Getting assigned to Antarctica?

2014-05-30T22:28:38-04:00

Would you want a tour in Antarctica? Are there slots for SMs of your MOS/CMF in the country? Do you know anyone who has been there - in or outside the military?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2014 11:19 PM

2014-05-30T23:19:05-04:00

I would. I would rather complete an austral summer than an extended tour but I imagine it would be a great opportunity. I will ask around. I bet there are some SOUTHCOM gurus that know this answer.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2014 12:07 AM

2014-05-31T00:07:27-04:00

I think it would be awesome to do a tour in Antarctica. All the new things you would learn and see there.

Response by SGT Kevin Adams made May 31 at 2014 12:59 AM

2014-05-31T00:59:03-04:00

I would do an Antarctica tour. Before I joined the Army I thought of the joining the Coast Guard just for the experience and just to say I've been there...

Response by MAJ Christopher Daily made May 31 at 2014 1:01 AM

2014-05-31T01:01:55-04:00

The uniqueness of the assignment would sell me on it! As a helicopter pilot I would think that there could be a need for rotary wing aviation.....hmm time for a pitch man!

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2014 6:33 AM

2014-05-31T06:33:09-04:00

Already got my Artic service ribbon, would love to get it's big brother!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2014 10:27 AM

2014-05-31T10:27:05-04:00

I want one. I have only heard of a battle's buddy that went and was asked by name if he wanted to go. Otherwise no idea how they pick them. I heard there was a MAJ slot for the Commander there. Not sure if it is true, but I would love to go down there and be the Commander, or anything, for at least the six month hour there. It is really hard to get such a mission because there are so few slots.

Response by SSgt Gregory Guina made May 31 at 2014 12:33 PM

2014-05-31T12:33:11-04:00

That would be a unique opportunity for sure.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2014 1:21 PM

2014-05-31T13:21:05-04:00

PCSing to Antarctica sounds like something my wife would suggest when she's pissed at me.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2014 3:07 PM

2014-05-31T15:07:12-04:00

I'd go but I doubt they need MI there.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2014 3:08 AM

2014-06-01T03:08:00-04:00

I'd jump at the chance to go to Antarctica if not for the experience itself. Sign this Finance Soldier up!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2014 9:45 AM

2014-06-01T09:45:43-04:00

Wanted to go there since my first time hearing about it. Trouble is, unless they've expanded what goes on down there, highly unlikely for the majority of folks to get there...hopefully I am wrong on that.

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made Jun 1 at 2014 12:03 PM

2014-06-01T12:03:14-04:00

I'd do it in a heartbeat. Heck, just about everyone's been to Iraq, Afghanistan, Germany, Korea. But Antarctica?? C'mon, when do we leave?

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2014 12:12 PM

2014-06-01T12:12:43-04:00

I wonder; Are there any USAF special duty slots available in Anarctica? I've been in North Dakota the last 7.5 years(six months of freezing weather dipping to -40 regularly) and think I could hack it there for a tour.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Jun 1 at 2014 12:27 PM

2014-06-01T12:27:08-04:00

We have 2 RallyPoint members -- both USAF veterans -- currently working in Antarctica. I've actually emailed with one of them (awhile ago) because I couldn't believe it. I looked it up on the map in NETWORKING --> EXPLORE BY LOCATION and then just got cold looking at it. Crazy. Anyway, the link to connect with them is below!

https://www.rallypoint.com/locations/mcmurdo-station-antarctica/current

Servicemembers at McMurdo Station, Antarctica | RallyPoint

Connect with military members and veterans around McMurdo Station, Antarctica. Share advice and learn from others with your experience.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2014 3:35 PM

2014-06-01T15:35:18-04:00

I would want a tour in Antarctica.

From what I've found, I will not be able to get a tour there. My research has led me to believe that the US does not keep a permanent or semi-permanent military unit in Antarctica in compliance with treaties the US signed with other major nations starting with the Antarctica treaty in 1961.
The treaties do allow for the use of military resources for logistics support so there are four USAF and one Air National Guard units that are assigned to provide this support to scientists traveling to and from Antarctica.

