Naval Support Activity Bahrain Welcome Aboard

welcome

aboard

guide 2018

welcome

aboard

guide

naval support activity bahrain

www.facebook.com/NSABahrain/

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Welcome to U.S. Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain! NSA Bahrain

is located in the Kingdom of Bahrain, and is home to U.S. Naval Forces

Central Command (NAVCENT), the U.S. 5th Fleet, and many other tenant

commands. NSA Bahrain provides operational support to U.S. and Coalition

Forces operating throughout the CENTCOM area of responsibility,

ensuring security to ships, aircraft, detachments, and remote sites. NSA

Bahrain operates and maintains superior facilities and services for tenant

commands, their deployed assets, service members, DoD civilians and

their dependents.

A tour of duty here offers service members and their families a variety

of cultural experiences throughout the Kingdom and the Region. Whether

you come here with your family, are unaccompanied or single, there are

countless opportunities for travel, education, and personal and professional

growth.

Whether you are assigned to Naval Support Activity Bahrain or one of

our 147 tenant commands, you will have the opportunity to be part of a

vibrant and knowledgeable team.

We are a multi-service and multi-national naval installation focused on

providing the best operational and logistic support to warghters, be they

Navy, Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, Coast Guard or our allies.

The opportunity to live overseas

is thrilling, but it can also cause

some anxiety as you will be faced

with some unique and sometimes

unexpected challenges. We created

this guide to answer many of the

questions you may have about your

new home, as well as to help provide

a smooth transition here.

We encourage you to make early

and frequent contact with your

sponsor as he or she can nd answers

to your detailed questions and walk

you through the transition process.

Be prepared, be organized, but

mostly - be excited about the journey

and wonderful experiences ahead!

WELCOME ABOARD

Contents

About NSA Bahrain --------

Before Arriving --------------

Medical Requirements ----

Pets ----------------------------

Vehicles -----------------------

What to Bring --------------

What not to Bring ---------

Arriving in Bahrain ----------

Housing -----------------------

Settling in --------------------

Services in Bahrain ---------

Shopping O Base ----------

College ------------------------

K-12 School ------------------

To-d0 List ---------------------

Important Websites --------

Important Phone #’s --------

Base Map ---------------------

Produced by Naval Support Activity

Bahrain’s Public Affairs Ofce

Commanding Ofcier

Capt. Darren Guenther

Executive Ofcier

Cmdr. Michael Brand

Command Master Chief

CMDCM Mike Latimer

Public Affairs Ofcer

Lt. Javan Rasnake

Editor/Layout

MC1 Eric S. Garst

Mass Communications Specialist

MC2 Gregory Pickett

Public Affairs Ofce

DSN: 318-439-4520

Email: [email protected]

The Welcome Aboard is an authorized publi-

cation primarily for NSA Bahrain personnel

and families. Its contents do not necessarily

reect the ofcial views of the U.S. Govern-

ment, the Department of Defense, the U.S.

Navy or Marine Corps and do not imply

endorsement thereof.

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Although Naval Support Activity Bahrain, as it is

known today, has existed in its present form for two

decades, the continued United States Navy presence in

Juffair has evolved from only a few buildings 70 years

ago into the modern infrastructure today, providing

award-winning support to the eet and to Sailors

through a world-class Navy Exchange facility and top-

notch Morale, Welfare, and Recreation programs to

both United States Armed Forces and coalition assets.

Initially established as the U.S. Middle East Force

in 1948, what was to become Naval Support Activity

Bahrain began as a small continuous U.S. Navy presence,

which later transformed into a small shore facility

in Juffair, providing logistical and communications

support to Marine Expeditionary vessels.

In 1971, the permanent Royal Navy presence in

Bahrain ofcially ended, and the United States Navy

moved onto the ten acres previously occupied by the

British operations. Eight years later the installation

became known as Administrative Support Unit Bahrain.

Administrative Support Unit Bahrain remained until

1992, when, in an effort to more accurately reect the

increasing role and mission of U.S. Navy activities

in the region, the organization became known as

Administrative Support Unit Southwest Asia.

In 1997, under the guidance of the Military

Construction Program, facilities located in Juffair saw

an increased buildup. The name was changed to what is

known today, Naval Support Activity Bahrain.

While constant renovation of existing buildings,

construction of new facilities, and aesthetic overhaul of

the facilities known as Naval Support Activity Bahrain

is always ongoing, the mission of the organization

has never changed – to provide top-notch service and

unparalleled support to the thousands of U.S. and

Coalition Sailors, Soldiers, Marines and Airmen and

ships using the facilities here each year.

About Naval Support Activity (NSA)Bahrain

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The rst step in requesting an accompanied tour

is to discuss this possibility with your detailer. If the

detailer is able to authorize an accompanied tour, the

next step would be for your current command to submit

a DEA request via message trafc to NAVSUPPACT

BAHRAIN. Once your message is received, it will be

routed through your prospective chain of command

to verify and authorize a dependent quota. Once you

are approved, a message will be sent to your current

command granting your DEA and at that point, your

detailer can modify your orders to reect a 24 month

accompanied tour, vice a 12 month unaccompanied

tour.

Your sponsor will help to make your move as smooth

as possible. Sponsors typically help make temporary

lodging arrangements, answer questions, and provide

useful information for your transition overseas.

It is your responsibility to communicate with your

sponsor to let him or her know your needs and arrival

date. To request a sponsor, use the email provided in

your orders.

Before Arriving

You will be required to go through immigration at the

airport upon arrival in Bahrain. Ensure to provide your

Ofcial (No-Fee/Brown) Passport for visa issuance.

If you do not have an ofcial (No fee/Brown) passport

prior to detaching your current command, ensure to

have a copy of your orders and your military ID. Per

the current DOD Foreign Clearance Guide, service

members permanently attached to Bahrain will be

allowed to enter the country with the items mentioned

above. If you do not receive your ofcial passport prior

to detaching, your local service NAVPTO can forward

your passport to NSA Bahrain NAVPTO for pick up

after reporting. You must, at a minimum, apply for

the ofcial passport and retain/bring a copy for your

records.

Dependents traveling without an ofcial (No fee/

Brown) passport will be subject to a customs fee of 25

Bahraini Dinar (Approximately $70) per dependent,

regardless of command dependent entry approval

status. This must be paid upon arrival when processing

through customs, cash only.

If you apply for a tourist passport or renew your tourist

passport while in Bahrain, you must present proof of

U.S. citizenship and other supporting documentation

listed at http://passports.state.gov. Tourist passports are

processed at the U.S. Embassy, Manama and it generally

takes four to six weeks to receive a new passport.

Many of your questions may be

answered in the Welcome Aboard.

Please read through it carefully, and

if you have any further questions,

please don’t hesitate to contact the

Sponsorship Team at:

M-BA-NSF-SecuritySponsorTeam@

me.navy.mil

Dependent Entry Approval (DEA)

Command Sponsorship of dependents

Sponsors

Dependent Entry Approval is a Navy

process to obtain permission from an

area commander to bring dependents

into a specic area. Approval/

disapproval is based on Status of Forces

Agreements (SOFA)

Submit Message To

NAVSUPPACT BAHRAIN

Passports

Ofcial passport/visa required for travel to Bahrain.

Before arriving

ensure all dependents

age 10 and up have a

dependent ID card.

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Powers of Attorney

A power of attorney may be useful or necessary, especially if the service

member will be absent from home for extended periods of time. A power of

attorney may be tailored and limited to accommodate particular individual

needs. There are two types of powers of attorneys, general and special.

A general power of attorney is a powerful document and should only

be used in limited circumstances. A judge advocate can provide advice

on whether to get a general or special power of attorney. In most cases, a

special power of attorney can be drafted that will protect the maker, and

authorize the holder to complete all required business. If you need a power

of attorney before transferring, contact your local Legal Assistance Ofce.

No appointment is needed to obtain a power of attorney in Bahrain.

Preparing Financially

Please be advised that if proper

paperwork is not provided on time,

you may experience a delay in your

pay and allowances.

Prepare to have a few months of

savings (around $5,000) in case

your pay is delayed. Your BAH

will stop once you are gained to the

command and further forms will

be required to start OHA and other

required pays. If you foresee an

issue, you can request a one month

advance pay. Please be aware that

you are responsible for pay back and

please make sure that you prepare.

Personnel E5 and above will

live off base and will pay the rst

month’s rent out of pocket, in

accordance with local practice.

