Representatives of the Okinawa prefectural government observe an Okinawa Orientation Overview — the newcomers briefing for U.S. military personnel — at Camp Foster, Okinawa, Nov. 16, 2016. (Daniel Jean-Paul/U.S. Navy)
CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa — U.S. military officials are considering changes to the mandatory newcomers briefing for personnel arriving on Okinawa as part of a broader response to sexual assault cases involving service members on the island.
The Okinawa prefectural government has reviewed the Okinawa Orientation Overview, also known as the welcome aboard briefing, and provided input this year, according to Sidney Sullivan, a spokeswoman for Marine Corps Installations Pacific’s G-7 Government and External Affairs office.
All personnel covered by the U.S.-Japan status of forces agreement, including service members, Defense Department civilians and their families, must complete the briefing within 72 hours of arriving on Okinawa. SOFA outlines the rights and responsibilities of anyone in Japan with the U.S. military.
In January, the prefecture proposed changes to a part of the briefing that addresses incidents and accidents involving service members, a spokesman for the Military Base Affairs Division said by phone Tuesday.
It also requested changes to the description of Irei No Hi, Okinawa’s memorial day commemorating the end of World War II’s Battle of Okinawa on June 23, and Okinawans’ desire for peace, he added. Some Japanese government officials must speak to the press on condition of anonymity.
Sidney Sullivan, a spokeswoman for Marine Corps Installations Pacific’s G-7 Government and External Affairs office, speaks with reporters at Camp Foster, Okinawa, April 10, 2026. (Ryan M. Breeden/Stars and Stripes)
Feedback from Maj. Gen. Brian Wolford, commander of Marine Corps Installations Pacific, is being translated, Sullivan told reporters Thursday during a resource panel at Camp Foster. Lt. Gen. Roger Turner, commander of III Marine Expeditionary Force and the Okinawa area coordinator, will also review the material.
“When everything is finished, I would get the final product and I will begin using that updated version at the Wednesday briefings,” Sullivan said.
The orientation briefing was developed in 2016 by U.S. Forces Japan in coordination with the Japanese government, Sullivan said. She said she was not aware of the specific changes proposed by the prefecture.
“This review is to ensure the content effectively familiarizes new arrivals with Okinawa’s unique history and culture, informs them of the environment in which they will live and work, and fosters a deeper understanding of both the high expectations of the Okinawan people and the longstanding relationship between the U.S. military and the local community,” installations command spokeswoman 1st Lt. Kelsey Enlow said in an email Monday.
She declined to provide details on the proposed revisions or a timeline for implementing them.
Col. Marc Walker, commander of Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Installation Pacific, speaks with reporters during a resource panel discussion on Camp Foster, Okinawa, April 10, 2026. (Ryan M. Breeden/Stars and Stripes)
U.S. military officials sought suggestions for improving the briefing during the first meeting of the Okinawa Community Partnership Forum on May 9. The forum was proposed in July 2024 by then-USFJ commander Lt. Gen. Ricky Rupp following a series of sexual assault allegations against U.S. service members beginning in late 2023. Two cases have resulted in convictions, while two others remain pending in Naha District Court.
In December 2024, Air Force Senior Airman Brennon Washington was convicted of kidnapping and sexually assaulting a minor. In June, Marine Lance Cpl. Jamel Clayton was convicted of strangling and attempting to sexually assault a Japanese woman.
AloJapan.com