MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Service members wishing to marry while stationed overseas need only to follow the strict guidelines set forth in order to successfully complete the process.
Although the paperwork is lengthy and tedious, assistance is available at the Staff Judge Advocate's Office here to answer all of the soon-to-be honeymooner's questions.
"The first thing a service member must do when they decide to get married in Japan is come and pick up the guide," said J. Sakamoto, Staff Judge Advocate legal assistant. "The marriage guide explains everything you need to know, whether you are getting married to a foreign national or an American. Read the information thoroughly before you take your next step."
The next step taken will be to ask the service member's commanding officer for an approval of marriage overseas, upon completion of the required documents. After going through the chain of command to request permission to get married, you need to execute an affidavit for marriage at the legal office. Also, along with the package of information comes a checkoff sheet to help the process go smoothly.
"People come into my office and want to rush the process so they can get married right away. I'm sorry, but we have to follow all the rules and military orders," said the legal assistant, who has seen her fair share of tears after explaining the rules to those who wished to marry immediately.
"If you complete the paperwork correctly and do all of the other requirements, the process should take less than a month from start to finish," she added.
One of the biggest headaches Sakamoto deals with is the inability of potential newlyweds to obtain the right legal documents. In order to properly register, original documents with official seals must presented. Copies will not be accepted at all.
"People need to understand this should not be a very quick and easy process. Like being in the military; preparation is key, as should be getting married. There is no need to hurry. Take your time and everything will work out," she said.
For more information, call SJA at 253-5594/5591.