I don't know anyone who enjoys paperwork, especially military paperwork, but if you want to come to Japan you better start loving it. Make sure that you know what day the orders say your sailor has to report by. He will most likely be leaving on this day no matter what. You, your kids and pets are another story. It is up to you to finish your paperwork in time to move with your husband or wife. There is a whole lot to do, so get started as soon as you can. The following things are what you need in order to be approved to live in Japan and be a part of the base.
Orders
Orders are what makes everything official. Before you have these its all just word of mouth and as a lot of people can tell you, if it isn't in writing then it doesn't exist. Orders can be pretty hard to read so if you are having trouble understanding them, head over to your PSD and ask them for help. You will be working with these people a lot in the coming months so get to know them. Make sure that those orders are accompanied!
Passport
A passport is the way that you travel from country to country. They will check your passport three to four times before you have even left America so believe me, you can't do with out this. You do have options though. You can apply for a no-fee passport at the passport office located on major bases. This no fee passport can only be used for traveling on official orders. Make sure that you and all of your dependents have one of their own. The other option is a regular passport. This will let you travel to other countries with or without orders and costs around $75 plus a processing fee in some places. If you would like, click here to complete and print out. Apply as soon as possible because it can take up to 90 days to show up. Your military member will not need a passport to travel to the country on orders but it is highly recommended that he or she have one anyway.
Overseas Screening
Find out where to pick up your overseas screening packet on base. If you are on a smaller base, you may have to go to another one to pick it up. You will need to have an overseas screening for each dependent going to Japan. Once you have your packet call to make an appointment for an overseas screening with your Doctor. In the packet it will ask you a lot of questions about your health history. They are trying to determine if the facilities over here will meet your needs. Hospitals here are for basic problems and are not made to care for people with chronic illness. Check that your Doctor has filled out all of his portion, and make extra sure they signed everything that they need to. You will also need a dental exam and this can be done by your normal dentist. Make sure he fills out everything. You will also need to get some shots before you can be approved. If you have a shot record, great! You probably won't have to have as many. Double check that every last page is completed and signed by the appropriate people. Turn in your packet to the overseas screening office and now wait. Depending on how busy they are, this can take a while.
Importing Your Pet
This is a headache all on its own. Here is a list of everything that must be completed. It is a lot to do and make sure that you do everything as specified. If you get that blood test too early or late your furry friend may not be allowed into Japan.
Family Entry Approval/ Command Sponsorship
Make sure that everything above has been completed and also that everyone is enrolled in DEERS and you must go over any debts that your family has with a counselor. Please refer to this to help guide you. It is for the Coast Guard but it is the same form for Navy. Your sponsor must turn this completed into his command to receive the Entry Approval.
Get Your Flight
Contact the PSD once all your paperwork has been completed for your flight arrangements.
Make sure to contact your sponsor for all the information that you need in order to get over to Japan. These are the big things that need to be done and you may need to do some smaller things in between. Try to start this process as quickly as possible and make sure to write everything people tell you. Also, make note of who told you what or who said they are going to do something for you. I turned in some papers to the PSD only to have them lost by that person. When they asked me who it was, I had no idea so I had to start that paperwork over. Take names! The more organized you are the smoother this bumpy ride will be for you.
If you have any questions or comments, please contact me at navywifeinjapan@gmail.com.
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