THE MILITARY FAMILY HOUSING PROGRAM. The policy of the U.S. Government is to rely on private community assets as the primary means for housing military families. This policy applies to both the continental United States and overseas. Construction programs are developed to offset existing and projected shortages. Construction programs are based on requirements for eligible military personnel who receive the basic allowance for quarters (BAQ) at the "with dependents' rate, and key or essential (eligible) civilian employees. New houses are programmed and constructed to satisfy deficiencies in specific categories. All family housing under the jurisdiction or assignment control of the Marine Corps is assigned to eligible personnel without regard to race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
If you or your family members have special needs (ex: wheelchair, walker/cane, other disabilities etc) please contact us as soon as you have orders or expect to report to Iwakuni. This is an Overseas Command and all needs may not be accommodated.
- All military pay grades E-4 and above with accompanied orders and area clearance and U.S. Civilians GS-11 and above with a Transportation Agreement and who receive Living Quarters Allowance (LQA).
- Accompanying bona fide family members are those family members who have received dependency status and command sponsorship approval/area clearance, and who will reside with the sponsor for nine consecutive months or more each year.
- Advance applications will be accepted but will not advance on the waiting list until member physically arrives on station.
- Members must check-in with Family Housing Office within 30 days of arrival with a copy of reporting endorsed original orders, area clearance and itinerary (if member is traveling non-concurrent). If members checks-in after 30 days, the control date will be the date when member checks-into the Housing Office.
- Applicants will be placed on the waiting list when housing receives housing application and orders but will not activate until member physically checks in with endorsed orders and area clearance. Control date will be date of detachment from last permanent duty station.
- Housing will offer first available unit regardless of having pet. First refusal will lead to termination of Temporary Lodging Allowance.
- On-going renovation in Family Housing which directly affects the availability of on base housing and leading to longer waiting times.
- Keep in mind that you may be required to reside off-base when you first arrive.
- Contact Family Housing by e-mail: anita.shimada.ja@usmc.mil.
- It is recommended that you DO NOT bring heavy and/or oversized furniture. Quarters both on and off base may be smaller than stateside homes.
- Housing provides a stove, refrigerator, and dishwasher in on base quarters. Washer and dryer will be provided on availability.
- For command sponsored accompanied with dependent personnel who reside off-base can be provided a small American stove, refrigerator and Japanese style washer and dryer (on availability). An American washer or dryer usually won’t fit into a Japanese house.
- Due to the high humidity in Iwakuni it is recommended you bring or purchase a dehumidifier.
- If your household goods have not arrive when you move into either on or off-base quarters, temporary furniture is available for up to 60 days. Linen is not provided (For command sponsored accompanied personnel only). You may want to put all items that would be immediately needed in your express shipment.
- Even though members are authorized to bring their pets to MCAS Iwakuni, it is strongly recommended that families DO NOT bring a pet.
- It is difficult to find off-base housing that will accept pets.
- The on-base townhouse is the only quarters where dogs are allowed.
- Cats or small pets such as hamsters are allowed in the on-base Midrise apartments.
Marine Corps Order prohibits full or mixed dog breeds aboard Marine Corps installations; Pit Bulls, Rottweiler, canid/wolf hybrid. For more information about this policy, contact your local housing office.
- Plan on having $3,000-5,000 for your moving expenses. That may include agent’s fees, deposits, and automobile and so on.
- When moving off-base housing, you will get Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA), Move-in Housing Allowance (MIHA) and Utility allowance (Living Quarters Allowance (LQA) for DOD civilians).
- You will be assisted in bi-lingual contracts, setting up local bank accounts and establishing of telephone and utility service.