Baka Gaijin, Conflict In Paradise Options

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Last week, an international incident arose when a 38 year old Marine Staff Sergeant (SSgt) allegedly raped a 14 year old Okinawan girl. The story is hazy. The SSgt picked the girl up at an ice cream parlor, took her home on his motorcycle, went to his home, had sex with her, then drove her home in his car. He has released very few comments due to his current incarceration in a Japanese prison, but he did admit to being unaware of her age. This R. Kelly disciple's actions caused an uproar in the Okinawan community. For years, they have wanted American service members off the island. The added pollution, the slight rise in crime, traffic, alcohol related incidents, along with other mishaps have caused the Okinawan to despise the military presence even more so than they already have.

On the political side, the Commanding General (CG) of III Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) was forced to take action. Having to answer to the Japanese Prime Minister, the Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) and the Commandant of the Marine Corps, the pressure was on. Last Friday, from Iwakuni to the bases in Okinawa, we were all required to attend an ethics brief, in which every Marine or Sailor present was ordered not to 'f**k-up' during the extended weekend that just recently passed. Since this incident didn't involve anyone from this particular base, the CG of 3d Marine Logistics Group (MLG), who answers to the CG III MEF, spoke to all of us in a non-threatening tone. But subordinate commands and leadership decided to take the necessary action to ensure service members would 'ackrite.'

Less that 8 hours after the brief, there were on base hazing incidents, which caused Marines to lose rank and be charged under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), and a few fights. Security in my barracks tightened up as there was a duty posted on each deck and a roving firewatch tasked with (basically) noise and alcohol control. I, personally, didn't mind because recently, I've been in my room, in my own little world of turntables, sketchbooks, the internet and Trish. Around the barracks, though, people could feel the heat and the added pressure began to drive Marines and Sailors up the wall.

On Sunday, a Marine, high/drunk off of cough syrup, practically lost his damned mind and flipped out on one of his friends, who outranked him. He threw a few punches and threw a temper tantrum in the hallway. The duty posted on my deck tried to stop him, but the said named Marine (SNM) decided to take a few swings at him as well. Dumbass. He was too far on his Robert Downey Jr. tip to see that he was outmatched and was taken down swiftly. The Provost Marshall Office (PMO), the po-po, dispatched a unit, and the next thing I know, my barracks became an episode of cops. Project life all over again. After getting the shit kicked out of him and sprayed (to ensure compliance), he was hauled off to the brig (prison, bitch!).

The last few days of the weekend, for this base and my barracks, were relatively peaceful. However, there was a aura in the air and everyone knew that the bullshit was just beginning. Today is Wednesday, and I come back to work to find out that there have been even more incidents on the island, including:

-Marine, drunk, breaking into a local's home, passing out on the floor and soiling himself
-Six driving under the influence cases
-21 year old Soldier raping a 17 year old Okinawan girl
-and countless on-base, alcohol related incidents

Now the Marine Forces Pacific Commanding General is involved because the CG III MEF broke his promise of "no incidents" during the extended weekend. The bases are now locked the f**k down, and they're dry. The only authorized entry and exit is to and from other bases, to and from personal quarters/work, to and from places of worship, and to and from places of education. No alcohol is to be served, so the on base bars and clubs are locked down as well. This "time of reflection" will last for about, or possibly beyond, 90 muthaf**kin' days. The strategy behind this isn't to take away the privileges of every single Marine/Sailor/Soldier/Airman on the island, but to show the Okinawan/Japanese/US governments that service members stationed outside of the continental United States, in the Pacific Theater of Operation, know how to act.

Has this reached an international level? A lot of on-base services will be restricted during this time of reflection. Its like putting everyone, married or not, regardless of rank, in time out for 3 months. I am personally offended, not by the disciplinary actions, but by the behavior displayed by every American service member that has made an ass out of him/herself, disgraced their country and dishonored the uniform that they wear. The hate is building and the rallies/protests have begun. Even my Japanese friends are currently a bit weary of talking to me. I don't blame them. The overwhelming majority of this island is very Anti-American these days. Damn.