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Bug out bag on small island?

corwise

corwise

Joined
Nov 10, 2006
Messages
1,401
I just got orders to move to Kadena Air Base, which is located on Okinawa Japan. The island is only about 460 square miles, and of course heavily populated. So do I bother putting some sort of BOB in my car once I get there? The island is not knife friendly from what I understand, so no fixed blades (or probably even a beefy folder). Keep the first aid kit, but it's not like I'll be running into the hills or anything. Any thoughts/suggestions?
 
As hot and humid as it is there, I'd go with a good quality SAK. Watch out for the habus! I lived there from 1967 - 69, from what I hear, it's really changed since them.

Okinawa gets typhoons and earthquakes with some regularity. We had an 8 in '68. Keep that in mind also.
 
Sodak: Thanks, yeah, I definately plan to build some serious home survival kits. My understanding is that you basically just sit in your house for 4-5 days without power waiting for the storm to end. :) Will be very fun with a 6 month old and a 2 year old.
 
If you can have a multi-tool I think a Swiss Tool would be a good option, I like the saw on those better than any others and they are solidly built. Definitely have some safety glasses, bandanna, and first aide supplies....lots of debris in the air during severe tropical storms and lots on the ground afterward. Some cordage...always good for lashing or tourniquets if necessary, and some fresh water and water purification tabs as fresh ground water tends to get contaminated after severe storms.
 
I was stationed in Japan for many years. Knife ownership is not a big deal. I frequented some stores that sold knives made by several top custom knifemakers of the time. Use some common sense about what you carry off-post. I always carried a Swisschamp, and frquently carried a Gerber Parabellum. On Oki one of the major problems encountered is the shortage of fresh water during the summer months. It is normal for severe restrictions to be put in place each year. If you wish to put a kit together, concentrate on basic self-sustenance, and not self-protection. It is an entirely different society. As stated in some of the other posts, high heat, humidity. typhoons, and earthquakes are the primary foes that you will have to contend with. Try to make a trip to Seki City (mainland) while there, as it is the knifemaking capital of the world.
 
There are still some small isolated places to explore in Okinawa. There are some sea caves, Jungle in the north end. Good snorkeling. Don't need much in the way of a Bug out bag. A SAK or Leatherman some money, and a water bottle, and your good. I use to walk till I got tired then sleep on the beach where ever I was, I usually carried a canteen, canteen cup and some coffee with me. I could always find something to eat there, But it is a tea drinking place, and I like my coffee i the morning.
 
fishing pole and a way to purify water! the ocean can be an endless source of protein for you should SHTF. Learn to fish, pick invertebrates etc...and you'll never go hungry.
 
You might consider some mainstay lifeboat ratio bars and their foil pack water. Cheap, and easy to store in a BOB in your car. I have 4 or 5 of them in my BOB, and two of the ratio packs. Not the best food in the world, but.....
 
Mosquito net, GI poncho, LED light (fenix), Guyot/cup, compass, FAK, PSK, firesteel, mini bic.

As far as steel, Id pack a RC3 and a Vic Farmer. Id also bring along a machete/golok for the truck. I think youd be fine with just those.
 
If you believed in religion, bring a cross when heading toward wilderness.

A place in Okinawa US serive men never be there -Himeyuri peace museum

041225himeyuri1.jpg


himeyuri2.JPG


The cave where the girl students end in violent dead.

This place is very haunted. Many visitors feel ill after went home.


Avoid War ruin !
 
jw2n said:
As stated in some of the other posts, high heat, humidity. typhoons, and earthquakes are the primary foes that you will have to contend with. Try to make a trip to Seki City (mainland) while there, as it is the knifemaking capital of the world.
Click to expand...

My father was there for a 2 years with the Marines, and he said it was humid enough to
cause mold to grow on uniforms and shoes. His unit burned a small light bulb in each
locker/closet at all times to drive-out the humidity. Mold can affect your health long
before your shoes turn to green fuzz.

Bob: Various anti fungal meds,light sandals, stainless steal knife, small fishing kit.

The above guys have first hand experience, but I thought I would contribute anyway.

Guys is there anything he needs to buy in advance? Local stores and PX should
have most of important stuff.
 
Lived in the tropical storm region of Nth Australia for 15ys where Cyclones ( hurricanes ) are a Summer regular. The concept is that you either batton down at home or (depending on the perceived severity of the approaching storm ) and there is normally 3-4 days warning or run to the hills, maybe not an option on a small island.
The plan here is that you should be self sufficient for three days under on the assumption it will take that long for emergency services to kick in.
Self sufficiency, means food ( includes cooking) water (storage) shelter ( clothing and you might loose your roof) and medical for you and yours. Not resetting a broken limb but normal scrapes, bruising stomach upsets.
And tools for the recovery, axes saws shovels. Remember with Tropical storms it often rains a couple days before and after so wet work gear.
Any help?
 
I was stationed at Kadena 70-73. Take advantage of the time spent living in a foreign country and try to learn as much from the locals as possible. Speaking the language will help a lot, along with being courteous.

I was went back last year for a visit and it is definately not knife friendly. I carried a multitool and SAK, but was carefull not to be to obvious.

Getting in trouble off base will not be pleasant (really not plesant anywhere,but worse in different country) so aquaint yourself with the local laws and don't press your luck.

There is a good forum at http://www.japanupdate.com/ where you can ask folks who are there stuff and also read some news articles in english.

Hope this helps, Take care...
 
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The BX will have desiccants for sale, buy them, put them in your rooms, in closets, under sinks AND in your vehicle.

Chances are someone else will tell you when you get there.

enjoy your PCS.
 
Thanks much for the inputs. I'll start looking into this stuff a bit more and try and get it all set up early.
 
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