Misawa Air Base Town Hall: Youth Sports

Purpose of the Town Hall

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• The infield mixture on the baseball fields is unsafe and needs to be replaced. Efforts are underway to address this, but environmental factors and funding limit immediate action.

2. Can volleyball games be modified to one-on-one or two-on-two formats?

•  Currently, volleyball is structured as six-on-six, but alternative formats could be explored in the future.

3. Is there a budget for coaches, or is it all volunteer-based?

• The program is entirely volunteer-based. However, there are incentives, such as waiving player fees for parents who coach and giving a $50 FSS gift card to coaches that are not parents.

4. How can uniform sizing issues be avoided?

• FSS will stop ordering uniforms too early and will avoid basing sizing solely on age. Efforts are underway to ensure timely and accurate fittings.

5. Are adult dependents allowed to coach?

•  Yes, adult dependents can coach but must complete a background check; separate from military background checks.

6. Can minors volunteer as coaches or assistants?

• Minors aged 12-17 can assist coaches but cannot be coaches themselves or be left alone with children. Background checks for minors are limited.

7. Is there a published set of rules for each sport?

• Yes, bylaws and rules for each sport will be provided to parents before the season begins.

8. What improvements are being made to the youth sports program?

• The program has reduced the volunteer packet from 24 to 8 pages, increased marketing efforts, and streamlined parent orientation and communication. Facility upgrades, such as new basketball goals and reconditioning fields, are also in progress.

9. Why are youth sports fees only partially refunded when seasons are canceled or modified?

• Fees cover various costs, including training, uniforms, equipment, and certifications. Refunds are proportional to expenses incurred.

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10. Will youth sports schedules expand beyond Tuesdays and Thursdays?

• Current schedules prioritize Tuesday-Thursday practices due to volunteer availability and family preferences. Expanded schedules may be considered based on community feedback.

11. Why are youth sports practices not held on weekends?

• Weekend practices are limited due to volunteer availability and family preferences. Adjustments may be made if there is sufficient demand.

12. Why is cheerleading not offered this spring?

• Cheerleading availability is subject to community interest and volunteer engagement. The program will consider reintroducing it if demand and available volunteer couches increase.

13. Why can’t FSS pay for coaches for youth sports?

•  The youth sports program relies on a volunteer base to remain cost-effective. While hiring paid NAF employees to coach has been considered, a robust volunteer foundation must first be established. FSS continues to explore long-term solutions to prevent cancellations.

14. Is it possible to volunteer to coach both teams in the same age group?

• Yes, it is possible for one individual to coach two teams in the same age group. However, leadership advises against this due to the increased workload and scheduling challenges it could present.

Facilities and Infrastructure

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• The Mokuteki Ballroom will be converted into a multipurpose "theater" capable of playing second-run movies and hosting briefings. Long-term plans include a dedicated theater, but it may take 8-10 years.

16. Will there be vending machines offering more than drinks?

• Plans are underway to install vending machines with options like salads, sandwiches, and bento boxes in locations such as the hospital and North Base.

17. Will the Weasel’s Den be open 24/7?

• Expanded hours (5 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends) are already in place. A 24/7 swipe-access system is being pursued.

18. What is being done about power outages?

• Power issues stem from defective cables installed years ago. Replacement cables are only provided upon failure due to contract terms. Negotiations to secure upfront replacements are ongoing.

19. How will the base improve communication about outages and other issues?

• The USAF Connect app is being overhauled to include notifications for base-wide alerts. Additional communication methods, such as social media and base bulletins, are being utilized.

20. Will employees on base be required to meet minimum English proficiency standards?

•  Employees on base are required to pass English tests, but the level of proficiency varies by position. For example, Civil Engineering Squadron workers prioritize technical skills over advanced English proficiency. Residents are encouraged to contact the CE help desk for clarification on work orders.

21. Why is snow removal limited in visitor parking areas?

• Snow removal in visitor spots is not feasible due to equipment size. Residents are responsible for clearing these areas. Housing streets are prioritized as single-lane access initially, with further clearing when resources allow.

22. Can the perimeter running track be cleared of snow?

• Resources are prioritized for mission-critical snow removal, making it unlikely that recreational areas will be cleared during heavy snowfall.

23. The work order support from CE has decreased exponentially over the past 6-7 months.

•  CE teams have shifted focus to mission-critical projects and winter snow removal operations. Reduced personnel budgets have impacted response times, but leadership continues to prioritize high-readiness facilities and critical infrastructure.

24. Are there plans to reopen a cafe in the Club? Flyers is busy in the morning, and there’s no parking.

• Leadership is exploring reopening the Tomodachi Cafe or adding a breakfast cafe option at the Club. Current efforts are focused on evaluating community needs and potential locations to meet demand.

Healthcare and Housing

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• Dental readiness prioritizes active-duty members, but several changes have been implemented to improve dependent access:
  • Extended weekday shifts to 10 hours.
  • Dedicated providers for dependents and pediatric care.
  • Monthly Saturday appointments for dependents.
  • Increased dental screenings at schools.
  • Expanded access to off-base TRICARE-approved clinics.
• The clinic has increased dependent care capacity by 300% despite operating with only eight dental chairs during renovations.

26. How is housing assigned?

• Housing allocation follows DoD guidelines based on family size. For example, one spouse and one child are allocated a two-bedroom unit. Budget constraints limit upgrades and adjustments.

Other Topics

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• Efforts are underway to find a suitable location for a USO facility, as Misawa is one of only two bases in Japan without one.

28. Why are certain job positions repeatedly posted on USAJobs?

• Positions are reposted due to factors like continuous vacancies, invalid certificates, or management changes.

29. Why doesn’t Misawa ITT offer an online option for purchasing trips?

• The 35 FSS is in the process of purchasing a software upgrade to allow online reservations for ITT and other services. The system is expected to be operational by Summer or Fall 2025.

30. Why aren’t there more female OCP uniforms and boots at the military clothing store?

• Efforts are being made to increase stock levels for female-specific uniforms and boots. However, current supply chain limitations affect availability. Items can be special-ordered if not in stock.

31. Can we reopen the North Base school for indoor activities?

• The facility is coded as "vacant" and does not receive maintenance funding. Opening it for activities would require additional personnel and funding.

32. Why is the Teen Center’s attendance so low?

• Attendance aligns with averages at other bases. Leadership is working on better advertising and outreach, including partnerships with schools and expanded social media efforts.

33. FSS/CYP has too many Facebook pages for parents to keep up with.

• Leadership acknowledges the challenges of fragmented communication and is working to centralize information. Solutions include consolidating links on a single webpage and enhancing the USAF Connect app with more comprehensive FSS activity updates.

34. Can the Weasel’s Den hours be expanded further?

•  Leadership is working to secure funding for a 24/7 access system. Current hours have already been expanded significantly.