Bushido, meaning ‘Way of the Warrior,’ was a strict lifestyle developed between the 11th and 14th centuries in Japan. This code of conduct for Japanese warriors, specifically the samurai, included applying the virtues of loyalty, courage, humility, forbearance, generosity and self-control. In the pursuit of these moral principles, samurai maintained their dignity and honor, which was considered to be as much their duty as protecting their shogun, or political leader.

To ensure Marines and sailors assigned to Marine Corps Bases Japan and III Marine Expeditionary Force are also held to the highest standards of conduct before partaking in liberty on Okinawa, Lt. Gen. Kenneth J. Glueck, III MEF commanding general and MCBJ commander, signed into effect MCBJ/III MEF Order 1050.7A Liberty Campaign Order Sept. 1, which has introduced a number of changes.

One of those changes is the requirement for Marines and sailors stationed here to attend Okinawa cultural awareness training.

The OCAT has been implemented for Marines and sailors to develop a better understanding of their host nation, said Dr. Robert Eldridge, deputy assistant chief of staff with G-5 Community, Plans and Liaison, MCBJ. The three-part course will provide Marines with a foundation of knowledge about Okinawa.

Some of OCAT’s objectives include:

Learning the history, culture, customs and language of Okinawa and Japan.
Appreciating Okinawa’s history and culture.
Understanding how Okinawa’s history and culture affect the attitudes and behavior of our Okinawan neighbors.
Finding ways to improve and deepen the mutually beneficial relationships between the Navy and Marine Corps and Okinawa and Japan.

“The OCAT is designed to make the ‘strategic corporal’ even smarter and help make Marines and sailors better allies,” said Eldridge. “It will also help them to overcome cultural gaps and misunderstandings and explain why behaviors get certain reactions. We wanted to create a course for Marines and sailors of any age and rank to benefit from.”

OCAT will be required on an annual basis for all MCBJ and III MEF Marines and sailors regardless of rank or liberty-card status.

No liberty card will be issued until completion of the Newcomer’s Orientation Welcome Aboard Seminar and the Standards of Conduct class. Additionally, the order states all MCBJ and III MEF uniformed personnel are required to complete OCAT prior to receiving a liberty card.

All newcomers, regardless of rank and to include family members, are not allowed unaccompanied, off-base liberty without their sponsor until receiving the NOWA Seminar and Standards of Conduct class.

“We want to ensure everyone who enjoys the privilege of liberty does so with respect for the Okinawan culture,” said Glueck. “It is our duty to conduct ourselves in a professional manner at all times.”

The MCBJ/III MEF Order 1050.7A Liberty Campaign Order can be accessed with a current common access card online at the Camp Butler adjutant SharePoint homepage at https://wss.mcbbutler.nmci.mil/G1/Adjutant/default.aspx. Look under “Announcements” for a link to the Liberty Campaign Order.