Can a family be moved to Japan if the Sailor's an E-2? He'll be a E-3 in December & test in 6 mo. for E-4?

Question

We were surprised to see that his orders are for Japan and devastated when we were told we can't go with him, he is there for two years! I am in hopes that the 3rd hand information we were given was wrong so I am throwing it out there. I certainly was prepared for the unknown of the military life but breaking a family up for 2 years doesn't seem good for anyone. Please help if you have any information, thanks in advance!

Answer 1

It all depends on where he is being stationed in Japan. Some bases in Japan are very secluded, and the military will not let military family members go to Japan because medical facilities and american schools are not available for the family members. The rank of the military member should not make a difference on whether or not the military member's family can go to Japan.

   Another thing that may have happened is who ever told you that the family could not go to Japan may have made a mistake, and may be thinking of some where else. I would have your husband inquire as to why his family is not able to travel with him.

    If he is stationed in Japan with out his family, the tour is normally only one year long. Due to the war on terror it may have been made longer, but it is passable that it will be shortened later. Also if he does have to be there for 2 years, he will get leave and be able to come home and see his family, probably for up to 30 days per year.

     I would be interested in knowing which base he is being stationed at. All of the navy bases that I know of around here allow sailors to bring there family.  

Answer 2

With the Navy making E4 isn't automatic if he has to test for it.  The tests are done in March and September with results coming out 2 months later.  So if he makes E3 in December he will usually have to wait until September before writing the exam for the first time.  And there is no guarantee that he will pass it  he may need to take it several times before he does.

OCONUS assignments with dependents are for E4 and above because financially you can be more sound.   The cost of living in Japan is quite expensive especially for a family and if you have children then it is even harder.  If he can get accompanied orders for some reason you would have to pass an Overseas Medical & Dental screening and he would have to extend from 2 years to 3 years.  You cannot go over there by yourself and be allowed to do anything, you must go command sponsored.

The reason he got orders for Japan is because he was needed there at the time.  Those orders still may change and he may not go because that has happened at the last minute before.  

Answer 3

Yes you can move to Japan. The military should pay for everything and give you a house on base. Make it happen because it will be hard on your relationship if you dont see him for two years. But even if you get moved to Japan get ready to not see him very ofter. If hes on a boat or sub he'll be in the ocean for months at a time! Have him go to his "readiness NCO" immediately and discuss what your asking here on yahoo. Best of luck to you!

Thank you for your husbands service and God bless America!

Answer 4

probably will not happen.    he would have to request an ORDMOD when he gets there and agree to extend at minimum one year.  if you have school aged children....count on it NOT being approved.  the schools are overcrowded.  No room.  

they based accompanied orders on CURRENT paygrade, not one he may get in a few months time.  

In fact they may tell him he cannot request it until he makes E4 and then  he has to agree to extend another year.  

Answer 5

THIS IS LIKE SOME NASA c**p GOING ON RIGHT HERE EH!!!!!

Answer 6

if you are married you should be able to go but it is the military so they can change that but that is all based on different circumstances in which they will say that you are unable to go with him. however if you are not married then they will not allow you to go at least on their dime.

Answer 7

If he is your husband and his orders are to Japan, I don't understand why you wouldn't be able to go. My fiance is in Texas right now and I chose not to go as he is there for less than a year but we are getting married before his next duty station, especially since it is most likely going to be europe and I know for a fact I will be moving with him. His rank shouldn't matter if you are his dependent.

Answer 8

Someone that junior in rate and rating does not usually get a command-sponsored tour (one with dependents along). Those are reserved for folks with higher ranks. And even if he does gain promotion to Petty Officer Third Class his tour will be based on his rate and rating at the time his orders were issued.

I served eight years in Japan. One of those tours was a one-year unaccompanied tour and I was an officer at the time. I served my first one-year tour as a Petty Officer Second Class before I was married. But, in both cases, they were unaccompanied tours.