Memorandum for Tow/Cdc Attendees

HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES FORCES, JAPAN APO AREA PACIFIC 96328-5068

13 March 2009

MEMORANDUM FOR TOW/CDC ATTENDEES

FROM: J31 Headquarters US Forces Japan APO AP 96328-5068

SUBJECT: TOW/CDC Attendee Welcome Letter

1. Welcome to the KEEN EDGE 2010 Training Objective Workshop (TOW) and Concept Development Conference (CDC). This year, the conference will take place from 23 to 27 March 2009 at Headquarters US Forces Japan (Bldg 714), Yokota AB. This letter is intended to answer many of the common questions for those traveling to Yokota. Additional information on this conference can be found on the KEEN EDGE page of the Asian Pacific Area Network (http://www1.apan-info.net/).

2. BILLETING: Attendees should be billeted on base to the greatest extent possible. Billeting cost is approximately $39 to $48 per day, depending on grade. Please call the Kanto Lodge (DSN: 224-2000) as soon as possible to make reservations. When making reservation, please reference reservation number: 20850097209.

3. SECURITY CLEARANCES: All attendees must have security clearances on file at USFJ prior to 19 March 2009. Regardless is you have attended prior conferences, please pass security clearance information using SMO code 62874. USFJ’s security POC is Mr. Norman Mash, DSN 315-225-5978. TDY orders DO NOT constitute a verified clearance.

4. BASE TRANSPORTATION: The Kanto Express runs every hour from 0600-1800 Monday- Friday. Acquaint yourself with key points identified on the base map and the Kanto Express schedule so you may get to the location on time.

5. ATM MACHINES: ATM machines are readily available on Yokota AB and dispense US dollars and Japanese yen. ATM machines are located in the Yokota Community Center (YCC), Enlisted Club, Community Bank near Burger King, across from the north entrance of the bowling alley and the east side shopping center. The current exchange rate is approximately 95 Yen to the US dollar (1 Yen equals approximately 1 cent).

6. UNIFORMS/EQUIPMENT: As a reminder, the exercise uniform is the Battle Dress Uniform for Army, Marine Corps and Air Force personnel. Navy personnel are authorized to wear the BDU if owned by the member. Navy personnel, E7 and above, will wear Service Khakis uniform, and E6 and below will wear Dungarees or winter working blues. Weapons of any type are forbidden. No field gear is required. Wear civilian clothing when off base. A clothing sales retailer is located in the YCC which only stocks Air Force uniforms. The YCC contains the BX, Commissary, clothing sales, and assorted fast food restaurants. The YCC is located near the Post Office.

7. TIME ZONE: The time zones used throughout the exercise are INDIA (local Japanese and Korean time) and ZULU (INDIA time minus (-) nine hours). A time zone chart is provided for those who may want to place telephone calls back to family members and friends from public phones and are unaware of the time differences. There are numerous international telephones available throughout Yokota.

8. ACCESS TO INTERNET AND PERSONAL EMAIL: For use of internet and personal email during off-duty time, Yokota offers three facilities. The Yujo Community Center, bldg 327 (just a short walk south from the Billeting Office) offers free wireless connection as well as the use of 8 computers. Their hours of operation are 1000 to 2100 Sun-Wed and 1000-1900 Thu-Sat (the Yujo becomes the Airman Center starting at 1900 Thu-Sat). Unfortunately, they do not have any printer capability at this time. Free wireless internet is also available on the first floor of the Kanto Lodge, and the food court in the YCC.

9. WEATHER: The weather in Japan is generally similar to that of the Northwest United States. Expect temperatures between the mid 30s to mid 50s, and some periods of rain showers.

10. AIRPORT TRANSPORTATION: Attendees can travel to and from Narita International Airport via the Narita Shuttle. The bus departs the Kanto Lodge each day at 0900, 1100, and 1300, and it departs Narita at 1600, 1800, and 2000 hours. This trip will cost you $35 cash one way, which can be claimed on your travel voucher. Those departing on a flight from Haneda should arrange to travel via train.

11. DRINKING AND DRIVING: COMUSJAPAN is committed to a successful exercise. Paramount to this success is your safety. You must be of legal age to consume alcohol. If you consume alcohol, think ahead and ensure you have a designated driver. Yokota authorities and the local Japanese authorities do not tolerate driving under the influence. The laws in Japan are very strict in this regard and have set very low tolerances. Not only will the driver be charged if found to be drinking and driving, but the passengers will be charged as well!

11. For any further information, J31 can be reached at commercial 011-81-3117-55-5939, DSN 315-225-5939/5943. During non-duty hours contact the Joint Operations Center at DSN 315-223- 6066.

//signed// PHILIP E. CARPENTER, Maj, USAF Operations Officer, Combat Ops & Exercises (J31)