Okinawa

[Mister Pinky]

I will be at the Hotel JAL City Naha, which is in Makishi. Would you be able to estimate approximate taxi fares from that area? It's on a main road, so is daytime public transport an option, or a pain?

Sorry mate, not familiar with that area but I am sure if you are a serious monger, you'll be able to find a way to to get to the desired destination. HAPPY HUNTING.

[Kerfuffle]

Depends on where in Naha you are.

If you are in the Tomari area it will cost:

about 1000 Yen to get to Tsuji
-2000-2500 yen to get to Maehara
-3000-5000 to get to Yoshihara.

I will be at the Hotel JAL City Naha, which is in Makishi. Would you be able to estimate approximate taxi fares from that area? It's on a main road, so is daytime public transport an option, or a pain?

[Gagoo]

The new liberty does not affect all SOFA status personnel on THE ROCK. Though Commanding General III MEF R. Zilmer may be the top dog on the island, his liberty order does not encompass Army, Navy or Air Force personnel unless their COs choose to follow it. Of course, Navy personnel attached to Marine Units such as 3D MLG, etc. must obey this order. SOFA status personnel that are dependents, contract worker or whatever that have area clearance under these services are also not mandated by the sanctions of the liberty order issued by Zilmer. They have been, are doing and will continue to carry on business as usual.

When I was there a few years ago, the Marines and attached Navy personnel had stricter rules back then too. In the forums for Japan Update paper, the Air Force personnel are still complaining about a no drinking after midnight policy for them.

When I went from Okinawa to Yokosuka the rules got more dumb as the Sailors were doing all kinds of serious offenses.

[Skinjob X]

I am refering to the new liberty order released about a month ago not what occured earlier that had everyone locked down.

I am also referring to that order.

The new MCBJ/III MEF Order 1050.7 Liberty Campaign Order can be accessed on-line at the MCB, Camp Butler adjutant SharePoint homepage at the following CAC-protected site: https://wss.mcbbutler.usmc.mil/G1/Adjutant/default.aspx. Under the directives links, click MCBJ/III MEF orders and locate MCBJ/III MEF Order 1050.7.

The III MEF liberty order pertains to active duty Marines and Navy personnel attached to MCBJ on Okinawa as well as Camp Fuji and Iwakuni in Nippon.

[Vice Squad]

I am refering to the new liberty order released about a month ago not what occured earlier that had everyone locked down. I am fully aware that the original had everyone restricted and they later removed that. The new order that a friend sent to me a few weeks back stipulates what I said below. I have it on a work computer but can provide you a copy later if you want.

If they have since changed the new order then I apologize as I have not been made aware of any of these changes yet.

The new liberty does not affect all SOFA status personnel on THE ROCK. Though Commanding General III MEF R. Zilmer may be the top dog on the island, his liberty order does not encompass Army, Navy or Air Force personnel unless their COs choose to follow it. Of course, Navy personnel attached to Marine Units such as 3D MLG, etc. must obey this order. SOFA status personnel that are dependents, contract worker or whatever that have area clearance under these services are also not mandated by the sanctions of the liberty order issued by Zilmer. They have been, are doing and will continue to carry on business as usual.

[Psdai]

This is incorrect. The only SOFA status personnel affected by the liberty order are active duty Marines and active duty Navy personnel attached to Marine units or Navy units honoring the Marine liberty order, ie, Camp Lester Navy personnel. Air Force, Army and CFAO Navy personnel may have used the Marine liberty order as a guide for a short time but then went their own ways and lifted many of the restrictions that applied to the Marines and certain Navy personnel. Originally, the liberty order included all SOFA status personnel but was shortly lifted to only include those mentioned above.

I am refering to the new liberty order released about a month ago not what occured earlier that had everyone locked down. I am fully aware that the original had everyone restricted and they later removed that. The new order that a friend sent to me a few weeks back stipulates what I said below. I have it on a work computer but can provide you a copy later if you want.

If they have since changed the new order then I apologize as I have not been made aware of any of these changes yet.

[Skinjob X]

Actually the Liberty order is very clear and states all SOFA personel (active duty, dependants, contractors, and government civilian employees).

I am free and clear these days since I retired and work for an Okinawan company but if you fall under the above watch yourself.

This is incorrect. The only SOFA status personnel affected by the liberty order are active duty Marines and active duty Navy personnel attached to Marine units or Navy units honoring the Marine liberty order, ie, Camp Lester Navy personnel. Air Force, Army and CFAO Navy personnel may have used the Marine liberty order as a guide for a short time but then went their own ways and lifted many of the restrictions that applied to the Marines and certain Navy personnel. Originally, the liberty order included all SOFA status personnel but was shortly lifted to only include those mentioned above.

[IveGotBigBalls]

The new order also prohibits all military members from patronizing bars or clubs off-base as well as consuming alcohol off base after 2 a.m. Service members may be in eating establishments after 2 a.m., but the purchase of alcoholic beverages is prohibited.

