Can you share or describe your experiences as a civilian employee at Yokosuka Naval Base.  New civilians will like to learn about the civilian life in Japan. Please share !!

I think its pretty obvious who the civilians are, and who aren't. Unusually long hair, beard, tucked in shirt (some of us), different clothes type of clothes, etc...

** oh and yes the belly..  Most civilians have that (I'm not going to PT mentality) anymore, so some have grown a little pot belly upfront..  I am guilty to some degree as well **

Bottom line, things are good. Not really sure what you want to hear.

I dont get harassed. I think when you come through the gates, they say, good morning sir, so you definitely get looked at some degree like an officer or the respect level.

Civilians cannot use the galley, unless on special occasions when they open it up for all-hands.

Other than that, life is good. No real issues to bring out.

If this is the first time being around Military, it may be a different life style, but I am used to seeing men and women in uniform, since I used to be one myself. I have lived/worked on this base 9 years now, so I am pretty familiar with things, and civilian's to the most part get left alone.

You always have contracted civilians coming in and out of Japan, to work on projects or meetings that take place. There are always new faces, but to the most part, you start to embed in your memory who is who because you see them all the time.

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Pretty easy to comment about. If you are a World Wide Hire (Stateside hire) then life is just grand and you just get richer. If you are a local hire, you would qualify for most federal aide programs in the states.

Adam, I think it is funny you say a little guilty. You look pregnant, and no it is not sexy.

I am still in for 6 more months, but would consider civilian employment here. Of the people I work with, the civilians seem the happiest.

Ok, Adam, you don't look pregnant, but your pot belly has grown way too much.

Ok, Adam, you don't look pregnant, but your pot belly has grown way too much.

Don't be jealous..Jug - I eat good

Willie..

Once you enter Japan, you become part of a program, called "SOFA" which means, Status of Forces Agreement, with the Japanese government.  Although it does have its benefits if you happen to commit a crime, and america having some protection clauses.  Being in Japan, you are removed the right to be a real civilian as you might think of in the USA.  I for one would like to start a business.  Because of SOFA, I am unable to, without the base permission.  Its not saying that I cannot, its saying that I have to ask, get permission, and at anytime they feel they dont want me continuing, I can be told to stop the business.

This would never happen in the USA.  So its just something to think about, before you come over here.

I am following the above complaint, but its still aggravating.  You will have to figure out work arounds, for putting a business in someone else's name, and having no income or royalties received from assisting with the business.

The base wants to have control over their personnel when you live overseas, which I do understand, and its a very political situation, however, if you think you will be a full blown civilian that can do as you please, your wrong.

You will have to follow every base rule, as if you were a military member. 

I have heard there are civilians stateside, who choose not to come over to Japan because of these rules. 

In the states, you do have more freedom, but, you also dont get to experience the great life of living in Japan. 

Just wanted to point this out to you, because it was something I forgot to mention.

Willie,

Two problems with this post and they both relate to each other:

1) You are a Civil Servant and as a GSCS will be treated accordingly. Most of the time respect wiill be thrown at you albeit unwillingly.

2) Most of the civilians on this forum (who are active) are contractors... We get treated as second rate citizens 90% of the time. Especially from CFAY & CFAY Legal.

As a GS (I know it went away but work with me here)...as a GS you will be given the respect you somewhat deserve and when you ask for something it will either be given to you or a damn good reason will be dispensed as to why it isn't given to you.

This base is Civilian friendly as long as the term civilian is defined as "Non-Contractor Civil Servant" As a contractor I can say just keep your nose clean and don't give them a reason to f#$k with you and you are safe. But, again, you are a GSCS so...you got it made matey!

On the other hand, NSPS has been repealed and we have been directed to return to the GS system.

A GOOD thing.

But Wilson is right. Contractors get stepped on all the time. Glad I'm not one of them.

 "Because of SOFA, I am unable to, without the base permission.  Its not saying that I cannot, its saying that I have to ask, get permission, and at anytime they feel they dont want me continuing, I can be told to stop the business."

Adam,
Just clear some things up here we need to get back to basics as it relates to passports and visas.  The US government sponsors all SOFA personnel just as if any other employer would if you worked in Japan for them.  As such, your sole purpose is to work for your sponsor, not for yourself.  It's a GOJ law and there ain't nothin' you can do about it.

That being said, there ARE situations where you can start your own business those situations are difficult to find.  You cannot deal with alcohol, directly compete with a similar business in the same designated physical location, etc., etc. 

You can also marry a Japanese citizen and open a business in their name.

Wilson,
I worked as a contractor for two years before I came into government service and was never treated any differently than I am now.  The use of base legal is for military only and has been.  Perhaps it's your work location and their attitude.  Please don't try to speak for everyone based  on your experience.  While it may provide some information it shouldn't be a blanket statement.  I know plenty of contractors who have no complaints whatsoever.

By the way, MLC employees are contractors as well, but most folks are not aware of that.

Contractors come under a different set of rules than DoD employees and as such are subject to more strict disciplinary restrictions.  Contractors don't work for the DoD but for a private company.  That company is sponsored by CNFJ.  If the company's employees mess up then the company could loose it's ability to do business in Japan.  If I had a company and one of my employees got caught in a mess, be it on base or off, the chances are real good they'd get their walking papers.  I'm not risking my livelihood to someone not smart enough to keep their nose clean.

GB, obviously one can never speak for everyone, but what I said stands. You might of had a great time, but I have ran in to many many situations that I or many of my fellow contractor friends had to "just deal with" instead of getting an answer. Notice who I said it came from mostly...this is not who I work for...I love the people I work for/with as I am at a fantastic command. But the point of the topic was how you are treated on Yokosuka Naval Base.