Make sure you are ready for this by

saving beforehand. If you foresee

a problem, you are authorized to

request one month of advance

OHA. Please be aware that you are

responsible for pay back and please

make sure that you prepare.

It’s imperative that you prepare

yourself for the nancial burden

that may arise due to pay delays

or other issues. Make sure that

you have money set aside to cover

unexpected expenses.

You can request:

1 month Advance OHA

1 ADVANCE PAY

2 with CO’s approval

For UIC 63005:

Rank/ Name

PSC 851 Box 10

FPO AE 09834-0008

For UIC 46199 & 58054:

Rank/Name

PSC 851 Box 700

FPO AE 09834-2800

You should seek the advice of an

attorney if you have a complex issue.

Special Power of Attorney (SPOA)

SPOA-Banking

SPOA-Family Care Plan/In-Loco Parentis

Financial Matters Generally

SPOA-HouseHold Goods

SPOA-Insurance

SPOA-Mail

SPOA-Military Housing

SPOA-Personal Property

buying/selling/registering/using a car, receive

mail,

use/maintain/buy/sell, and claim damages

SPOA-PetCare

SPOA-Personnel Support Detachment

DEERS/TRICARE enrollment, obtaining copies

of SGLI paperwork and Page 2 information

Letter Of Revocation

Interim Command Address

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Medical Requirements

You and your family are required to

undergo overseas medical and dental

screening upon receipt of a letter

of intent to transfer to an overseas

location. Active duty members must

complete the screening within 30

days and dependents must complete

the screening within 60 days of

receipt of orders. The overseas

screening packet contains the forms

NAVMED 1300.1 series and DD

Form 2807-1 as well as DD Form

2792-1 for children. Detailed

guidance on the screening process

is found in BUMEDINST 1300.2B

series. The screening must be

completed at your current medical

treatment facility (MTF).

http://www.med.navy.mil/sites/

sigonella/Overseas/Pages/BH

CBahrainMedicalConditionsthat

.aspx

Naval Branch Health Clinic

Bahrain will screen all incoming

screening inquiries on-site before

arrival.

Please see the information below

if you need to contact Naval Branch

Health Clinic Bahrain.

DSN: 318-439-6110

Comm: 011-973-17-85-6110

Email: usn.bahrain.brhlthclinba.

[email protected]

The purpose of overseas

medical screening is to

identify medical, dental,

educational and/or duty

limiting conditions

and requirements for

both service and family

members and ascertain

whether or not the new duty

station has the capabilities

to meet their needs. Prior to

transferring

to your

next duty

station, Service

Members and their

families are required

to be up to date on all

immunizations. Some

duty stations require

the administration of

additional vaccines

prior to transfer, and/

or upon arrival to your

next location. During

your screening, please

ask your provider if

you are required to

receive any additional

vaccines.

For more information regarding

recommendations for location

specic immunizations, please visit

the CDC website.

Direct links provided below:

http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/

destinations/list.aspx and https://

health.mil/Military-Health-

Topics/Health-Readiness/

Immunization-helthcare/Vaccine-

Recommendations/Vaccine-

Recommendations-by-AOR

Overseas Screenings

Immunizations

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The Deputy Secretary of Defense has directed

mandatory Anthrax and Smallpox vaccinations for

Emergency Essential and comparable DoD civilian

employees, and certain mission essential contractor

personnel performing essential services within the

USCENTCOM area of responsibility (AOR).

The Anthrax vaccination is a series of 5 shots occurring

at 0, and 4 weeks; then at 6, 12, and 18 months, followed

by an annual booster while in the USCENTCOM AOR.

Smallpox vaccination is a one-time inoculation. To

meet the immunization requirements it is preferred

and recommended that civilian employees reporting

to the USCENTCOM AOR receive the Smallpox

immunization and begin the Anthrax series before

departing for USCENTCOM AOR and provide

documentation upon arrival. A shot card or other

medical documentation may be submitted to verify

prior Anthrax and Smallpox vaccinations. If this is

not possible, the civilian employees will be required

to report to NBHC Bahrain to receive these required

immunizations within 15 days of arrival. The NBHC

will also provide subsequent Anthrax vaccinations to

complete the series, as well as annual boosters.

Civilian employees may be exempted from Anthrax

and Smallpox requirements if they provide acceptable

medical documentation justifying exemption. Please

refer to the Anthrax resource link and the Smallpox

vaccination link for more information. Also, some

geographic regions of the USCENTCOM AOR have

been identied as high risk for malaria; therefore,

personnel will be required to be placed on Anti-Malaria

medication if they are assigned to, or required to travel

to, these regions.

It is preferred that personnel receive the rst three

shots in the Anthrax series before reporting to Bahrain.

Please keep in mind that NBHC Bahrain is the

nal adjudicator of the O/S medical screening; a

recommendation by the screener is not a medical

clearance.

As many as 15 percent of military families have

members with special needs. These include spouses,

children, or dependent parents who require special

medical or educational services. These family members

have a diagnosed physical, intellectual or emotional

condition.

The Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP)

serves these families in

several ways.

These four articles will

provide families with

special needs helpful

information and points of

contact:

Enrollment/EFMP – This article discusses the

Exceptional Family Member Program enrollment,

which is mandatory for all military personnel who have

a member of their family with a medical or educational

disability. The article discusses the purpose of

enrollment, the process and provides Service-specic

differences.

Family Support/EFMP – This article discusses the

family support function of the EFMP, which may

include information and referral support (to military

and community resources), nancial management

assistance, relocation assistance, and for some families,

case management. The article provides Service-specic

differences and identies the point of contact at each

installation.

Health Care/Special Needs - The military health care

system supports families with special needs in a number

of ways. This article describes the special services and

provides the point of contact at the Military Treatment

Facility.

Special Education/EIS – Describes two programs

that provide educational intervention for children

with disabilities who are from birth to three (early

intervention services) or pre/school aged (3-21) (special

education).

Vaccinations for Bahrain Exceptional Family Member Program

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The Kingdom of Bahrain requires that all pets arriving from a country that is not considered rabies-free have a

valid rabies titer test (FAVN or FADL). Our agreement with the host nation precludes service members and DoD

employees from having to obtain a FAVN/FADL, provided the following guidelines are adhered to by all pets

afliated with NSA Bahrain. Please note that there are no exceptions to these guidelines, as they are mandated by

the Kingdom of Bahrain. We recommend starting the entry process at least three-four months in advance of your

arrival date. You can email the NSA Bahrain Veterinarian with any questions at [email protected].mil.

1. You must provide documentation/proof of at least two doses of all required vaccines during the pet’s lifetime.

2. Your pet must be older than four months of age upon entry.

3. Your pet’s most current vaccines must be given greater than 30 days but less than 10 months from the date of

travel (NOTE: Bahrain does not recognize three-year vaccinations OR the two-year Rabies vaccination)

4. If your pet has not had a required vaccination: There is a 21-day waiting period between vaccinations in a

series, and pets cannot travel for 30 calendar days after receiving a vaccination.

5. Please provide your pet’s complete vaccination information as well as the provided checklist to our ofce via

email ([email protected].mil).

1. Dogs:

a. Previous Rabies, DA2PP, Leptospirosis.

b. Current Rabies, DA2PP, Leptospirosis.

2. Cats:

a. Previous Rabies, FVRCP.

b. Current Rabies, FVRCP.

1. Once your pet’s vaccination and microchip information have been

veried, NSA Bahrain VTF will prepare your import memorandum

and your sponsor may pick it up during regular business hours.

1. The import memorandum must be taken to the Kingdom of Bahrain Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Wealth

Directorate Veterinary Quarantine Ofce, who will issue your

Animal Import Certicate (only valid for 30 days).

a. Hours of Operation: Sunday through Thursday 0730-1300

b. Address:

Bldg 201 Avenue 62

Block 762 Buri

Kingdom of Bahrain

c. GPS: 26.157711 ; 50.488186

2. Your sponsor must bring the Import Memorandum and the

required fee to the Ministry. The fee is 2 Bahraini Dinars per

pet (approximately $5.34 US); cash is the only form of payment

accepted.

3. Your sponsor must meet you at the airport with the original import

permit. This is required for your pets to clear customs and enter the

country.

