Supe Bid at Okinawa

[Papa_Fox91]

Saw there's a supe bid at Naha in Okinawa Japan. My wife is Japanese so the bid caught my eye. I know I've heard good things about jumping ship from FAA to DOD as a controller, but is the same true for DOD supe jobs? How's the quality of life, job security, etc as a supe and would you be able to transition back into controlling if you applied for other DOD jobs down the line?

Any insight is appreciated! And I am pretty familiar with Okinawa and the culture there, but if anyone has specific knowledge about about the facility or location, it'd be appreciated. I don't think I'll actually apply but it's hard not to think about it.

 

[GulfCharlie]

Saw there's a supe bid at Naha in Okinawa Japan. My wife is Japanese so the bid caught my eye. I know I've heard good things about jumping ship from FAA to DOD as a controller, but is the same true for DOD supe jobs? How's the quality of life, job security, etc as a supe and would you be able to transition back into controlling if you applied for other DOD jobs down the line?

Any insight is appreciated! And I am pretty familiar with Okinawa and the culture there, but if anyone has specific knowledge about about the facility or location, it'd be appreciated. I don't think I'll actually apply but it's hard not to think about it.

You need to look into the healthcare aspect of it, civilians are not allowed to use the clinics / urgent care. My suggestion, join the 2152 DoD Civilians group on Facebook as they can provide much more information.

 

[Raz]

You need to look into the healthcare aspect of it, civilians are not allowed to use the clinics / urgent care. My suggestion, join the 2152 DoD Civilians group on Facebook as they can provide much more information.

I’m pretty sure that civilians are able to use base clinics/urgent care when assigned oconus.

 

[GulfCharlie]

I’m pretty sure that civilians are able to use base clinics/urgent care when assigned oconus.

I’d double brother, there was a civilian (my recollection, please double check me) who had a heart attack and died because he could not be seen by the urgent care / clinic, and the Japanese Healthcare System required a massive payment/translations to English and interpreters.

I do not bring this up to discourage anyone, if you are in your early 20’s or perfect health go for it. Hell my primary dream is/was Germany, the backup was Japan.

More than 10 Japanese hospitals declined to admit DOD civilian ahead of his heart attack death

www.stripes.com

 

[meanjoe]

having been in Germany, access to base healthcare was limited but not prohibited. We sought German healthcare usually though. I have BCBS Basic. Everything was reimbursed but we did have to come out of pocket for everything up front, to include an ER visit and a short hospital stay. I would imagine Japan works similarly. As long as you can function on the economy and don’t absolutely rely on American services to suit your own comfort level, you should be fine. There are translation fees. If memory serves, insurance reimbursed it also. As GC said though, do some homework if you have any medical issues. Specifically, mental health care is often lacking to non existent in some countries. Good luck.

Edit: sup life is decent working for the Army. There’s no penalty to seniority if you go back. Going back is as simple as applying and getting selected for a controller slot. I can’t speak for Japan.