Currently, Marine Corps Bases Japan (MCBJ) charters more than 60 private organizations. As sanctioned under MCBJ, these private organizations comply with the guidelines and policies referenced in MCBJOrder 5760.1A, and are authorized to function aboard MCBJ installations in Okinawa, at Camp Fuji, and at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan.

The definition of Private Organization is outlined as "a self-sustaining non-federal entity, composed of people acting outside the scope of any official position they may have in the Federal Government. Private Organizations (POs) are NOT integral parts of the military service or federal entitles. They are NOT nonappropriated fund instrumentalities (NAFIs), nor are they entitled to the sovereign immunities and privileges given to NAFIs or the U.S. Marine Corps. They operate on MCBJ installations with the written consent of the Commanding General (CG), MCBJ, or higher authority."

During April 2002, LtGen Gregson, Commander, MCBJ, issued the MCBJOrder 5760.1 with major revisions, replacing the previous Base Order 5760.1E. Also in April 2002, the Commander, MCBJ issued the MCBJ Policy Letter 1-02, Management and Oversight of Private Organizations. The implementation of the MCBJ Board of Directors structure over these private organizations would "bring properly qualified management efforts to bear in a uniform and consistent manner. This will ensure that we remain in compliance with applicable U.S. and Japanese laws, and that we maintain proper control and oversight over funds collected and dispensed. This will also ensure that we properly support the effort of our many volunteers and paid employees by bringing functional expertise uniformly to bear from MCBJ resources across all of these valuable and worthwhile organizations."

For questions or information, please contact Community Relations Support for Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) at:

Marine Corps Community Services
Attn: Community Relations Administrator
MCCS Building #5966
DSN: 645-2494

Download the Private Organization Handbook