Pets

REQUIREMENTS:

VACCINATIONS

IMPORT MEMORANDUM:

ANIMAL IMPORT CERTIFICATE (PERMIT)

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1. Your pet(s) must receive a Health Certicate within 10 days of travel:

a. APHIS Form 7001 (United States Interstate and International Certicate of Health Examination).

b. All vaccinations required for entry must be noted on this form (see vaccination requirements on previous

page).

c. Health certicates must be endorsed/stamped by the USDA unless completed by an active duty U.S. Army

veterinarian. If you are using a civilian veterinarian, USDA endorsement is required and your veterinarian

can direct you as to how to complete this step.

2. You must have your pet’s current, signed, original rabies certicate (signature in blue ink) on hand during

travel.

AMC TRAVEL: Contact PSD or the

AMC terminal directly to verify that

your pet(s) have a space reserved

on your ight(s). Also verify their

shipping kennel requirements, weight

restrictions, fees and any special

shipping procedures or documents they

may require upon check-in.

COMMERCIAL TRAVEL: Contact

your airline directly to verify that

your pet(s) have a space reserved

on your ight(s). Also verify their

shipping kennel requirements, weight

restrictions, fees and any special

shipping procedures or documents they may require upon check-in. Please note that when ying commercially

all pets are required to arrive as manifested cargo, not in cabin or as checked baggage (contact airline for further

information). Please remember that some airline companies have travel restrictions based on time of year or heat

indexes.

HEALTH CERTIFICATES

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Vehicles

Expired stateside drivers licenses

disqualify personnel from driving

Government Owned Vehicles

(GOV) on base, in the performance

of duties, regardless of state

exemptions. Be sure to renew your

driver’s license in the U.S., prior

to your arrival here, if you expect

(or are expected) to drive a GOV.

You may drive a Personally Owned

Vehicle (POV) with a valid stateside

driver’s license in Bahrain; no other

local/international licenses are

required.

The rst thing to do is go to the

Vehicle Processing Center (VPC)

website.

https://www.pcsmypov.com/

locations

POV 5 Year Rule: all vehicles

shipped to Bahrain older than 5

years of age will have to be exported

when the member departs the island.

Vehicles shipped under this

exemption will not be allowed

to be re-registered if sold to

another party. Furthermore,

members are advised before they

purchase a vehicle in Bahrain

to make sure the vehicle was

shipped prior to the exemption

date to ensure that it can be re-

registered.

Privately Owned Vehicles

(POVs) are handled by the Vehicle

Processing Center (VPC) located in

the Sitra Industrial Area, Kingdom

of Bahrain, where personnel

can check the inbound status of

their POV and also turn-in their¬

vehicles for outbound shipment.

Members can also check the status

of their POV on-line or call the local

ofce at: 1770-1892 or 1770-2193

(fax 17701456) you will be notied

to collect your POV from the VPC

once cleared through Bahrain

Customs. When you arrive to pick

up your vehicle you must present

the following to the VPC personnel:

copy of Vehicle Inspection and

Shipping Form; copy of orders

- front and back to include any

amendments; Military ID; proof of

ownership; temporary license plates

(Bahrain); proof of insurance;

Power of Attorney (if anyone other

than entitled member is picking up

the vehicle).

Hours of operation:

Open: Sun-Thur 0800-1700

Closed: Fri, Sat and U.S. holidays

Once your POV is cleared

through Bahrain customs you will

be notied by the VPC. To collect

the customs clearance certicate of

your POV at the Personal Property

Ofce (PPO). The PPO will issue

a letter certifying the status of your

POV title and a certication letter

to register your POV at the Bahrain

Trafc Directorate. Contact an

insurance company of your choice

to ensure that you have the required

coverage for Bahrain. Local

insurance companies will issue a

proof of insurance card.

Registration of the vehicle with the

Bahrain Trafc Directorate will be

your responsibility. You are allowed

to assign an agent of your choice to

process your POV registration.

The following are required by the

Trafc Directorate for registering

your POV: vehicle (for inspection);

customs duty free certicate

(provided by the VPC); letter from

the PPO certifying the status of

the title (provided by PPO); Letter

of Certication to register your

POV to Bahrain Trafc Directorate

(provided by PPO); proof of

insurance; CPR card of the owner;

Driver’s License

Shipping to Bahrain

Privately Owned Vehicles

Pre-Registration

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U.S. Driver’s License; Registration

Fees (33.000 Bahraini Dinars

approximately).

Insurance and trafc registration

expiration dates must coincide with

one another, (i.e., last day of the

month). Insurance and registration

must be renewed annually; failure

to comply will prohibit operation

of the vehicle in Bahrain and may

subject the owner to a penalty in

accordance with Bahrain law.

Automobile insurance for the

Bahrain area is reasonable. Cost

depends on make, model, year of

vehicle and the total value you

declare on the vehicle. Insurance

is mandatory, and POV cannot be

released, registered, or used without

proof of insurance. Once insurance

is issued on a vehicle, coverage

includes anyone who drives the

vehicle. It is not necessary to have

each individual driver insured.

There are two types of insurance

policies available:

Third party (without collision)

Comprehensive (full cover)

Motorcycles require registration

according to Bahrain trafc law.

The local Ministry of the Interior

denes a motor vehicle as either

automobile or motorcycle with

engine power exceeding 1.5 HP

and engine size exceeding 50 cc.

Shipping motorcycle, mopeds, dirt

bikes, or quad bikes under 100 cc to

Bahrain is prohibited.

Local Motor Vehicle Regulations

1. Tinted windows:

Local motor laws allow the importation of vehicles with FACTORY

TINTED windows. Vehicles cannot be registered unless the

windshield and front side windows allow at least 70% of light to pass

through. The front windshield may have a sun strip as long as it is

the original manufactured windshield. All windows behind the front

driver and passenger side windows can be tinted as long as it is the

FACTORY TINTED windows. The amount of tinting for windows

behind the driver and passenger side windows is not addressed by the

Kingdom of Bahrain with the exception that they must be FACTORY

TINTED. Vehicles that are in transit with non-conforming tinted

windows may not be allowed to be registered. After market tinting

is not allowed.

2. Right hand steering wheel:

Steering wheel on the right-hand side of the vehicle is not permitted.

3. Paint/Scratches/Dents/Color:

Vehicles with badly faded paint, dents, widely visible scratches, or

any other damage will not pass the inspection. Flat matte paint or

vinyl wrapping are prohibited. Loose or hanging body parts and

major body damage is not acceptable. Normal dings and scratches

are acceptable. There are no restrictions to color, however no weird

painted art, drawings, or graphics are permitted.

4. Tires:

All tires will be in good condition. Tires extending partially beyond

the fender are prohibited.

5. Lights:

All installed lights must be operational. The taillight or a separate

light must illuminate the rear license plate. Backup lights must

function when the transmission is engaged in reverse gear. Vehicles

must be equipped with directional signals.

6. Windshield Wipers:

Must be operational.

7. Brakes:

Vehicle must have two separate means of applying brakes. The failure

of one braking system will fail registration.

8. Others:

Willys Jeeps are restricted. Vehicles must meet operational and safety

standards. Faulty exhaust system, missing fenders, broken windows,

missing side view mirrors, and improper wheel alignment (wheels

that cannot be turned from full right to left without jamming or

rubbing part of the vehicle) will not be accepted.

Automobile Insurance

Motorcycles

- 12 -

What to Bring?

Before you board a plane and make your way to

Bahrain, there are a number of details that you need to

know before you arrive.

UNIFORMS: BRING FULL SEABAG WITH ALL

UNIFORM ITEMS!!! You will be required to at times

use your dress whites, dress blues, and potentially any

other required uniform.

Electronics: Electricity Voltage in Bahrain is 220

Volts! If you bring electronics, make sure if they are

120V/220V. Be advised that your at or villa may come

with the electronics you need (TV/DVD/Surround

System/ Appliances). Be sure you don’t plug in

expensive electronics without rst checking the voltage

and using the appropriate transformer if necessary.

Transformers Vs. Adapters: Transformers change the

voltage; adapters only adapt the plug to t. Converters

are available for sale at various locations and/or can be

obtained when negotiating a housing lease.

Passports: (Ofcial Passport) No-Fee Passport(s) are

mandatory. If you have not received your passport you

can still travel and enter Bahrain with your ofcial

orders and Military ID Card. Notify the NSA Command

Sponsor Team if you have any further questions or

concerns about passports.

