Thank You For Enrolling

Mobile Indo-Pacific Orientation Course – Japan
15 – 19 April 2024

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Overview

The Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies (APCSS) presents MIPOC-J, an executive education program to prepare security practitioners to better support a free and open Indo-Pacific. During this one-week course, we will examine sub-regional issues shaping the security environment as well as the strategic approaches to the Indo-Pacific of the United States, its allies and partners – e.g., Australia, India, Japan, and Korea – and its competitors – e.g., China and Russia. We will also explore core challenges and opportunities in the region, such as governance, economics and security, climate change, maritime security, and cybersecurity.

Course Timeline
All dates and times shown are Japan Standard Time (JST)

  • 15 April 2024: 0730 -1630, Optional: Ice-Breaker, Officer’s Club Yokota AFB (1630-1800)
  • 16 – 18 April 2024: 0800 – 1615
  • 19 April 2024: 0800 – 1530, Optional: Alumni Event, Defense Attaché’s Residence (1900 – 2100)

Course Requirements
At the end of this document is the course agenda as of March 29, 2024. Note that the course consists of 15 plenary lecture sessions, two elective lecture sessions, and eight small group seminars. Plenary and elective lectures will consist of about 30 minutes of content and 30 minutes for questions and answers. Seminars are the key to the learning experience and are designed to encourage fellows to discuss among themselves, applying their own knowledge and experience to the issues raised in plenaries and electives.

This five-day, 40-hour course requires full-time commitment on your part. You will be expected to be available and engaged during that entire time and not participate in any work-related activities. While you will not be tested on the content of the course, your active participation in lectures and seminars is required.

Course Technology
About one week before the course, an email will be sent to you with your account information and instructions on how to access the Learning Management System (LMS). This portal will let you access the course schedule and syllabus, as well as background readings, additional learning resources, course surveys, and points of contact. Fellows will need to have a device with cellular data capabilities to access the LMS in the training facility as there is no WI-FI there.

Personal Digital Devices
Use of personal electronic devices (e.g., laptops, iPad, and phones) with cellular data access will be required for access to the course learning management system. Note that the training center does not have shared Wi-Fi or internet connections.

Lunch and Daily Refreshments.
On the first day, the Course Management Team will organize daily no-host refreshments (coffee, tea, and pastry) for fellows. Those choosing to participate in the daily refreshments will be asked to contribute $15 USD (please bring cash) to defray the costs of those items.

We recommend bringing your own covered mug or bottle to use throughout the week.

Commencement and Reception
On the last day of the course, there will be a brief commencement ceremony. Following commencement, all are invited to attend the Alumni Reception held at the U.S. Defense Attaché’s residence in Tokyo at the end of the day Friday. Transportation will be provided to and from Tokyo for those who would like to attend the Alumni Reception. Additionally, you may drive or train to the location on your own.

On the last day of the course, there will be a brief commencement ceremony. Following commencement, all are invited to attend the Alumni Reception held at the U.S. Defense Attaché’s residence in Tokyo at the end of the day Friday. Transportation will be available to and from Tokyo for those who want to attend the reception. Alternatively, you can choose to drive or take the train to the location on your own.

Attire for Everyone
No military/service uniforms. The standard dress for all fellows during the entire course is business casual appropriate for Japan’s April weather.

Course Management.
The MIPOC-J Course Management Team looks forward to meeting you on 15 April at the Professional Development Center. If you need any further information, please feel free to contact us at any time. If you run into any emergency, please call us. Otherwise, we can be reached by email at:

Personal Transportation.
If you are traveling by POV/GOV there is ample parking at the Professional Development Center or across the street at the Post Office or Yokota Community Center. If you are not normally granted access to Yokota and have to request access for this course, your access will not include a vehicle pass. It is recommended to use the JR Fussa station and walk (10 minutes) to the Yokota Fussa gate.

Base Access
Fellows with a Department of Defense (DoD)-issued Common Access Card (CAC) will have ready access to Yokota AFB. (Note for immigration: for DoD civilians, you will still need to follow non-Status of Forces Agreement travel requirements for Japan.)

Non-DoD CAC holders will need to provide the following information to Lt. Col. Reed (Ronald.reed.1@us.af.mil) as early as possible to be allowed onto the base.

  1. Name (as it appears on official identification)
  2. Nationality
  3. ID # (on official identification you will present)
  4. JPG or PDF of official identification.

Depending on the nationality and official status, access requests can take days or weeks. Third-country nationals will need to submit base access forms. Please ensure early contact with Lt. Col. Reed to ensure the correct forms are provided and filled out for base access.

Arriving to Japan

  • COVID / Medical Requirements:
    Please review the following website for updates on foreigner entry requirements https://www.mofa.go.jp/ca/fna/page4e_001053.html. Participants are responsible for ensuring they meet entry requirements, if any. Rules are subject to change.
  • Travel and Arrival instructions:
    Required Documents for Immigration:
    – U.S. Military Members: only require Orders and their Common Access Card (CAC). When asked, identify yourself as a SOFA Member with a destination as Yokota Air Base.
    – Non-U.S. Participants: Please work with your embassy for requirements.
    – For customs/immigration declaration at the airport, the address for the Kanto Lodge is 197-0001, Fussa, Yokota Air Base, Bldg. 15 Unit 5119, and the base phone number is 042-511-9200
  • Airports: The most often used airports for entry into Japan are Narita International Airport (NRT) and Haneda International Airport (HND). See below Yokota Airport Shuttle information.

Yokota Information

The Yokota FSS website has most information you need for on-base services. (https://yokotafss.com)

Yokota AB Airport Shuttles: https:/yokotafss.com/vehicle-operations)
If your arrival time is outside of the bus schedule, you may take the train to Fussa Station. There is also a commercial Japanese bus from Haneda to Tachikawa/Akishima/Haijima area (https://www.keikyu-bus.co.jp/en/airport/h-tachikawa/).

Lodging Accommodations
For those not residing at Yokota AFB, the Kanto Lodge is located on base and less than a 10-minute walk from the event location and dining locations. You can make a reservation by contacting the lodge directly at DSN: 315-224-2002, Commercial: 042-507-6533, or via email at 374fss.lodging@us.af.mil.

Yokota Airbase General Guidance.