I beg to differ that the CFAY Legal is for the military only. Yes, I'll agree that is their primary purpose here, but they are also available to anyone who is here on a "Travel Agreement". I know several contractors who can use CFAY Legal...and you as a civil servant are also allowed to use CFAY Legal. Retirees are allowed use without any restrictions.

Since someone else agreed with me here I won't push it down the dirt road that what I said is true. I am very happy to hear you had no problems as a contractor, I am sure there are a ton of contractors here that haven't had any issues. You and I have both been here a long time (you win that length battle), but in my 17 years here I have seen more bad situations for contractors than positive ones. Not always me being the victim, but at least I was a witness to it.

Now if the topic were related to my job...I love where I work, who I work for, the company I work for, the environment I work in, the location of my job, the benefits bestowed on me...I have a d#$n good life here, but that does not mean I could have experienced times that were bad.

As an NSPS employee and retired Navy I can say that in many ways I am treated better than when I was in and in others my time in the Navy was better.  I am treated better and with more respect now as a civilian but I don't have the same power in my punch as I did when I was active.  I guess as I climb the ladder of success I will gain some of that power again but overall I can say life is pretty good.

I would like it better if local hired employees could get a little housing assistance.  Stateside hires get alot of money for housing in addition to a higher base pay.  Local hires get no support as far as housing and COLA is a joke.  I was working as a GS-4 about 3 years ago and was losing money every month.  GS-4 makes about $24,000 annually.  Rent was about $1000 monthly.  Food and other expenses all added up.  We were about a month or so from calling it quits and moving somewhere cheaper in the states.  I have since gotten a better position and my wife is working so life is better.  My point is that with the right job you will have it made as a civilian.  As an expendable local hire, it will be a struggle but at least you will be treated nicely.

Wilson,

 You seem to forget why you are here, the USG hired your company to do a job cheaper than it can do by employing USCS employees. No one is forcing you to stay and it obvious that you have been here long enough to get a USCS job if you wanted one, you are being paid so you have no right to complain. At one time I was also a contractor, I never experinced any type of problems with the CFAY, of I didn't run around demanding this or that. 

Gentlemen, why are you reading my post so deeply?!?!?! Slickster and GBeckwith...I did no complaining, I did not gripe about anything. I made a statement. I have had several chances to convert to USCS, but the huge pay cut kept me from doing that. I never complained nor said an ill word. I stated simply the truth about "Civilian Life as a DoD Employee in Yokosuka Naval Base"...it is better to be a USCS than a contractor in many facets of daily life on this base. Why is that so hard to understand?!?! The topic was "Civilian Life as a DoD Employee in Yokosuka Naval Base" so I answered it... What part of my second post didn't make sense to you slickster?!?! Here it is again for you, "Now if the topic were related to my job...I love where I work, who I work for, the company I work for, the environment I work in, the location of my job, the benefits bestowed on me...I have a d#$n good life here, but that does not mean I could have experienced times that were bad. "

Please read the post before you try to put your own meaning to it.

I read your post deeply and all I found was the secret KFC recipe.

Loki, now you're making me hungry... I read the posts deeply, also. I think I read them too deeply though, as I started to have an out-of-body experience.

Well don't tell them I gave it to you...I definitely don't want to be in a corporate espionage trial with KFC.

How do things differ for a state side hire who has a Japanese spouse and child who are Japanese citizens?

I dont really know what a Japanese spouse and child have to do with working in the base. I will tell you that having a Japanese spouse (As I do) you will experience and understand certain things living here, that most individuals dont see or realize that go on. Its easier of course for you to get things done off-base, since your wife can assist with certain matters.

As far as onbase, your job will be completely up to you and how your work ethic is, and what type of position you have.

Having a State side hire position, I will tell you that most people in Japan are not stateside hire so (just advice) try not to blab too much about that situation. Its not going to give you any extra perks, except for EXTRA money. I know someone will probably try to comment about what I just said, but the simple fact is, people hate what they dont have, or they cannot get. So one thing I have learned, is to keep your mouth shut, because frankly its no ones business.

If you have any other questions, you can PM me..

Does anyone know if there are DoD jobs for nurses? My husband seems to think so and I have no idea. If so, how do I go about getting one. Tried contacting the Ombudsman and our sponsor. Not much help there.

Thanks.

There is no difference for stateside hire. Spouse and child are a non-issue relative to employment, that's discriminatory. There are plenty of them here, one in my shop for example.

Richard McManus - thank you for recognizing the local hires!!! I was born and raised here. Dad retired as a Chief in '89. So ya, I'm a Navy bratt that never left Yokosuka. I love it here, it is my home. I have my benefits as a USCS employee like having a Y-Plated car, kids going to school onbase, being able to use the hospital (though they charge like crazy), comissarry, NEX and MWR. Life is great but like Richard said, it would be sweet if we had some housing assistance. We pay everything out of pocket so yes, like Adam said, we may not want what a Stateside Hire has but quesition why the government won't pay a little more to the Local Hires to do the same job. Most of can do the jobs that's available for Stateside hires so why?? The Govt would save a lot more money having the local hires fill the position as they would not have to pay for quarters allowance (rent) and utiliites or anything else for that matter. Just our regular pay... yes, I think most of us here, no matter what our background and how we are able to stay here, have our likes and dislikes of life as a DOD employee in Yokosuka. All and all, I love it!!

Adam, I am about to become a GS and work in Yokosuka. Can you tell me about your experience with dental coverage. There are several choices for GS employees and prices vary from 60 to 130/month for a family. The cheapest one seems fine but you have to mail in your claims and the receipt/description of service need to be in English or at least translated. Can you or someone explain your experiences and if you found a good plan to work with - say what the plan is? things to consider Finding a dentist making an appointment Claims process/difficulty Cost etc. Thanks