Yokota institutes constrained location policy for incoming NCOs

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Tania Bryan
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --  The 374th Civil Engineer Squadron Housing Management Flight recently introduced a new term to Team Yokota's vocabulary: constrained location. 

Effective July 1, Yokota Air Base becomes a constrained location, meaning newly arriving, unaccompanied Airmen in the ranks of E-6 and below will be required to live on base, according to Col. Rafael Quezada, 374th Mission Support Group commander. 

This change was implemented as not only a cost-saving measure, but to also increase occupancy rates of Yokota's dormitories. 

"By executing this policy we hope to increase our occupancy rates from 82 percent to at least match the PACAF goal of 95 percent," the colonel said. "Additionally, the overall cost savings is quite significant because we fill empty dormitory units and eliminate the rental and utilities allowances paid to these service members." 

Under the new policy, the quarters assigned to non-commissioned officers are 500-600 square feet and offer modern amenities as well as the conveniences of living on base. 

Rather than dorms, these quarters could be called small apartments. The standard layout includes a private living room, kitchen, private bathroom and one bedroom. Features included which are not always found in off-base apartments are heating, cooling and parking. 

This policy does not affect those NCOs already living off-base, however, Colonel Quezada believes some may want to take advantage of this new program. 

"We'll even pay for your move onto base," he explained. 

Interested Airmen can contact the 374th CES Housing Management Section for more information.