CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, Japan - Service members, dependents or Department of Defense civilian employees who wish to run businesses from their homes, including Internet-based businesses, must receive authorization from base officials.

According to Marine Corps Bases Japan order 5300.1C, before starting a business, service members, dependents or DoD civilian employees must send a request to the Marine Corps Base Staff Judge Advocate’s Office and the Kadena Family Housing Office.

There are currently between 250 and 300 authorized home businesses on Okinawa, ranging from child care to hairdressing, according to base officials.

The SJA Office for MCB is the final approving authority for any service member, dependent or DoD civilian employee who wishes to start a home business, according to Chief Warrant Officer 3 James S. Clift, the legal administrative officer for the MCB Camp Butler Staff Judge Advocate’s Office.

“If they can operate their business within the guidelines of the order, they will have no problem getting the proper authorization,” Clift said.

Those who wish to operate a home business must meet certain requirements, according to Clift.

Hair dressers, nail technicians and massage therapists, for example, must have a state license to practice business and a certification for their practice. They also must have their home inspected and have a physical exam to ensure they are in good health.

Prohibited businesses include commercial kennels, any home business that prepares food, sells telecommunication equipment or dietary products that contain Ephedra alkaloids or androstenedione. Use of those substances is prohibited by the Marine Corps.

Violation of the order is punishable for service members under Article 92 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, according to Clift. If found in violation of the article, DoD civilian employees and dependents could be debarred from all military installations.

Tawona Gatson, owner of Tsitsi’s African Stylists and a DoD civilian, said people interested in running home businesses should not be intimidated by the administrative process for authorization.

“It was actually pretty easy,” she said. “All we had to do was fill out some paperwork and get my husband’s command to approve. I especially recommend it for spouses because the hours are flexible.”

Anyone interested in applying for a home business can contact the base SJA office at 645-7461.