I see that you ask follow-on questions for more details and references so I will give you my two favorite.
The first link is the Army Transportation Museum's site. It has pictures from Operation Deep Freeze and explains the role those SMs played during the Cold War -- http://www.transportation.army.mil/museum/transportation%20museum/antarctic.htm

The second link is the USAP Participant Guide which is a 102 page .pdf that will give you plenty of information about US Antarctica Program participation including the military units that support the program and contact information. (So you can follow up with people more knowledgeable than me.)
http://www.usap.gov/USAPgov/travelAndDeployment/documents/ParticipantGuide_2013_2014_sm.pdf

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2014 8:12 PM

2014-06-01T20:12:11-04:00

I lived in Alaska for a time and made is to North Pole, Alaska.

I would love to go to Antarctica because then I would truly be bipolar.

Response by SrA Scott Mosher made Jun 1 at 2014 9:31 PM

2014-06-01T21:31:03-04:00

Originally answered somewhere down the page - re-posting here to make it more highly visible.
---
Short answer is that there is no "permanent" US military presence in Antarctica. The Navy handed over to the NSF in the mid-90s and it's been that way since. There are military support functions that come and go during the seasons. LC-130s out of the 109th Airlift Wing (NY ANG) provide flights to/from and around the continent during the summer months. C-17s out of McChord fly missions between Christchurch, NZ and McMurdo, primarily during the summer months. USCG (icebreakers) and USN (cargo handling and port services) are also involved, for short project periods during the summer seasons. The Corps of Engineers brought a portable causeway down one summer when our ice-pier was unusable. So - there's a lot of US military activity down here - but not really a "duty station" or "assignment"

Response by SFC Richard Havermale made Jun 3 at 2014 4:38 PM

2014-06-03T16:38:58-04:00

DO IT!

http://www.createspace.com/3755827

Response by SFC Richard Havermale made Jun 3 at 2014 4:42 PM

2014-06-03T16:42:25-04:00

DO IT!

http://www.createspace.com/3755827

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Jun 4 at 2014 3:04 AM

2014-06-04T03:04:15-04:00

Lucky Bugger I tried but not a lot of call for Cryptologic Technician Communicators there. One of my Best Friends, My Partner in N&N Photography and Photographer at my wedding RMC Nehlebaef "Wintered Over" there and has the ribbon to prove it. From the sound of it he had a blast but damn talk about being a shut in. I can only imagine how cold it is there in the winter.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Jun 4 at 2014 3:09 AM

2014-06-04T03:09:22-04:00

I hate to ask a dumb question but would this assignment include cold weather training at Fort Drum, NY?

Response by PO1 Greg Moore made Jun 4 at 2014 6:45 AM

2014-06-04T06:45:18-04:00

I spent four years with Naval Support Force Antarctica. Most of my time was split between Williams Air Facility and McMurdo Station. Made many trips to the South Pole and the other facilities around the Continent. We had US Army, Air Force, Marine Det and the Coast Guard would show up every season to break up the ice. The Navy was the prime force in place. We also had a Det from the New Zealand Air Force and Army that augmented to work with us. Time on the ice was some of the best years of my life.

Response by CMDCM Gene Treants made Jun 5 at 2014 11:52 AM

2014-06-05T11:52:06-04:00

Back in the 1970's after completing Advanced Electronics School in Great Lakes, IL I was offered a chance to go to Antarctica as a part of the Summer Support Unit. I jumped at the chance. Packed my bags and leapt all the way to Davisville, RI where I joined (almost) the SeaBees.

While in Davisville, I was an Instructor and taught the Winter Over Electronics Technicians how to operate and maintain High Power High Frequency Radio Transmitters that operated at up to 40,000 KW output. These were the primary means of outgoing communications for the McMurdo Community.

Once we Deployed to McMurdo, I spend the first month at the transmitter site, up on the hill overlooking beautiful downtown McMurdo. I taught refresher courses in all aspects of communications maintenance and repair as well as getting ready for my primary duty in Antarctica, Electronics Field Team. As a Field Team Member I would travel to all of our outlying sites and repair the old and install any new gear. As a part of the Field Team I visited and worked at South Pole, Siple, Byrd, and Hallett. Palmer Station, although part of the Continent is not really South of 60 and was not on our list of Stations to visit. The techs we sent there went there via South America and had a totally different story.

Part of the "fun" of being in Antarctica was that it was open to all countries and there were NO classified areas. All communications and other areas could be inspected by any country at any time and sometimes were. The Navy was actually under contract to and paid by the National Science Foundation so even though our pay stayed the same, it was all reimbursed by NSF to the DOD.

