The second deck common area for bachelor enlisted quarters, under the Whole Barracks Renovation Program, is outfitted with an eating lounge. Two BEQ's on Camp Foster already have kitchenettes in the eating lounge and more are scheduled for construction. (Photo courtesy of Facilities Engineer Division).

The housing office, which oversees and manages all government family housing on Okinawa, initiated phase seven of the project that includes upgrades to kitchens, bathrooms, recessed lighting, electrical service and landscaping, said Alexander Karibian, chief of project management, 718th Civil Engineer Squadron Program Flight, 18th Civil Engineer Group.

In addition, some housing units will also receive a 100-square-foot addition adjacent to the kitchen area. Another significant improvement to the units is new air conditioning systems. The new systems allow residents to control their own heating and cooling temperatures.

"It is a pleasure to provide quality of life for our customers and their families," said Cherylann Alakai, 718th CES housing flight chief.

Improvements have also been made to Marine Corps Bases Japan bachelor quarters under the Whole Barracks Renovation Program, with more scheduled.

Upgrades include repair or replacement of heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, electrical and plumbing systems, interior painting, new door locking and lighting systems, exterior doors, roofing and replacement of ceiling and floor tiles.

In addition, the Marine Corps implemented a Whole Room Concept Program to facilitate the replacement of barrack's furnishings, according to Eva Stauffer, housing and billeting branch head for Okinawa, Facilities Engineer Division, Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D. Butler.

Staff BEQs and BOQs are outfitted with household-sized refrigerators and dehumidifiers. Other improvements include peep holes on room doors for privacy and security, refurbishment of bathtubs and storage lockers in recreational barbecue areas for safekeeping of flammable gases and liquids outside the barracks.

Currently, all bachelor quarters have internet and cable television capability. However, it is the occupant's responsibility to contact the local provider for activation. The occupant is also responsible for payment of these services.

Projected in the renovation is an initiative called "theme lounges" for junior enlisted barracks which implements a kitchenette on one deck in bachelor quarters.

Typically, the first deck sports a state-of-the art exercise room for service members.

The second deck common area is outfitted with an eating lounge area. Two BEQs on Camp Foster already have kitchenettes in the eating lounge area under the WBR program and more are scheduled for construction.

The third deck common area is an entertainment room that includes a flat-screen television, couches, coffee tables and small kitchenette area.

Fourth deck's common area is designated as a study room for Professional Military Education and houses a small library.

Along with efforts to increase the standard of living, service members can enjoy easy access to shoppettes, exchanges, commissaries, gyms, pools and other amenities.

The location of the barracks is central to every facility service members need access to, said Gunnery Sgt. David Ramos, base services chief, Headquarters and Service Battalion, MCB Camp Butler.

"It's a perfect location for us to live and be comfortable. I have everything within reach," Ramos said.

According to Stauffer, these improvements are part of the Commandant of the Marine Corps' vision and commitment to improving Marines' quality of life through effective leadership and by providing satisfactory living standards.

The overall intent is to ensure that unaccompanied Marines enjoy a quality of life similar to service members with families, Stauffer added.

"In other words, having a home away from home," she said.