Even during the restricted period, sanctions against dependents, DODDS personnel and any other group protected by the SOFA were not the same as those for active duty military. See: https://wss.mcbbutler.usmc.mil/G1/Adjutant/default.aspx

[Psdai]

If I am not mistaken, if you are not active duty, the restrictions will not apply to you.

Actually the Liberty order is very clear and states all SOFA personel (active duty, dependants, contractors, and government civilian employees).

I am free and clear these days since I retired and work for an Okinawan company but if you fall under the above watch yourself.

[IveGotBigBalls]

Further, just remember it doesn't take you messing up for your ass to get trouble. You could be doing all the right things and someone else make a problem for you, or a simple auto accident and your done for.

Not suggesting you don't go - merely saying if do to be very, very careful, aware of your surroundings, and not to be doing to much drinking or you could be the one they end upmaking an example of to discourage others.

If I am not mistaken, if you are not active duty, the restrictions will not apply to you.

[Psdai]

Though the rule is you can't be in a bar or be drinking after midnight out in town, that really would only affect areas near the base where there may be patrols.

If you are in Naha at one of the local clubs or bars I doubt you'll get much surveillance.

True, except you still have to worry about those locals who do not like us being here. The same reports you see in the various English news explaining the Liberty policy are plastered all over the Japanese news as well. This leaves a chance that they may report you. This happened in mulitple instances while you guys were on restriction earlier this year. I am retired, with a full beard and it happened to me twice, even though I was out with Okinawan buddies, so it is always something to keep in the back of your head.

Further, just remember it doesn't take you messing up for your ass to get trouble. You could be doing all the right things and someone else make a problem for you, or a simple auto accident and your done for.

Not suggesting you don't go - merely saying if do to be very, very careful, aware of your surroundings, and not to be doing to much drinking or you could be the one they end upmaking an example of to discourage others.

[IveGotBigBalls]

Thanks to those who replied to my questions. I think I can live with the stop drinking part at 2AM. It won't be quite the same however. I didn't really fall under the General's rules, except for the part that says all military.
I'm not in the AF, but I've read they can't drink or be in a bar after midnight or something. Now that would suck.

Though the rule is you can't be in a bar or be drinking after midnight out in town, that really would only affect areas near the base where there may be patrols.

If you are in Naha at one of the local clubs or bars I doubt you'll get much surveillance.

[Fish Head Jones]

House 15-21 has young, beautiful Gaijin friendly service providers. It is a corner shop. The signage is all kanji but it is easy to find. It is one of the cornershops at the an intersection. It is the intersection where one of the small streets ends with the shop WISH. If you look at WISH, the 15-21 shop is to the left. It is connected to the YSL shop. You will see the address 15-21 on the side of the building with small numbers.

I had Yuki. Very nice. Extremely good looking and friendly. CBJ was short but expertly handled. The rest was not bad (CG+Mish). Her customer service was outstanding. 5K.

[Gagoo]

Thanks to those who replied to my questions. I think I can live with the stop drinking part at 2AM. It won't be quite the same however. I didn't really fall under the General's rules, except for the part that says all military.
I'm not in the AF, but I've read they can't drink or be in a bar after midnight or something. Now that would suck.

[Skinjob X]

As for the buy me drink bars being closed that is inaccurate. There are still a few outside of gate 2 that are indeed open. Those that were outside ofHansen are all gone however.

Regarding the military curfew - if you are a Marine then you may still face a curefew based upon your rank or the liberty card they have issued you. Not military myself anymore so not sure of the exact details but they had an article out about it recently. I will see if I can track it down and post more details for you.

Some notes on the liberty policy in Okinawa:

