New weight limit for moves to Japan

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jason Colbert
  • 49 FW PA
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  For many Air Force members, relocating to Japan has meant getting rid of, or storing, many pieces of their furniture. If you were moving to Japan, the military would only pay to move 25 percent of your full weight allowance, or JFTR. But that has recently changed. Effective March 1, 2008, members are now authorized their full JFTR when moving to Japan.

"You won't have to pay for storage now," said Ms. Azarina Lavoie, a dependant who previously moved to Misawa AB, Japan, and now lives at Holloman AFB. "You won't have the stress of having to pick and choose what you want."

"I don't have to worry about not having things," said Mrs. Telia Colbert, a dependant who will be leaving for Japan next year. "I won't have to spend money out of my pocket to get the things that I forgot I needed and didn't pack up."

"Just because you can take the maximum amount, doesn't mean you should take it," said SMSgt. Robert Heasley, 49th Traffic Management Flight, flight chief.

He said the living spaces in Japan are noticeably smaller than what most westerners are used to having. Much of the western style furniture and appliances will not fit into the homes there. And if it does, it will not leave you much living space. Housing offices will not fund your items to be sent back to the United States for storage if you take more than you need.

For more information, you can contact the 49 LRS/LGRTP HHGs office at 2-3489 or visit them in building 222, 2nd floor in room 212. Additional information can be located on the following website: http://afmove.hq.af.mil/Default.asp

Click here to find out your full JFTR Weight Allowance