YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan — Hoping to stem a recent spike in delinquent behavior by Yokota High School students — both on and off base — Col. Mark Schissler, the 374th Airlift Wing commander, addressed parents Thursday evening in an “emergency” meeting at the facility’s gymnasium.
With the weather warming and the senior prom and graduation on the horizon, Schissler planned to stress vigilance, safety and renewed commitment to the base’s teen population.
“What I see happening at Yokota Air Base right now — and it may be cyclical, a natural occurrence as the school year draws to an end — is some risk for our students,” he said prior to the gathering, which was closed to media. “I care about our kids. The most tragic thing that could happen would be to lose one of our students because they took an unnecessary risk.
“Most of our kids are great and follow the rules accordingly. They all have bright futures. Part of our job is to make sure they get there.”
While base officials couldn’t cite recent statistics, Schissler conceded that “10 to 12 percent” of Yokota teens have been implicated in shoplifting and petty theft cases on the installation and off. He also expressed concern over sexual promiscuity and the illegal use of alcohol and drugs in that age group.
“I know all those things are happening. We could sit here and say they’re not, but painting a rosy picture isn’t going to get us anywhere,” Schissler said. “I got several hints of trouble that made it clear, I needed to take action … that we might have a problem and need to change course here.
“I’m hoping that by putting it out there publicly, people will talk about it.”
Parents weren’t required to attend the session, which Schissler labeled an “emergency” in order to get their attention. Yokota High School officials couldn’t be reached for comment Thursday afternoon.
He planned to remind parents that children face consequences for criminal behavior, including the loss of Army and Air Force Exchange Service privileges, school suspensions and the removal of Status of Forces Agreement status for serious offenses.
Those who engage in off-base misconduct also are subject to the Japanese justice system, he said.
“Marijuana use on a recreational basis might be considered a minor thing in the United States,” he said. “It might even be brushed off. In Japan, you’re going to jail for a long time if you get caught.
“I don’t want our kids to find themselves with a criminal record when they leave here over some impulsive act that turns into a life-changing situation.”
Schissler said he has little tolerance for misbehavior outside the gates.
“I see any event off base as an international incident,” he added. “We have an obligation to be good ambassadors.”
He said concern for the welfare of base teens prompted Thursday’s meeting not any particular incident.
“I don’t want to see families dealing with a personal disaster,” he said. “Frankly, I see us going that way right now.
“This is a wake-up call. To be blunt, I’d rather have a wake-up call than a memorial service at Yokota Air Base.”