My advice, go and have fun. I was Summer Support, but the Winter Over Personnel had a blast to and the two week turn around time at Christchurch, NZ (back then) was really a great time.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2014 11:54 AM

2014-06-05T11:54:22-04:00

Since I'm a 38A, Civil Affairs qualified Officer, I'd love to go there. I could start on a census of all the penguins... And see which ones could use government funds/contracted support to improve their lives... Just kidding...

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Aug 27 at 2014 5:13 PM

2014-08-27T17:13:46-04:00

Trying to get your "Wintering Over" medal.....? ;o)

Response by SGT Richard H. made Aug 27 at 2014 5:47 PM

2014-08-27T17:47:58-04:00

I'd have jumped on it so fast your head would spin. Not many people get to see that part of the world.

Response by SPC David S. made Oct 5 at 2014 12:35 AM

2014-10-05T00:35:02-04:00

Never been there but sure I'd go. 15 days and you'll get a medal for your troubles.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 30 at 2014 7:39 PM

2014-10-30T19:39:46-04:00

I personal would love a tour there. My MOS is not there (no need for tanks) But I have had friends that have over wintered there and they enjoyed it.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Nov 17 at 2014 12:50 PM

2014-11-17T12:50:00-05:00

A friend of mine, while a PFC clerk in personnel was sorely offended by a smart mouthed 2nd Lt. Somehow, the Lt. happened to be reassigned to a tour in Greenland. Oh yes, his 201 file and pay records went to Germany. When the Lt. returned from that tour, he was very polite to personnel clerks.

Response by TSgt William Lounsbery made Jan 24 at 2015 10:09 PM

2015-01-24T22:09:02-05:00

I have been deployed to Antarctica from 2001 through 2008 seasons assigned to the 109th Airlift Wing, the only unit with the LC-130H aircraft. As an aircraft maintainer, the maintenance team has utilized augmentees from other units to add personnel. The civilian personnel are hired through Raytheon through the United States Antarctic Program. Currently the military members deploy for approximately 90 days for each team, from October to March. If you go civilian, you could do the summer or you could winter over. The number of people that winter over is about 250 total for McMurdo Station and South Pole Station. Most of these positions are scientific with a group of support personnel for maintenance and dining service. It is a very unique mission and any military augmentees would only be deployed for about 30 days.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2015 7:56 AM

2015-01-29T07:56:59-05:00

I have been deployed to Antarctica from 2000 through 2012 for a min. of 8 weeks for each deployment but augmentees are deploy down there for a min. of 4 weeks, The deployment starts the middle of October through the end of February.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 6 at 2015 3:29 AM

2015-02-06T03:29:54-05:00

Even though I hate the cold something bad, sign me up.

Response by CW3 Eddy Vleugels made Feb 6 at 2015 8:07 AM

2015-02-06T08:07:09-05:00

Are you implying that Antarctica is a country?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 6 at 2015 8:25 AM

2015-02-06T08:25:34-05:00

I think it would be interesting. I might not sign up to do it a second time, but one time, I certainly would.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2015 8:06 AM

2015-02-23T08:06:47-05:00

I know a certain Capt that got reassigned there as punishment, if that says anything!

Response by LT Jessica Kellogg made Feb 23 at 2015 9:29 AM

2015-02-23T09:29:09-05:00

The first recruiter I talked to was there for a while. I would absolutely love to go.

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made Feb 23 at 2015 10:27 AM

2015-02-23T10:27:48-05:00

Hey - if I get this assignment, does it mean I have to PMCS the dog teams?

Response by MCPO Robert Kelley made Feb 25 at 2015 12:45 PM

2015-02-25T12:45:04-05:00

Have been there twice in my career, USCGC GLACIER (WAGB 4) in 1983 and USCGC POLAR SEA (WAGB 11) 1992. Would love to go back... Not sure what opportunities there are now that I have retired.

Response by PO1 Timothy Strunk made Feb 25 at 2015 12:48 PM

2015-02-25T12:48:49-05:00

I got assigned to Naval Support Force Antarctica after my 'A' School (in 1979). It was pretty funny actually. I never even knew about the command. I requested Diego Garcia but got NSFA while 3 of my classmates I found out requested NSFA but got NMCB 5 which was getting ready to deploy to Diego Garcia. Guess you have to watch what you ask for. You'll liable to get the opposite.

