Residents from Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Iwakuni attended a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) driving course in Iwakuni City, Japan, May 11, 2019.
The air station residents traveled to the Iwakuni Driving School to participate in driving and driving safety courses in order to learn more about Japanese rules of the road and ensure safety for everyone.
The driving course featured various scenarios that drivers in Japan experience on the road in their everyday lives such as stopping at traffic lights, parking and passing other vehicles.
The driving rules and manners in Japan differ from those in the United States and the driving course helps SOFA status personnel learn from professionals at the Iwakuni Driving School, Iwakuni Police Department and MCAS Iwakuni’s safety center about how driving in Japan works.
“The air station helps to offer these classes so that SOFA drivers will learn more about how to drive in Japan,” said Chris Yonat, the safety director of MCAS Iwakuni.
One of the participants, U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Tamika Beckman, a food service specialist with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, said that she attended the driving course to further her understanding of driving safely in Japan.
“I wanted to learn how to drive better in Japan and I think it’s a good experience,” said Beckman. “The driving course affects us in a positive manner because we know the things we should do correctly.”
The course concluded with Lt. Col. John Harris, the executive officer of MCAS Iwakuni, presenting driving course certificates to all the participants.