Based on experiences, is it better to deploy to Germany or Korea?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 12 May 2018 00:59:46 -0400

My unit is going to be going to Korea again next Summer but I was recently asked if I wanted to volunteer to go to Germany with another BDE. This will be my first deployment and I'm sure not many people get the chance to decide where they go so I wanted to get other opinions

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2018 1:02 AM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 12 May 2018 01:02:10 -0400

SPC Private RallyPoint Member it doesn't sound like bad choice either way the bigger question is what do you want to do?

Response by SSG Mark Franzen made May 12 at 2018 1:13 AM

SSG Mark Franzen — Sat, 12 May 2018 01:13:35 -0400

I would take Germany spent 6 wonderful years there I would go back if I could love the people and the country and food.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden Passed 7/29/2025 made May 12 at 2018 1:17 AM

CSM Charles Hayden Passed 7/29/2025 — Sat, 12 May 2018 01:17:06 -0400

SPC Private RallyPoint Member My 16 month tour to Korea was 62 years ago. I always wish I had volunteered for the next month’s levy for Germany!

Response by SSG Robert Perrotto made May 12 at 2018 2:55 AM

SSG Robert Perrotto — Sat, 12 May 2018 02:55:11 -0400

from your post - it seems that you already did a stint in Korea - which is a wonderful place, my question is - Have you been to Europe yet? If not - jump on that opportunity - getting to see and experience new places, people, and cultures is one of the greatest perks of military service, and you have an opportunity to see places you would normally never get to see. especially at your age (yes I am assuming you are young) How many of your friends from home have seen Korea or Germany? I Unfortunately was on the Korea to States express and did 3 years in Korea and never got the opportunity to see Europe until after my service was over. IMHO - go to Europe.

Response by CH (LTC) Robert Leroe made May 12 at 2018 10:21 AM

CH (LTC) Robert Leroe — Sat, 12 May 2018 10:21:53 -0400

I was stationed in both, and enjoyed both, but I favor Germany. You're near other European countries, and it's a beautiful country with mountains, castles, rivers, and great food.

Response by SFC David Xanten made May 12 at 2018 10:36 AM

SFC David Xanten — Sat, 12 May 2018 10:36:48 -0400

From a travel position, I would pick Germany as there are many other Countries that you can travel to while there.

Response by SSgt Harold Sharrer made May 13 at 2018 6:29 AM

SSgt Harold Sharrer — Sun, 13 May 2018 06:29:24 -0400

I'm my opinion Germany would be the better choice depending on your MOS. Korea is cheaper though. Having been to both Germany would be my choice. Good luck.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made May 13 at 2018 7:04 AM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Sun, 13 May 2018 07:04:36 -0400

If you get the chance do both - 2 different experiences. I spent a year on the "Z" and 2 months in Germany for training prior to Iraq. As our esteemed colleagues have posted, Germany is the better choice for travel and fun and food. Got my international drivers license there and didn't look back - wienerschnitzel & beer, baby!. Korea is more isolated due to its location and culture but is still a great experience. Besides, how often do you get to visit North Korea (that's me on the right, Pan Mun Jom 1992) Being of European ancestry, it is easier to relate to Europe. Korea provides some unique experiences in food and culture that are quite nice. Talk to the farmers drying their peppers on the sides of the roads, trade your MRE right in the in the field to the local vendor for hot Raman and a cold Coke. Taste winter Kimchi straight out of the ground (your mouth may never forgive you!) Shop where brand trademarks are meaningless. Plenty of Korean War monuments and sites to visit.

Response by MSG Mark Szyman made May 13 at 2018 12:36 PM

MSG Mark Szyman — Sun, 13 May 2018 12:36:26 -0400

Each area has its own rewards. Never been to Korea however I spent five years in Germany. Had a great time when I wasn’t in the field or working. Have had many friends in Korea the had very good experiences. Good luck to you.

Response by CPL Kirk Kuskye made May 14 at 2018 11:31 PM

CPL Kirk Kuskye — Mon, 14 May 2018 23:31:06 -0400

I loved Korea!!! 1-72AR 1st Tank

Response by CDR Len Wendel made May 16 at 2018 4:33 PM

CDR Len Wendel — Wed, 16 May 2018 16:33:55 -0400

Been to both AORs go to Germany

Response by CDR Len Wendel made May 16 at 2018 4:34 PM

CDR Len Wendel — Wed, 16 May 2018 16:34:50 -0400

Been to both AORs, go to Germany

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 26 at 2018 5:52 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Sep 2018 17:52:38 -0400

Du soltest nacho Deutschland gehen!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 2 at 2019 5:24 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 02 May 2019 17:24:46 -0400

GERMANY.

Response by SGT Kenneth Potts made Feb 28 at 2024 7:24 PM

SGT Kenneth Potts — Wed, 28 Feb 2024 19:24:33 -0500

Go to Germany