That all said my 3 deployments to the Ice was by far my best deployments. The people within the command became like family. I'm still in touch today with several I deployed with and in fact one of them I found on FB a few years ago lives just 4 miles away and we get together often and to this day still consider him one of my Best Friends.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 25 at 2015 1:57 PM

2015-02-25T13:57:37-05:00

I spent two years at the South Pole as an ET3 from 94-96. Operation Deep Freeze as part of Naval Support Force Antarctica. I think I'm the only person in the Army with an Antarctic Service Medal! It was a great tour!!

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 25 at 2015 2:00 PM

2015-02-25T14:00:18-05:00

All I can say is, yes please. But since that's no longer an option... :(

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 25 at 2015 4:19 PM

2015-02-25T16:19:16-05:00

My uncle went there while he was still on a boat. Not sure how long they spent down there, but he never talks negatively about it.

Response by PO1 Tracy Dreyer made Mar 4 at 2015 10:36 AM

2015-03-04T10:36:39-05:00

Always wanted to "Winter Over" Heard some crazy stories about what it was like back in the late 70's early 80's....

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 5 at 2015 11:04 AM

2015-03-05T11:04:29-05:00

After being in alaska for 2, going on 3, years, I would absolutely love to do that. Don't even know how to find out about the slots.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Mar 5 at 2015 12:11 PM

2015-03-05T12:11:38-05:00

I'm with 1SG Michael Blount on this one. That is an assignment you can own! I've never met of, or heard of, anyone with that experience. I'm in.

Response by SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA made Mar 5 at 2015 12:16 PM

2015-03-05T12:16:29-05:00

I'd certainly like to go, just because it's unusual. I don't expect that they have a lot of slots for 11B1P's down there ...

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Mar 5 at 2015 12:45 PM

2015-03-05T12:45:16-05:00

My brother was in Antarctica. He is a firefighter paramedic. Went down back in the early 2000. during survival training they went out and spent a night in the wilds. Said that was the first time in a sleeping bag with a woman and all they where worried about was staying warm!LMAO Seen some of the photo's he had and he wanted me to go back down there with him, told him there was a reason that I left Ohio of Texas!!!! The Antarctic medal he was given is pretty cool though!

Response by PO2 Steven Erickson made Mar 5 at 2015 2:23 PM

2015-03-05T14:23:20-05:00

One of the Chief Petty Officers during my training as a nuke was stationed at McMurdo during the days when there was a nuclear reactor on site.

THAT would have been awesome (he he he... almost said "cool"... he he he)!

Response by 1LT Nick Kidwell made Mar 5 at 2015 3:16 PM

2015-03-05T15:16:16-05:00

Back when I was single, I woulda done it. Now I'm old, out of the military, and like being warm.

Response by CDR Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2015 9:15 AM

2015-04-30T09:15:46-04:00

Been there, done that. I spent three years in the U.S. Navy's Antarctic Development Squadron SIX (VXE-6). The squadron was based out of Point Mugu, CA and deployed each year for 6-9 months to McMurdo Station, Antarctica.

The squadron was comprised of UH-1 helicopters and LC-130 aircraft. We were an active duty military command, funded by the National Science Foundation to support of the U.S. Antarctic Research Program.

This was probably the most interesting of all the assignments that I've ever had.

Cold? Hell yes! Fun? More than words can say! Just take a look at the attached picture of our mascot, Puckered Pete...a drunk, hungover (yes, you CAN be both at once) penguin with disheveled feathers, bags under his bloodshot eyes, a cigar in mouth, bottle of booze in one hand, can of beer in the other, and footprints and puke over his front side. Yes, it was like that! Ah, the good old days, before the acronym PC had ever been uttered!

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made May 2 at 2015 2:38 PM

2015-05-02T14:38:38-04:00

Many memories of the Ice. All my pictures were taken with Kodachrome so they're in slide format. One of these days I'll go through them and work on making a picture book.

The original Crystal Ball placed at the South Pole was actually a bowling ball lifted from our two lane alley. It was dipped in a conductive ceramic and then chrome plated. I remember the Special Services Officer pacing in my office griping that someone stole a bowling ball while slapping a plywood box on my credenza which had "Antarctic Crystal Ball Delivery Service" burned into it. