org or call 645-3159/3151.

Pre-Retirement Seminar

This workshop is an alternative option to the TRS for retiring service members. It covers recruiting, job market, resume preparation, federal employment, interview skills, and specific entitlements, to include: Financial and Estate Planning, TRICARE, Veterans benefits, and Relocation. Spouses of service members are welcome to attend the entire seminar. Service members are eligible to attend 24 months prior to retirement. For registration details, contact your Unit Transition Coordinator (UTC).

February 06-08 0730-1630

Transition Readiness Seminar (TRS)

Camp Foster Bldg. 439

The TRS is required for all Service Members separating from military service. Service Members must have completed an individual counseling (IC) and pre-separation brief prior to registration. The seminar incorporates briefs from Veterans Affairs, Department of Labor, Personal Financial Management and other important transition resources. For registration details, contact your Unit Transition Coordinator (UTC).

February 06-08 0730-1630

February 13-15 0730-1630

February 13-15 0730-1630

Camp Hansen Bldg. 2339

Camp Kinser Bldg. 1220

Camp Schwab Bldg. 3429

March 01 0730-1630

February 27–

Camp Foster Bldg. 439

Department of Labor Employment Workshop

The 2-Day Department of Labor Employment Workshop (DOL-EW) is available to meet the congressionally mandated requirement for those who seek employment after separating or retiring from the military. The DOL-EW curriculum is designed to assist service members with their transition into high-quality civilian careers. The track will assist in identifying and developing career goals, understanding hiring methods, as well as creating a professional introduction and a draft resume.

February 02-03 0730-1630

February 09-10 0730-1630

February 16-17 0730-1630

February 16-17 0730-1630

Camp Foster Bldg. 439

Camp Hansen Bldg. 2339

Camp Kinser Bldg. 1220

Camp Schwab Bldg. 3429

The TRP office does not accept direct registrations from Service Members. For more information on the TRP, please email MCBB_TRP@usmc.mil or call 645-3151.

Boots to Business (B2B)

The Small Business Administration (SBA) provides a live virtual workshop to deliver the Entrepreneurship Track - B2B. This 2-day introductory course is available to Service Members and their spouses/adult family members. This workshop provides valuable assistance to those who are exploring self-employment opportunities. The course provides the key steps for evaluating business concepts and the foundational knowledge required for developing a business plan. Participants are also introduced to SBA resources that are available.

February 16-17 0800-1630 Camp Foster Bldg. 455

The TRP office does not accept direct registrations from Service Members. For more information on the TRP, please email MCBB_TRP@usmc.mil or call 645-3151.

The FMEAP provides individual assistance with resume development and review, interview coaching, and a career resource center with a computer lab. All services are free and available to Service Members, retirees, reservists, DoD employees, military spouses and family members.

Resume Writing

Write a winning resume today! In this workshop you will be able to identify your skills, learn different resume formats, and how to write about your accomplishments so that an employer will call you for an interview.

February 08 0830-1130

February 22 0830-1130

Federal Government Employment

Camp Courtney Bldg. 4425

Camp Foster Bldg. 445

Applying for federal employment can be a daunting process, but we are here to help de-mystify the process. We will walk you through the application process, required documents, creating a resume and how to align your skills with the job qualifications.

February 09 0830-1130

Camp Kinser Bldg. 1220

For more information on FMEAP, please visit our website at www.mccsokinawa.com/FMEAP