Making a smooth transition...

[thedrifter]

Making a smooth transition...

JRC prepares Marines for duty on island
Submitted by: MCB Camp Butler
Story Identification Number: 2003625185433
Story by Cpl. J. Matthew Barkalow



CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa, Japan(June 24, 2003) -- "JRC, Attenhut!" barks the troop handler to the incoming unaccompanied Marines and Sailors. He then marches them to the Joint Reception Center classroom where they are briefed on what to expect during their one-year tour on Okinawa.

The JRC receives unaccompanied Marines and Sailors, E-5 and below, and provides them with temporary billeting and transportation, while educating them before turning them over to their commands.

The JRC troop handlers serve as the first authority figures to the new joins upon arrival, according to Cpl. Peter E. Mortimer, troop handler, JRC, Headquarters and Service Battalion, Marine Corps Base.

"When Marines and Sailors arrive at the Naha and Kadena airports, JRC drivers and troop handlers pick them up and bring them to the JRC barracks every Saturday and Tuesday," the Bellport, N.Y., native said.

Mortimer also said the new joins, those who arrive on Saturday, conduct working parties on Mondays and play the troop handlers in a softball game. Tuesdays the servicemembers begin in processing, which includes filing travel claims and receiving meal cards with the Installation Personnel Administrative Center. Wednesday mornings, they receive a series of classes at the JRC building.

Topics of discussions range from the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) and Single Marine Program (SMP) to public affairs and cultural awareness. Representatives from the units that correspond with the various topics teach the information.

"I learned about SOFA status and the various cultural differences here," said Pfc. Anthony Berner, a new Marine in JRC. Berner, who is assigned to Marine Aerial Refuel and Transport Squadron-152, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, said he learned from the cultural class that Okinawans bow to introduce themselves rather than shaking hands, like Americans.

The Bethpage, N.Y., native also said he learned common phrases in Japanese to help him have a smoother interaction with Okinawans in the local community.

According to Gunnery Sgt. Randy Law, senior troop handler, JRC, the classes give the new joins a better idea of what there is to do on the island.

"It opens up their eyes and helps them see what there is to do here besides sitting around being bored," the Lansing, Mich., native said.

On Thursday afternoons, servicemembers are revisited by personnel from IPAC to complete their travel claims and make sure their Service Record Book is updated, Mortimer said.

According to Mortimer, the Marine and Sailors report to their assigned units on Friday mornings.

"It's a very honoring experience to see the new Marines (and Sailors) go to their units after the knowledge we've instilled in them," he said.

As Mortimer looks over the new Marines and Sailors for the last time, he is satisfied knowing they have been well prepared for their stay on Okinawa. They sans at attention and await the final command.

"JRC, fallout!"



The new joins of JRC, led by Sgt. Melinda Burris, troophandler, march back to the barracks after receiving a morning of instruction. The instruction received in the JRC classroom are intended to prepare the Marines for their stay on Okinawa.
Photo by: Cpl. Matthew Barkalow



Sempers,

Roger