The Navy authorizes no more than 600 lbs. for the

member and 200 lbs. per family member; this is for

items you need upon arrival like: clothing, bedding,

basic pots and pans, small electronic, etc., baby furniture

like crib, pack and play, etc. Recommend shipment be

picked up 30 days prior to main shipment since transit

times are approximately 45 days.

Choosing what to bring on orders to Bahrain is a

highly personal choice. Check out page 16 to nd out

more about the homes in Bahrain. You will want to be

comfortable in your home in Bahrain just as you would

want to be comfortable in your home anywhere else.

You may want to bring your mattress and/or mattress

pads—Bahrain’s beds can be hard. If you like water

sports, bring your items but keep in mind there is NO

surng in Bahrain. If your shipment is late arriving

and you have exhausted Temporary Living Allowance,

Bahrain housing may be able to assign you to a

month-to-month, fully-furnished apartment until your

shipment arrives.

We have suggested items to store at government

expense during your assignment to Bahrain like:

Furniture, appliances, electronics and computers. Limit

sentimental items: expecially if they break easily.

Transformers are available but may cause extra wear

and tear on items.

Personal Property Types of Shipments

Unaccompanied Baggage (UB)

Basic Household Goods (HHG)

Storage Options: Non-Temporary Storage (NTS)

Pay Grade

O6-O10

O5/W5

O4/W4

O3/W3

O2/W2

O1/W1

E1-3

With

Dependents

18,000 .

17,500 .

17,000 .

14,500 .

13,500 .

12,000 .

14,500 .

13,500 .

12,500 .

11,000 .

9,000 .

8,000 .

Without

Dependents

18,000 .

16,000 .

14,000 .

13,000 .

12,500 .

10,000 .

12,000 .

11,000 .

10,500 .

8,000 .

7,000 .

5,000 .

PCS Gross Weight Allowance

- 13 -

NOT ALLOWED

• All narcotics and recreational drugs: (including but not limited to)

cocaine, heroin, cannabis and opiates and their derivates

• Fireworks, weapons, explosives and ammunition

• Knives and deadly weapons

• Military uniform swords/cutlass/saber

• Gambling games, tools and machineries

• Plant and plant products

• Live swine, pork meat and related products

• Animals without a valid permit

• Indian Paan and Derivatives

• Advertisement material for all types of Cigarettes

• Children’s Toy Guns capable of ring projectiles

• Radio/ Remote controlled Model Aircraft (including drones)

• Radar jammers/other unauthorized communication devices

• Goods of Israeli origin or bearing Israeli trademarks or logos

• Printed publications, photographs, pictures, books, magazines

sculptures and mannequins which contradict Islamic teachings,

decency, or immorality

• Raw Ivory, Ivory articles and Rhinoceros Horn

• Counterfeit money and goods

• Asbestos or Items containing Asbestos

• Pornographic material - print, video, audio, hard disk etc.

• Cultured Pearls

• Seditious or treasonable material

• Any other items, whose importation is prohibited under Kingdom of

Bahrain Customs laws, or any other laws of the country

***Further information can be found at www.bahraincustoms.gov.bh***

• All arms, ammunition and explosives being imported into the country

will require a No Objection Certicate from Ministry of the Interior.

• The following items will require a No Objection Certicate from

Ministry of Municipalities & Agriculture Affairs - Animal or vegetable

fertilizers, meat and meat products, sh and seafood products, fruit and

vegetables, plants and soil.

• Other food products and required medicines will need special

permission from the Ministry of Health.

• Any animals require a certicate from the Ministry of Agriculture

Affairs as discussed in pgs. 8-9 of this guide.

• Radios and broadcasting equipment entering the country will need a no

objections certicate to be issued by the Telecom Regulation Authority.

• All antiques will need a no objection certicate from the Ministry of

Information in order to leave the country.

• Further information can be found at www.bahraincustoms.gov.bh

No weapons allowed

Prohibited

Restricted/Declared items

If you think it may not

be allowed, we recommend

putting it in you non-

temporary storage

Neither the Navy nor

DoD will be able to assist

with retrieving conscated

goods

- 14 -

Arriving in Bahrain

Get ready and rest up for a long ight overseas.

Making connections, clearing customs and tracking

luggage become arduous when packed into a couple of

days.

That is why good preparation will make the ight

easier. Ensure all luggage has identication tags (but

do not use rank/rate or any other military markers) and

if traveling with infants or young children, have extra

diapers and toys on hand to keep them occupied.

Living and working overseas carries force protection

considerations beyond those that have become a part of

daily life in the U.S.

Commander, U.S. Naval Support Activity Bahrain

is responsible for the force protection of all DoD

members, including tenant activities and departments

throughout the Kingdom of Bahrain.

As part of your overseas screening, you and your

family members must complete Level I force protection

training. Newly arriving personnel will receive an

orientation brief to include local law enforcement brief.

These informative briefs are open to military spouses,

DoD civilians and their spouses.

Civilian attire is required when travelling into

Bahrain, dress conservatively. Civilian attire shall

be neat, clean and in good taste. Shorts, tank tops,

sleeveless shirts, ripped or torn clothing, ip ops and

garments which are revealing or contain obscene words

are not authorized. Additionally, men are not authorized

to wear earrings at any time.

It is impossible to cover all combinations of attire.

The goal is to blend with the local environment and

not draw undue attention to yourself. Civilian attire

will present a neat, conservative appearance. Clothing

will be loose tting and concealing. Neither males nor

females shall wear shirts or blouses of sheer fabric that

could be considered revealing.

Please go to the website below to familiarize yourself

with the civilian attire requirements:

https://www.cnic.navy.mil/regions/cnreurafswa/

installations/nsa_bahrain/about/policies.html

The majority of incoming personnel will take Patriot

Express (rotator) ights for permanent change of

station and temporarily additional duty orders from the

continental United States to Bahrain. Dependents age

10 and up are required to have a dependent ID card to

board the Patriot Express.

Once the service member completes his/her passenger

reservation request through their local PSD ofce or

CPC, the request is sent to the Navy Passenger Travel

Ofce where the mode of travel will be determined.

Defense Transportation Regulation (DTR) 4500.9R

states the Patriot Express should be utilized to the

maximum extent possible. The regulation goes on to

state the only exception will be non-availability of AMC

scheduled airlift to meet a member’s requirements, such

as pet space limitations.

Force Protection

The Flight

Civilian Attire/Dress Code

- 15 -

While stationed at Bahrain for more than 6 months

you are required to obtain a visa stamp and a CPR

(local registry card). The visa stamp will allow you to

travel internationally, and the CPR card is mandatory

for obtaining all kinds of services requiring ID (i.e.

registering vehicle, internet connection, post paid

phone lines, etc.)

Upon arrival personnel will apply for a visa stamp

in their ofcial passport at no cost in the immigration

ofce (BLDG 346). It takes approximately one to two

weeks for the visa stamp depending upon how many

passports are being processed and holiday periods.

After completing the visa you will be able to apply

for to receive the CPR card. Processing will take an

additional week and cost one Bahraini Dinar (2.65

U.S.).

The daily working

uniform is NWU

Type III (Green

digitals). Prior to

acquiring Type III,

you are authorized to

wear the NWU Type

I (blue digitals).

You will need dress

uniforms for special

events and may need

cold weather gear

for travel; bring a

complete seabag.

VISA Stamp

Uniforms

Cell phone

If you have a cell phone and would like to use it in

Bahrain, it must be unlocked. Most carriers will unlock

the phone if asked. You can purchase a SIM card for

your unlocked phone upon arrival, which will provide

you with a local Bahrain number.

Unlocked phones may also be purchased locally

ranging in price from $25 to $1000 depending on

the type of phone you would like to use. It is highly

encouraged that you have a phone with local cell phone

service while in Bahrain for safety and command recall

purposes.

The following are social media links that are

recommended to follow to keep up to date with what is

happening in and around Bahrain:

www.facebook.com/NSABahrain/

www.facebook.com/nsabahrainombudsmanofcialpage/

www.facebook.com/MWR.Bahrain/

www.facebook.com/BahrainCS

To Unlock your current phone

contact your carrier and follow

the directions given.

Social Media

- 16 -

E4 and below personnel will be assigned lodging in

the barracks onboard NSA Bahrain. Due to this fact, the

command will not recommend advance TLA for E4 and

below personnel prior to reporting. In the event barracks

capacity reaches 95%, E4 (and potentially newly

reporting E3 and below) personnel will be assigned

lodging in a hotel off base. This will be on a case by

case basis depending on the current occupancy of the

barracks. The sponsor team will keep you informed

regarding current and changing eligibility.

