MCCS Newcomers' Orientation Welcome Aboard

Info

Event: Newcomers’ Orientation Welcome Aboard (NOWA) Brief

Schedule:

0645 - Arrival for those taking the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) privately owned vehicle licensing exam, as well as for Japanese license holders and transfers within Japan.

0700 – 0830 - Optional SOFA POV license examination at the Installation Safety Office (may also be completed before or after the NOWA Brief).

0815 - Arrival time for individuals taking the non-POV SOFA license exam.

0830 – 1415 - Mandatory NOWA Brief session.

Location: Camp Foster Community Center, building 5908

Attire: Proper civilian attire or military uniform.

According to the United States Forces Japan guidelines, all SOFA personnel and their families stationed in Japan must complete an indoctrination training program within 72 hours of their arrival. The NOWA Brief fulfills this obligation.

Children aged 10 years and up must attend the NOWA Brief. A Youth and Teen Tour will also be available for newcomers between ages 10 to 18. This tour includes visits to various Camp Foster facilities and departures from the Community Center.

Children aged 9 years and younger are not required to attend the NOWA Brief.

Virtual NOWA Brief:

A virtual version is offered for the spouses of active-duty members, DoD civilians, and contractors who have children younger than 10. Single parents with children under this age may also participate virtually. All others must attend the in-person session.

In-person attendance is encouraged as some content may not be appropriate for all ages. The virtual format lasts four hours and participants will receive individual access codes and training links via email after the in-person sessions.

Childcare Options:

MCCS Child Care Services provide free childcare for NOWA Brief attendees on a limited, one-time basis. Details include:

Services are available at the Camp Foster Chimugukuru Child Development Center.
Limited spaces for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years.
Drop-off begins at 06:15; pick-up no later than 15:00.
Pre-registration is required at the MCCS Resource & Referral office.
Reservations must be made by noon on the Tuesday prior to the NOWA Brief.

Transportation:

A shuttle bus will transport attendees from the Camp Foster Westpac Inn to the NOWA Brief. Specific times are provided for those attending both the licensing exams and the brief. Newcomers not staying at the Westpac Inn are responsible for their own transportation arrangements.

Attendees should bring items such as a check-in sheet, a light jacket, and documents required for the SOFA POV licensing exam, if applicable. Dependents attending the brief must have necessary sponsor signatures.

For more details on the briefing, newcomers can find comprehensive information through the official military channels.

Important Notes:

All components of the NOWA Brief must be completed to obtain a SOFA POV driver’s license. Personnel are advised to complete their licensing exam prior to joining the NOWA Brief.