blkr34v2 comments

rgcivilian1 - "Somewhat truth in the above financially as the US is currently supporting 70% of costs from "appropriated" funds that pays Japan local employees known as "MLC's." vs the past when Japan did incur the majority of costs."

This info was dated 13 Jan 2017 from the MLC/IHA

SUPERVISORS HANDBOOK in the Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni Civilian Human

Resources Office website.

Status of Forces Agreement

Under the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), the Government of Japan (GOJ) agrees to provide personnel resources necessary for U.S. Forces Japan to carry out essential functions.

The GOJ, through the Ministry of Defense (MOD), is the legal employer of the Master Labor Contract (MLC) and the Indirect Hire Agreement (IHA) employees. Although they are employees of the Japanese Government, they work under the direct supervision of USFJ military and civilian supervisors.

Master Labor Contract (MLC): The contract governing those employees who are used within Japan of the United States Armed Forces. The Government of Japan pays MLC employees their salary. Personnel ordinarily residing in Japan, who are not members of the United States Armed Forces, its civilian components, or their dependents, can be referred for MLC positions.

Indirect Hire Agreement (IHA): The negotiated agreement governing those employees who are used by Article XV Organizations. The Government of Japan also pays IHA employees their salary. Personnel ordinarily residing in Japan who are non-U.S. civilian personnel can be referred for IHA positions.

If you have any information that can back up your comment, please let me know. I have been an MLC worker for over 24 years and I believe you are misleading readers with your comments.

Please research for information before making comments. Thank god for Japan Today readers like "lincolnman"!

rgcivilian1

There was an extensive Army Corps of Engineers study conducted back in 1956 of the entire island including bottom shore, clays, aquifers etc. I have seen it and read the entire report with my own eyes. Both the US and Japan have this report as well. It shows the numerous depths, etc and areas to be built on and offshore.

1956 is over 63 years ago. I would think that after all those years there would be changes in the rocks of which it is composed and the physical, chemical and biological since the Army Corps of Engineers findings in 1956. I do believe Japan should have conducted their own study soon after the agreement to build the new Air Station at Henoko.

rgcivilian1

IN fact if one looks closely they will find more local Japanese employees under US funded contracts or Master Labor Contract that is now funded 70% by US appropriated funds that should be going to US labor not foreign employees of a host nation. hmmmm. yet no one looks that closely or follows and if they do it is under the table.

Just found this information on the

Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni CHRO (Civilian Human Resource Office) website.

Status of Forces Agreement

Under the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), the Government of Japan (GOJ) agrees to provide personnel resources necessary for U.S. Forces Japan to carry out essential functions. The GOJ, through the Ministry of Defense (MOD), is the legal employer of the Master Labor Contract (MLC) and the Indirect Hire Agreement (IHA) employees. Although they are 

employees of the Japanese Government, they work under the direct supervision of USFJ military 

and civilian supervisors. 

Master Labor Contract (MLC): The contract governing those employees who are used within 

Japan of the United States Armed Forces. The Government of Japan pays MLC employees their salary. Personnel ordinarily residing in Japan, who are not members of the United States Armed Forces, its civilian components, or their dependents, can be referred for MLC positions.

Indirect Hire Agreement (IHA): The negotiated agreement governing those employees who are used by Article XV Organizations. The Government of Japan also pays IHA employees their salary.

Also found this news article.

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/01/31/national/much-japan-pay-host-u-s-forces-depends-ask/

If you have updated information, please let me know.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/timdaiss/2016/06/01/newly-found-maps-dispute-beijings-south-china-sea-claims/#5374dd8933d3

Ever since Taiwan had signed that fishing agreement with Japan (which angered China), there has been no problems between the two.....

http://michaelturton.blogspot.com/2013/04/japan-taiwan-senkakus-fishing-agreement.html

http://www.nbcnews.com/id/51489397/ns/world_news-asia_pacific/t/china-angered-japan-taiwan-sign-fishing-agreement/

Remember that the Senkaku islands are only 300 miles from the China coast, google it, and you will see the issue

Senkaku is only 170 kilometers from Ishigaki Island which is Japan.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Senkaku_Diaoyu_Tiaoyu_Islands.png