E5 and above will be assigned lodging in a hotel

off base. Personnel residing off base will receive

temporary lodging allowance (TLA) for the actual cost

of lodging for a maximum of 45 days. Upon reporting,

the sponsor team will issue a certicate of non-

availability (CNA) prior to checking into your hotel.

Local force protection measures require the sponsor

team to make hotel reservations prior to your arrival.

Please convey any special requests or needs regarding

these arrangements with the sponsor team upon contact

and they will do their best to accommodate you. Funds

received regarding TLA claims will be for the single

purpose of paying hotel costs only. These funds are not

for personal use.

TLA is paid in 10-day increments. Members are

required to pay TLA up front and provide zero-balanced

receipts to the Housing Ofce. Once Housing prepares

the documentation, sponsors will submit to Command

Pay Personnel Assistant (CPPA) who will then submit

to PSD for processing. Timely submission of proper

documentation is essential to timely reimbursement.

Active duty E-5 and senior, accompanied E-4

personnel, and DoD Civilians will reside off base in

a villa (house), or at/three-high (apartment/condo).

Before arrival check online to view some of the housing

choices.

Be proactive with your housing process as soon as

you get to Bahrain. Go to the housing ofce to register

for the housing brief as soon as you can, and begin

looking for homes in town. Be sure to look thoroughly

and in different parts of the island and keep looking

until you nd a place that is right for your situation.

Service members who have school age children will

want to check with the school transportation ofce for

current available bus routes.

Many service members use realtors to help look for a

place to live; however, using them is not required. There

are fully furnished, semi furnished, and unfurnished

places available in Bahrain. Have an idea of what type

of place you want before shipping your household

goods. You will be able to negotiate for things you need.

Internet can be a tool for familiarizing yourself

with the area and types of homes available, but please

understand that the Housing Service Center has no

control over any of the listings posted there. Many

entities that post listings online may not be legitimate.

In order to protect your interests at all times and as part

of our procedures, you are strongly recommended to

avoid making any commitments on properties prior

to your arrival. This can be something as simple as

asking a property manager, realtor or landlord to hold a

property for you.

Housing

Temporary Lodging Allowance (TLA) No On-Base Housing

STEP 1 Attend the Housing Services Center brief.

STEP 2

Negotiate for all items that you need to establish your residency. Please be sure about the location

before you start to negotiate with the landlord.

STEP 3

After identifying a location, return to Housing to pickup a pre-contract. The agent or landlord will

complete the form with you.

STEP 4

Pick-up the completed pre-contract from the landlord or agent with the landlord’s signature as well

as yours.

STEP 5

Allow 2-3 weeks for the lease process to be completed. This process includes lease draft, conducting

a security inspection and the lease signing.

STEP 6

The landlord must come to Housing to sign the lease once it is approved by security inspection.

Package needed by Housing must contain furniture list, TV list, oor plan, and a map that shows how

to get from NSA to your at/villa

STEP 7

After signing the lease agreement at the Housing ofce, the required number of copies will be

provided to you.

- 17 -

E-4 (single) personnel may be able to reside in

the economy based on barracks space availability

percentage. It is highly recommended that you inform

Housing Department and the Sponsor Team Division

of your arrival date in advance. This will allow them to

communicate with Housing Department and make the

proper living accommodations.

All E3 and below will reside in the barracks unless

the barracks reaches full capacity (100%). If this is the

case, personnel will need to be prepared to handle the

costs associated with a temporary placement on the

economy. E3 and below personnel who are initially

placed in a hotel will be immediately moved into the

barracks as soon as space becomes available.

All personnel who reside off base, whether temporarily

or permanently, must process through the Housing

Service Center (HSC). The HSC provides detailed

market information, contract administrative services,

and a showing service. A period of two to three weeks

is usually required to identify suitable housing and a

further week to complete lease paperwork. Voltage in

Bahrain is 220v, 50hz. Major appliances are provided

by the landlord.

The HSC counselors will assist in locating a residence

off base by:

• Providing a list of approved rental agents or

managers.

• Providing showing services at specic times during

the work week to help locate off-base housing.

• Provide pre-contract.

• Negotiating rental contracts.

• Conducting a security inspection of home before

you move in.

• Explaining the lease agreements.

• Provide copies of lease agreement signed by you

and landlord.

E-3 PERSONNEL:

Housing Service Center

- 18 -

Mandatory attendance of the installation newcomer’s

orientation and indoctrination brief is required for

all Active Duty and civilian employees (families are

welcome but not required). The brief is designed to

orient all newcomers to Bahrain. The three-day brief

provides newly reporting members and their families

with information about the base and surrounding areas.

The brief includes a eld trip where newcomers have the

opportunity to explore the area around NSA Bahrain,

visit a Mosque, camel farm and eat at a local restaurant.

The spouse indoc is hosted by the Bahrain Family

Readiness Group and is targeted to spouses on the

island, however everyone is welcome to attend!

They highlight some of the speakers and topics from

the Base indoc that directly relates to families.

Important topics covered are Medical, Fleet and

Family Services, Emergency Preparedness, Child and

Youth Services, and many others. It is also a great place

to connect with other spouses and families.

Spouse Indoc is a child friendly event. Contact the

Bahrain FRG to learn more. ([email protected])

The Human Resource Ofce provides service to US

and local hires. All employees are required to have a

Passport with Visa. USAJOBS.gov is the Federal

government’s ofcial one-stop source for federal jobs

and employment information. Applicants are strongly

encouraged to create an account to store appointment

and preference documents in USAJOBS so they will

be readily available at all times. Military spouses and

family members may apply for employment up to 30

days before their anticipated arrival overseas. However,

they may not receive preference until their arrival at the

foreign location.

In addition to the brief and tour provided as part of the

Newcomers’ Orientation, classes are offered throughout

the month to enhance your Bahrain experience. Sessions

include Arabic language and culture, gold, pearl and

carpet buying, and henna painting. Our ICR specialists

are also available for a one on one consultation.

Navy Federal Credit Union is the only U.S. bank on

base with a branch ofce located on the rst oor of the

Freedom Souq. There are two additional NFCU ATMs,

with one located on the second oor of the Freedom

Souq and one outside of the Housing Service Center.

CitiBank has an available ATM that dispenses Bahraini

Dinars near the NFCU ofce.

Settling In

Installation Newcomer’s Orientation

& Indoctrination Brief

Intercultural Relations (ICR)

Banking and Credit Cards

Civilian Employment

Spouse Indoc

- 19 -

The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society’s (NMCRS)

services are provided to active duty and retired Navy

and Marine Corps personnel and their family members.

Services provided include:

Interest-free loans, grants or combinations for:

emergency transportation (in case of serious illness/

death of immediate family); funerals; medical; food,

rent, and utilities; when disaster strikes; personal needs

when pay is delayed; and essential vehicle repairs.

Other services include: education loans/grants for

dependent children; Spouse Tuition Assistance Program

where up to 50% of tuition may be granted, and budget

counseling.

The Service to the Armed Forces branch of the American

Red Cross provides active duty, DoD civilians and

dependents at Naval Support Activity Bahrain with a

variety of programs to increase community resiliency.

For emergency Red Cross messages call 011-49-

07031152812. If an emergency situation should arise

while you are outside of CONUS you can be reached

through the American Red Cross (ARC) by having

your family or friend contact the nearest ARC ofce

providing your Social Security Account Number

(SSAN) and the full name of the command you are

assigned to at NSA Bahrain.

The AFN worldwide radio and television broadcast

network serves American service members, Department

of Defense and other U.S. government civilians and

their families stationed at bases overseas, as well as U.S.

Navy ships at sea. AFN broadcasts popular American

radio and television programs from the major U.S.

networks. At NSA Bahrain, 106.7 FM The Eagle, is the

only locally-produced radio station.

American Forces Network (AFN)

American Red Cross

Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society

- 20 -

The Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) is

one part of the overall installation family support

system, which is a network of agencies, programs,

services, partnerships and individuals that supports

your readiness. FFSC programs and services will be an

important resource for you and your family.

We can provide information, referral, resources, and

tools to make your permanent change of station (PCS)

moves efcient and simple. Services include assistance

with in-transit emergencies; classes on move-related

topics such as buying or selling homes; and individual

PCS planning, among others.