Lieutenant Gen. Richard C. Zilmer, commanding general of III MEF and MCBJ, signed a new Liberty Campaign Order Sept 29.
The order effectively combines all orders and directives relating to leave, liberty and special liberty. The order provides simple guidance and expectations of military members assigned to MCBJ and III MEF within Japan while in an off-duty status.
"This order includes measures designed to prevent misconduct and promote responsible and mature behavior," said Zilmer. "I expect the highest degree of responsibility, maturity and self-discipline from Marines and sailors, family members and civilians here in Japan. We are all ambassadors and must serve as good neighbors to our Japanese and Okinawan hosts."
The most significant change as a result of the new order is an end to the midnight curfew for all Marines and sailors, which has been in effect since early April. However, the midnight curfew still applies to red liberty card holders who must observe a midnight to 5 a.m. curfew and are required to have a liberty-buddy during off-base liberty. Gold liberty card holders now have no curfew.
The new order also prohibits all military members from patronizing bars or clubs off-base as well as consuming alcohol off base after 2 a.m. Service members may be in eating establishments after 2 a.m., but the purchase of alcoholic beverages is prohibited.
The new 70-page Liberty Campaign Order is the result of a series of actions taken by Marine Corps leadership to improve the conduct of service members during off-base liberty on Okinawa. Many of these measures are the result of a series of off-base liberty incidents earlier this year that garnered significant negative reaction from U.S. and Japanese officials, local leaders and the Okinawan community, the most significant of which was the abusive sexual contact of an Okinawan girl by a Marine in February.
Among the changes made over the past seven months were an expansion of uniformed courtesy patrols, changes to the liberty card policy, checks of outgoing vehicles at U.S. Marine Corps installations and additions to the Newcomer's Orientation Welcome Aboard (NOWA) Seminar.
The new Liberty Campaign Order addresses leave and liberty regulations, the off-base liberty card program, the liberty risk program, liberty buddy order, the courtesy patrol program, prohibited activities, civilian clothing regulations, and the alcohol abuse and de-glamorization policy.
Over the next few months, the Okinawa Marine newspaper will publish a series of stories about the various aspects of the new order to highlight what Marines and sailors should know.
The new MCBJ/III MEF Order 1050.7 Liberty Campaign Order can be accessed on-line at the MCB, Camp Butler adjutant SharePoint homepage at the following CAC-protected site: https://wss.mcbbutler.usmc.mil/G1/Adjutant/default.aspx. Under the directives links, click MCBJ/III MEF orders and locate MCBJ/III MEF Order 1050.7.
Some of the significant policy changes found in the new order include:
ALCOHOL IN THE BARRACKS
E-3s and below who live in barracks shall not possess more than six 12-oz beers/wine coolers/malt liquor beverages or one bottle of wine per occupant of legal drinking age (20 years old).
Hard liquor is not authorized to be purchased by, consumed by, possessed by or stored in barracks of E-3s and below regardless of age. This includes those E-3s and below who are in a TAD or leave status. Hard liquor is defined by the Order as any beverage with an alcohol content of 10% or higher (20 proof or higher).
Non-commissioned officer or petty officers (E-4/E-5) who live in barracks shall not possess more than one 750 ml container of hard liquor or twelve 12-oz beers/wine coolers/malt liquor or two (2) bottles of wine per occupant of legal age. Hard liquor will be locked up at all times when not being consumed. An example of "securing" hard liquor would be locked within wall lockers or desk secretaries within the barracks room.
LIBERTY CARD POLICY
No liberty card will be issued until completion of the NOWA Seminar and the Standards of Conduct Class for all newcomers, regardless of rank. Newcomers are not allowed unaccompanied liberty without their sponsor until receiving the NOWA Seminar and Standards of Conduct Class.
Company commanders and company grade officers designated by battalion/squadron-level commanders may assign red liberty cards to deserving Marines and sailors. Only battalion/squadron-level commanders will assign gold liberty cards based upon recommendations of company, battery, and section team (CO, XO, 1stSgt) for those who have EARNED it through demonstrated maturity, judgment and superior conduct.
Service members E-4 and E-5 will normally be issued a gold liberty card. However, commanders may grant red liberty cards to those who, in the commander's judgment, have not demonstrated those traits outlined in the Order.
Service members E-6 and above will normally be issued a gold liberty card. However, the commander may consider initially issuing a red liberty card, should he/she desire a period of observation.
Off-base liberty for service members issued a red liberty card is secured to their home camp from midnight to 5 a.m.
All service members issued a red liberty card must have a liberty buddy during off-base liberty.
Service members issued a gold liberty card are authorized "overnight" liberty and are not required to check in, unless directed by their commander.
Drinking alcohol off-base is secured at 2 a.m. and NO service members are allowed in bars/clubs off-base past this time, regardless of color of liberty card or rank. Service members may be in eating establishments after 2 a.m., but purchase of alcoholic beverages is strictly prohibited.
Local leave in Japan does not dismiss the requirements to adhere to the rules of the Red and Gold Liberty Card Program. Red card holders on leave and in possession of valid leave papers may be off-base and are not required to check in, but must be indoors (hotel or private residence) between midnight and 5 a.m. when officially signed out on leave and in possession of valid leave papers.
LIBERTY BUDDY POLICY
Marines and sailors, E-3 and below, and all Red Liberty Card holders must have a liberty buddy for off-base liberty. The requirement for a liberty buddy applies to all liberty periods, including after working hours, over weekends, and during special liberty hours. Marines and sailors serving an accompanied tour are to have a liberty buddy in the event their family member is not available to accompany him/her during one of the above periods. Marines and sailors traveling between their residence and base do not require a liberty buddy for such travel, so long as they are traveling directly between base and residence and make no stops along the way.
If liberty buddies become separated, they must report their separation to their command within 30 minutes. While becoming separated from a liberty buddy in and of itself does not represent a violation of this Order, failing to report the separation is a violation of this Order.
OUTBOUND GATE CHECKS
At a minimum, all open access control points, on all Marine Corps camps and stations will have a non-commissioned officer or petty officer or above present (in a duty status) for outbound traffic checks between the hours of 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. on weekends and holidays.