In the case of Misawa AB, I  thought evacuations would be already under way.  From Stars and Stripes-

Many families in Japan found themselves packed but with no place to go Friday as military commands waited for orders from higher commands that would begin a planned voluntary evacuation.

With uncertainty over when the military-assisted flights would begin, some families on their own began leaving behind the aftershocks and looming fears of radiation that have plagued Japan since the 9.0-magnitude earthquake struck on March 11.

If I was a service member in Japan, I’d get my family out of there.

White booked plane tickets Wednesday, a day before the military authorized voluntary evacuations. The most difficult part of remaining in Japan, she said, has been the confusion over exactly how much of a threat Yokosuka faces from the radiation coming from the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant.

“Then there is also the uncertainty of when we’ll be able to come back,” she said.

There has never been a disaster like this before. Quick answers shouldn’t be expected. A meltdown could happen or a miracle fix. Your guess is as good as mine.

Col. Michael Rothstein, commander of the 35th Fighter Wing, spent about an hour on the radio Friday explaining the voluntary evacuation plan. Rothstein said those wishing to leave need to immediately provide their names through their commands so Misawa can request air support.

“I’ve got to get that list of names and list of numbers,” Rothstein said. “You can’t wait to decide.”

Time is up so what does Colonel Rothstein plan to do with his family?

Rothstein answered several questions from community members, including what the colonel intended to do with his own family.

He said he’s leaning toward keeping his family in Misawa, but planned to sit down with his wife before finalizing his decision.

“I’m not confident that I’m making the right decision,” he said. “That’s as honest as I can be.”

He wants everyone to be decisive, but the Colonel can’t make up his mind. He must have missed the class in leading by example.

I was active duty Navy at the time of several coup attempts in the Philippines, plus another one when I was traveling to  the country and my wife was in Manila at the time. Scary situations make it tough on people but I still wonder about the Colonel