Leaving the Navy may involve a total lifestyle

change. We host the U.S. Department of Labor

sponsored Transition Guidance Plans Success (TGPS)

employment workshop for sailors planning to leave the

Navy or retire. These information-packed workshops are

designed to provide you with the skills and knowledge

necessary to plan and execute a successful transition.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) presentation

on VA benets is also included.

This is a program to assist you in developing a personal

and/or family nancial management plan. Our trained

personal nancial tness staff can help you analyze your

nances. You can learn more about setting priorities,

creating budgets, debt liquidation, Thrift Savings Plan,

consumer and credit issues, and predatory lending.

We’ll help you set a course for nancial independence

and guide you through your journey of becoming a

Million Dollar Sailor. The FFSC staff is a centralized

training source for command nancial specialists.

The training, information, and personalized career

coaching will help you identify and reach your

employment and career development goals, manage

the challenges associated with a mobile lifestyle and

develop job search skills. Our network with local

employers can have you climbing the ladder of success.

Employment assistance professionals can assist with a

wide variety of family employment issues.

We offer proactive workshops to enhance and assist

with balancing your personal and professional life. This

program provides you with information and education

about a variety of life cycle issues, including parenting

and relationships to help you improve your quality of

life.

An integral function of the FFSC, information and

referral services can assist you in locating needed

services and programs available on your installation,

through civilian agencies in the local community, and

via national resources.

The Command Ombudsman acts as a liaison between

the command and its families. Our highly-trained

Ombudsmen help provide you with information

necessary to meet the unique challenges of a military

lifestyle.

Relocation Assistance

Transition Assistance

Personal Financial Management

Employment Assistance

Life Skills

Information and Referral

Ombudsman

Feel free to contact your Ombudsman anytime:

If your command is not listed contact FFSC at [email protected].mil

NSA Bahrain [email protected]

NAVCENT [email protected]

5th MEB

[email protected]

CTF 57

[email protected]

NCTS [email protected]

PSD [email protected]

NAVSUP

ombudsman[email protected]

USNBHC Bahrain

[email protected]

- 21 -

Worship Services

Bible Study

Religious Programs

Pastoral Support

Condential Counseling

Workspace Visitation

Changes of Command

Memorial Services

Hospital Visitation

Daily Reections

The mission of CREDO is to support the regional

commander by providing ministry and training that

promotes individual, relational, and professional

readiness. CREDO programs are based on spirituality

and emphasize resiliency through enhanced awareness,

personal responsibility and effective decision making.

All Programs are at “no cost” to participants and

open to all Active Duty, Reserve, DoD Civilians and

dependents.

1. CREDO Core Programs (3 day retreats)

a. Personal Resiliency Retreats

b. Marriage Enrichment Retreats

c. Family Enrichment Retreats

2. CREDO Core Plus Programs (1 day workshops)

a. Workshops for Single and Unaccompanied Sailors

b. Leadership at the Speed of Trust

c. Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training

d. safeTALK

3. Command Climate Training

a. Sexual Assault Prevention and Response

b. Suicide Prevention General Military Training

c. Life skills

The NAVSUP Fleet Post Ofce is located on the 1st

Floor of the Freedom Souq at NSA Bahrain. There is a

100% ID check when picking up mail/packages.

All mail is screened via x-ray machines and customs

forms are considered signed ofcial documents. The

following are examples of a few items that cannot be

mailed:

Chapel Services

Post Ofce

Chaplains Religious Enrichment Development

Operations (CREDO)

hazardous materials

controlled substances

weapons of any kind

perishable items

alcoholic beverages

aerosols of any type

lighters

Cuban cigars

hookah pipes

- 22 -

Bahrain’s MWR programs are some of the nest in

the Navy. MWR offers a myriad of programs for the

whole family and is committed to making your tour at

Naval Support Activity Bahrain your best tour yet!

Fitness Center: This state of the art facility offers: free

weights, Nautilus equipment, cross trainers, elliptical

machines, rowing machines, stationary bikes, steppers,

a sauna and locker rooms. We have two outdoor tness

spaces as well, so in the cooler months, you have the

opportunity to workout outdoors. You can also receive

a health and wellness assessment by one of our personal

trainers. Lastly, the MWR Climbing Wall across from

the tness center is a fun alternative to lifting weights or

taking a group exercise class. The wall is eight meters

in height and provides ve climbing corridors so you

can climb with your command, family or friends.

Intramural Sports: The intramural sports program is

designed to develop and maintain physical readiness

by encouraging participation from commands and the

community. Year round sports include everything from

basketball and volleyball to soccer and softball.

Aquatics: NSA Bahrain has two on-base swimming

pools. The rst is the tness pool and features a 25-meter

pool with ve lanes. The tness pool is used for lap

swimming, scuba certication classes, aqua aerobics,

and available for command training exercises. We also

have the family pool, which is 32’ x 16’ and used for

recreational swimming as well as swimming lessons.

The MWR Bowling Center has four fully automated

lanes for everyone from beginner to serious bowler;

complete with shoe rental and snack bar. This facility is

great for leagues, open bowling or private parties.

The MWR movie complex has two theaters that show

movies daily. The ticket booth opens one hour prior to

the rst showing of the day. To pre-purchase weekend

movies, stop by the Community Recreation Ofce.

The NSA Bahrain Library is fully stocked with

books, DVDs, audio books, e-books, video games and

learning software that will help you expand your mind.

There’s a children’s reading room downstairs and an

adult’s studying area with printing, copying and faxing

services available upstairs.

There is myriad of recreational, sporting, leisure

equipment and gear available for checkout. Inquire,

reserve and pay for your recreation rentals at the

Community Recreation Ofce in the Freedom Souq.

The Liberty Program offers recreational, sports and

leisure activities, as well as cultural entertainment,

for all active duty, single sailors and geographical

bachelors. This on-base recreation center includes

state-of-the-art video game systems, billiards tables,

Ping-Pong, TV lounge, Wi-Fi, and an internet cafe. We

focus on exploring the Kingdom of Bahrain in a variety

of ways including sporting events, outdoor adventures,

shopping trips, amusement parks, and community

events, including festivals and concerts. Many events

are free or at the lowest cost possible.

Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR)

Athletics

Bowling Center

Movie Theaters

Library

Outdoor Recreation Rentals

Liberty Center

- 23 -

Tickets & Tours: The Tickets & Tours Ofce provides

culturally enriching tours and trips and provides

information/resources on local community activities

and services. Tickets & Tours also has offers for open

water, advanced, & specialty diver certications and

the military ticket program.

Leisure Travel: Located in the Community Recreation

Ofce is a one-stop shop for booking customized,

individualized vacation packages and group travel

to destinations all over the world! We can book your

hotels, airline tickets, cruises, land tours and transfers.

Entertainment and Special Events at NSA Bahrain

have programs that are not only entertaining but also

creative. From Nightmare on Spine Street, to the

St. Patrick’s Day Celebration and the Holiday Tree

Lighting, we always have something for the entire

community. We work directly with Navy Entertainment,

Armed Forces Entertainment and the USO to provide

quality, live entertainment for military members and

families stationed at NSA Bahrain and those deployed

on ships at sea.

Child Development Center (CDC): Offers care for

children 6 weeks to 5 years of age. The CDC’s focus

is reaching Child development milestones and school

readiness skills. The CDC is fully accredited by the

National Association for the Education of Young

Children and is certied annually by the Commander,

Navy Installation Commands.

School Age Care (SAC): Designed to be a safe place

for your children to go before and after school as well

as holiday and summer breaks. Children, kindergarten

through 6th grade can participate in this accredited

program. CYP is an active partner with the Boys &

Girls Clubs of America and the 4-H Youth Development

Organization.

Teen Center: Open to eligible family members in

grades 7-12. After becoming a member of our open

recreation program, kids can participate in the teen

program activities. We have several clubs that the

teens can choose to be involved in including Keystone,

STEAM club, Money Matters, Smart Girls, Power

Hour, Passport to Manhood, Robotics and much more.

We have a Student to Student club that helps welcome

new youth to the community.

Youth Sports: The Youth Sports program is a

recreational program focused on participation and the

development of a passion for active lifestyles. Three

and four year olds participate in a Start Smart parent

participation program that teaches the motor skills

required for future sport participation. All other sports

participants can look forward to leagues, camps, clinics,

special events, and clubs. All sports activities work on

teamwork, sportsmanship and skill development while

focusing on having fun in atmosphere of encouragement

and inclusion.

