For all the military and ex-military members (or other in the know):

My Uncle is likely going to finance an extended tropical vacation on Okinawa for me. I am assuming GI's are not allowed to take personal weapons with them to "The Rock." Am I correct? If I am, what is the best thing to do with my tiny, but highly cherrished, armory?

Oh, and thanks in advance for all the members who are willing to babysit and "ensure functionality" while I'm gone. Seriously though, the topic has been stressing me out some (more than any other aspect of the move, in fact). So any useful info/ideas would be greatly appreciated.

But when I was in (US army/USAF 1974-81) you could take them with you but they had to stay locked up in the Post/Base armory when not in use at the range..No keeping them in quarters.You might check with your current C.O. for current regs. and the particulars

I have yet to be stationed overseas, but I am fairly certain that the Military will pay for a limited amount of storage for the time of your tour. As for functionality and such, perhaps you can work a deal with a trusted gun shop or friend.........

__________________
Jim
US Navy - 21 years and running.........
SA Micro Compact - Loaded
RIA 5" 1911 (modified to be a tack-driver)
GSG 1911 22

4merFMF,

Check with your local TMO office. TMO should have the info you are looking for, if you know some MPs see if they cant get you a poc for Oki(Camp Foster) and you should be able to get it from them for sure. Cant remeber time difference is either 11/12 hrs from Pendelton. If you still have nothing then call your new CO if you can.

T Rex

Where to in Oki, got 2yrs at Camp Schwab here

Your situation is dependent on the SOFA (Status of Forces Agreement) that the US has with Japan. If you have hard copy orders in hand, check them - occasionally they address POWs. If not, call the MPs/SPs at your current duty station and ask to speak with their Customs rep. Failing this, call the Base/Post Levy section and ask them.

Off the top of my head, I'm going to say the answer you will receive will be no POWs authorized. While I've never been stationed in Japan/Okinawa, I have been stationed in Korea. Like Japan, Korea's laws on privately owned weapons are pretty restrictive and US SOFAs tend to be of the "When in Rome..." variety.

As far as the disposition of your POWs goes, I'm sure you plan on taking PCS leave prior to reporting to your new duty station. While on leave, take your collection to a trusted relative/loved one and have them keep it for you while you're away.

Hope that helps,

Mike

__________________
"All I want is to go into my house justified."

Don't Do It. Don't Think About It. Don't Even Try It. Its not worth the hassle and the
chance to do hard time in a foreign prison. I spent 21 years in USAF and can recount
stories of people who threw their guns away or destroyed them because of misunderstandings of foreign gun laws. Just ask the people who empty Amnesty boxes
at airports how many guns they find in them. The gun laws and procedures for travelling with or shipping guns overseas are complex and subject to change. There
is just too much that can go wrong and you loose your guns at least or end up in
foreign prison or worse. Leave your guns with a family member.

Some good advice form the folks above. I did a tour there March 85~Nov 86. Don't recall anyone having POW.

There is a lot to do there. Check out the diving sailing & beaches. Some good education opportunities too. Fishing isn't 1/2 bad.

Not like having your guns, but time goes by fast there. Enjoy your tour.