Child & Youth Programs (CYP)

Tickets/Tours/Travel

Entertainment & Special Events

- 24 -

The NEX returns 100% of its

prots to the military. 70% is given

to MWR in the form of a dividend

and 30% is retained by the NEX

for capital improvements, store

renovations and IT upgrades. The

NEX offers a wide selection of

groceries, clothing, electronics,

sporting goods and toys.

The Food Court is operated by

MWR, not the NEX. The NEX

only operates the Baskin-Robbins,

Great American Bagel & Deli and

Subway.

The alcohol ration system is

governed by NSA instruction.

Newcomers should visit the NEX

ground oor customer service dept.,

with their orders and military ID, to

be set up in the system.

Featuring selections from A&W

American Grill, Taco Bell, Smash

Hits Deli, Hot Stuff Pizza, Game

Time Sports Grill, Health Bar,

Simply Smoothies, Shawarma

Express, the Oasis Grill, Café

Panini, Gourmet Bean Café,

Gourmet Bean Express, Club 261,

CPO Club, Ofcers Club, and the

Touch & Go at the Aviation Unit.

There are many food stores in

Bahrain. You can nd a wide variety

of produce and products in the local

economy. This is true of many other

products, spices in particular.

The following stores are a few of the

many different supermarkets. Some

are like Walmart and others are just

for Groceries. This is not a complete

list of the stores, but a guideline

help out. There are numerous stores

throughout the Kingdom.

LULU HYPERMARKET

AL JAZIRA

ALOSRA SUPERMARKET

CARREFOUR

Are like the 7-11 stores in the states.

Most neighborhoods have at least

one if not more of these places.

Great for very fresh sh, and lots

of variety is offered. Look around

as the prices can vary a great deal

from one vendor to another. You

should consider going early in the

morning for freshness, though some

shoppers have gone at noon and

gotten Hamour that is still fresh.

Most all sh and shellsh are sold

whole and there are people to clean

them on site.

Better quality and prices on fruit

and vegetables than you will nd in

the regular stores.

Shopping

Navy Exchange

Freedom Souq Food Court

Grocery Shopping Central Fish Market

Central Vegetable Market

Super Markets

Cold Stores

- 25 -

College Education

Bahrain offers a wide variety of educational services to

all military and civilian members assigned to the region.

NCO Bahrain also provides educational counseling

to service members and civilians on a wide range of

voluntary education issues. All sailors are encouraged

to earn a rate-related associate degree as part of their

military educational roadmap. Sailors should visit

the Navy College Ofce website and review the total

Rating Related Degree Programs.

NCO Bahrain provides a wide selection of testing

services. The NCO administers CLEP, DANTES and

Excelsior College tests three or four times per month.

The NCO also administers ACT and SAT tests on a

monthly basis depending upon demand for the tests.

The NCO is also a registered test site for Air Force

Institute of Advanced Distance Learning - AFIADL -

tests and administers Air Command and Staff College

tests for the Bahrain Area. The NCO also administers

the National Registry EMT test in conjunction with

local EMT graduates of the Central Texas College EMT

Program.

Navy College Ofce, Bahrain, also offers the GED

test for sailors who have not completed their high

school degree requirements. Visit the Navy College

Ofce when you arrive in Bahrain and nd out more

about this opportunity.

Both Central Texas College and UMUC-Europe offer

on-base college courses at the Freshman-Senior level.

Central Texas College offers Criminal Justice courses

and Emergency Medical Technician classes under the

HQ USAREUR European contract. Many sailors take

CTC courses in pursuit of an Associate of Applied

Science Degree in Criminal Justice. Students can also

earn their EMT-Basic National Registry Certication

while in Bahrain. Sailors and civilians may also take

on-line distance learning Central Texas College courses

through registration with CTC headquarters in Killeen,

Texas. CTC offers selected Emergency Medical

Technician classes; however, the Bahrain site does not

locally offer an applied science degree in EMT.

The University of Maryland College (UMUC)

European Division - Bahrain offers service members,

family members and civilians the opportunity to pursue

course work leading to an associate or bachelor’s

degree. A variety of course work is offered in a

traditional classroom approach. Distance Education is

also available via the Internet. Degree plans include, but

are not limited to, Business Management, Psychology,

Communications and Criminal Justice. Many students

take a combination of some classroom classes and some

on-line classes to complete their degree requirements.

UMUC-Europe also offers Elementary Arabic, ARAB

111, the host-country language.

Tuition Assistance program is at 100% for active duty

personnel.

Navy College Ofce

Colleges

- 26 -

Bahrain School, as it is known

locally, is a member of the larger U.S.

Department of Defense Dependent

School System (DoDDS) under

the U.S. Department of Defense

Education Activity (DoDEA) and is

located in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Our mission is to provide a quality

American education for students in

grades K through 12. Established in

1968, our school has a long history of

academic excellence, preparing both

American and international students

to take their places as citizens of the

world. Bahrain School is unique

in that our student body includes

students from over 30 countries.

This provides our students with

the opportunity to experience the

nest in American education within

a rich multicultural environment.

We offer our students the option

of completing either the American

or International Baccalaureate

Diplomas, which helps ensure the

broadest range of post-graduation

options around the world.

PTSO is a volunteer organization

made up of parents, teachers,

students, and staff. Together, these

members support school activities

and enhance the students

academic involvement.

There is no fee to join the

PTSO. We ask instead that

you volunteer for at least one

activity throughout the year.

PTSO contributes to

Bahrain School by organizing

school pictures, providing

funds for various initiatives

and activities not funded

by DoDEA, coordinating

book fairs and showing

appreciation in a variety of

ways to our teachers and

staff.

Fall Season Cross Country, Tennis, Volleyball

Eligibility: Grade 9-12, Paperwork includes: Copy of current physical;

Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA or above with no more than 2 F’s.

Winter Season Basketball

Eligibility: Grade 9-12, Paperwork includes: Copy

of current physical; Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA

or above with no more than 2 F’s.

Spring Season Soccer, Baseball, Track and Field

Eligibility: Grade 9-12, Paperwork includes: Copy

of current physical; Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA

or above with no more than 2 F’s.

Bahrain Middle School students are also involved in sports throughout

the year (volleyball, basketball, soccer). This program depends completely

on parent and community volunteers and students engage in competitions

among the local island schools.

K-12 Schools

PTSO

Sports

- 27 -

A variety of clubs are sponsored for students in all grades depending on the

expertise of our staff. Clubs sponsored in the past include:

Please bring the following items to the Registrar when you enroll.

• Completed Bahrain School application packet

• Grades/Transcripts for the three previous years.

These should be in ofcially sealed envelopes from the former schools.

• Original ofcial stamped immunization records.

The nurse will review health history and immunization records.

Immunizations must be complete PRIOR to your student’s rst day of school.

Required Documentation By Enrollment Category

Active Duty Military:

• Orders listing Dependents by name

If Orders do NOT list Dependents by name, must have a Command Sponsorship letter

• Student’s passport

For High School Students ONLY

Department of Defense Civilians:

• Orders listing Dependents by name

If Orders do NOT list Dependents by name

• Must have DoDEA Form 602 Verication of Civilian Employment

• Student’s Birth Certicate

Contractors:

• Copy of Contractor’s ID card (front and back)

• Student’s Birth Certicate

Additional information on the Bahrain School can be found on their website: http://www.dodea.edu/

BahrainEHS/index.cfm, or email - (K-5 students) [email protected] (6-12 students)

[email protected].

Student Clubs

National Junior Honor Society

National Leadership Seminar

Future Educators of America

Junior Leadership Seminar

National Honor Society

Model United Nations

Homework Support

Student 2 Student

Student Council

Swimming

Robotics

REGISTRATION

- 28 -

So Now What?

We are excited

about you joining

NSA Bahrain team.

We know you will

nd this assignment

both rewarding and

challenging. Our

normal work week

is Sunday through

Thursday. We are

seven hours ahead

of Eastern Standard

Time during

daylight savings time (mid March through beginning November)

and eight hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time during non-daylight

savings time (beginning November through mid March).

Once you have ofcially arrived in Bahrain, your rst few weeks will

probably go by in blur. In fact, you will more than likely spend plenty

of time being overwhelmed and confused during this transition time

but don’t worry, it’s only temporary. The heat is one of those things

that everyone has to acclimate to. This will take anywhere from one

to two months, but remember to keep hydrated. Soon enough you’ll

nd yourself enjoying this new adventure so take a deep breath

and just experience everything as it comes. To help organize your

process we have included a checklist and valuable websites and

contact information for your convenience on the following pages.

Until then, enjoy the adventure by exploring the island and welcome

to Bahrain!

Notes:

- 30 -

Congratulations! You’re moving to Naval Support

Activity Bahrain! Now what? Have you...

1. Requested a sponsor?

2. Made contact with your sponsor?

3. Scheduled your overseas medical screening for

you and dependents?

4. Scheduled your move(s) using move.mil?

5. Visited Bahrain’s ofcial website

6. Submitted your housing application through

HEAT?

7. Started viewing off-base houses?

8. Located your nearest VPC to ship your allotted

one vehicle?

9. Coordinated your travel with your current PSD?

10. Notied your landlord, rental agent or housing

ofce about your upcoming move?

11. Coordinated travel for your pet?

12. Requested school records for your kids?

13. Coordinated temporary lodging for before and

immediately after arrival?

14. Ensured all I.D. cards are valid (DoD, driver’s

license, etc.)?

15. Ensure all dependents age 10 and up have a

dependent ID card.

Before your pack out, please make sure you have

the following items in your carry-on:

1. Copies of orders

2. Updated copy of NAVPERS 1070/602 (pg. 2)

3. Valid military I.D. cards - including all dependents

age 10 and up

4. Completed overseas screening for service member

and all dependents

5. Health records

6. Immunization records

7. Dental records

8. Birth certicate(s)

9. Marriage certicate/divorce decree

10. Citizenship/naturalization papers

11. Social security cards

12. No-fee Passports for all dependents

13. Travel receipts

14. A valid driver’s license (Bahrain does not accept

expired driver’s license regardless of state laws)

15. Power of attorney if necessary

For parents of school-aged children:

16. School records

For pet owners bringing pets:

17. Pet health certicate must be current (within 10

days) before your ight

If you are bringing a vehicle to Bahrain, you must:

18. Bring a valid U.S. vehicle registration

19. Present a power of attorney if the active duty

sponsor is not present

Moving to Bahrain

To- Do List

- 31 -

Important Websites

and E-mails

Naval Support Activity Bahrain

• www.cnic.navy.mil/bahrain

Sponsor Team

• [email protected].mil.

NSA Bahrain Facebook

• www.facebook.com/NSABahrain/

Household Goods

• http://www.militaryhomefront.dod.mil/moving

• http://www.move.mil/

AMC Terminal

• www.amc.af.mil/Home/AMC-Travel-Site/

• www.facebook.com/BahrainPassengerTerminal/

Vehicle Pick-Up

• www.pcsmypov.com

Motorcycle Information

• www.navymotorcyclerider.com

Civilian Jobs

• www.usajobs.gov

• www.NavyExchange.jobs

• https://mwrbahrain.wordpress.com/about/jobs/

Relocation Services

• www.militaryinstallations.DoD.mil

Passport Information

• Tourist

• https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en.html

• No-fee

• https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/

passports/no-fee.html

Navy College Ofce

• www.navycollege.navy.mil/

Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society - Bahrain

• www.nmcrs.org/locations/entry/bahrain

Bahrain MWR

• [email protected]

• www.facebook.com/MWR.Bahrain/

• http://www.navymwrbahrain.com/

Ombudsman

• [email protected]

• www.facebook.com/

nsabahrainombudsmanofcialpage

Family Readiness Group Bahrain

• [email protected]

PSD

• https://rapids-appointments.dmdc.osd.mil

AFN

• www.facebook.com/AFNBAHRAIN/

DODEA School

• www.dodea.edu/

Cost of Living

• http://www.dod.mil/dfas/

Civilian Attire/Dress Code

• http://www.militaryonesource.mil/12038/MyDoD/

UniformCivilianAttirePolicy_CUSNC_5F_

OPORD1000-10%5B1%5D.pdf

Military Ones Source

• www.militaryonesource.mil

NSA Bahrain Vet Clinic

• NSA.V[email protected].mil

• www.facebook.com/NSA-Bahrain-Veterinary-

Services-971320529564524/

- 32 -

Off-base Emergencies

On-base Emergencies

Base Operator

Security Dispatch

Base Security/Front Gate

Threat Mitigation Unit

Bahrain DoDEA School

Barracks/Single Service Member

Housing

Chaplain’s Ofce

Citizenship and Immigration

Services

Dental Clinic

Fleet and Family Support Center

Household Goods/Transportation

Ofce

Housing Ofce

Human Resources Ofce

ID/CAC Card Processing

Navy College

Navy Federal Credit Union

Navy Gateway Inns and Suites

Navy Legal Services Ofce

Navy Marine Corps Relief Society

Personnel Support Detachment

Relocation Assistance Manager

TRICARE

U.S. Naval Branch Health Clinic

VA Facilities

Veterinary Services

Victim Advocate (Duty VA)

Victim Advocate (SARC)

Navy Exchange Ofce

Beauty/Barber Shop

Military Clothing Sales

A&W American Grill

Base Services Phone Numbers:

Navy Exchange

Morale Welfare &

Recreation

Bowling Center

Cafe Panini

Child and Youth Programs

Child Development Center (CDC)

Climbing Wall

Club 261

CPO Club

Deployed Forces Support

Entertainment & Special Events

Facility Reservations

Family Pool

Fitness Center

Fitness Pool

Fleet & Family Support Center

Fleet Park Warrior Zone

Food & Beverage Manager, MWR

Game Time Sports Grill

Group Exercise Classes

Gymnasium

Hot Stuff Pizza

Hourly Care

Housing Service Center

Internet Café

Intramural Sports

Leisure Travel

Liberty Program

Library

Mario’s Courtyard Cookouts

MWR Catering

Navy Fitness Courses

Navy Gateway Inns & Suites

Oasis Grille

Ofcers Club

Outdoor Equipment Rental

School Liaison Ofcer (SLO)

School-Age Care (SAC)

Shawarma Express

Smash Hits Deli

Swimming Lessons

Taco Bell

Take 1 and Take 2 Theater

Teen Center

Tickets & Tours

Touch & Go (AV Unit)

Youth Sports

To call a number below from base, dial 439 and the 4-digit extension. When calling an on-base number from

an off-base phone (cell), dial 1785 and the last four numbers of the phone number. To call from the U.S. dial,

(Commercial) 011-973-1785-XXXX or (DSN) 318-439-XXXX. *Non DSN lines are in Red.*

1785-4911

911

439-4000

439-4911

439-3140, 3426

3940-4271

439-3380, 9800

439-4716, 2100

439-4303

439-4678

439-4763, 9073

439-4062,

4211,

9088, 9089

439-4265,

6282,

4937

439-4104, 4301

439-9073

439-4029

439-9446

439-4313

439-2100, 3372

439-4172

439-2914

439-4224, 4275

439-3758

439-8157,

3470,

8160, 8159

439-4260, 4763

439-4692

439-4295

3940-3906

3940-9854

439-6931, 6885

439-4229,

3623,

2068

439-4130, 4131

439-4422

439-4205

439-8185

439-9092, 9119

439-9092

439-9306

439-9272

439-3272

439-4927

439-3531

439-8738

439-9306

439-4102

439-4046

439-9306

439-4204

439-8228

439-9306

439-3095

439-3177

439-9092

439-4104

439-3192

439-8916

439-4777

439-9218

439-4290, 4062

439-3115

439-4204

439-3161

439-2100

439-4244

439-9272

439-6992

439-4902

439-3780

439-4244

439-3567

439-4244

439-4534

439-4901

439-3531

1733-4473

439-4473

439-4902

Notes:

Legend

1. Walk-in Gate

2. Drive-in Gate

3. Commercial Vehicle Gate

4. Pass and ID Ofce

5. Parking Lot

6. Liberty Center

7. Bowling Alley

8. Library

9. Housing Ofce

10. Medical and Dental Services

11. Child Development Center (CDC), Teen

Center, and Fleet and Family Suport Center

12. Navy Gateway-In Suites

13. Freedom Souq - Navy Exchange, Food Court,

Climbing Wall, Movie Theater, Tickets & Tours

Ofce, Leisure Travel, and Fitness Center

14. Family Pool

15. Fitness Pool

16. Personnel Support Detachment (PSD)

17. Navy College Ofce

18. Chapel

19. Desert Dome - Café Panini

20. Bridge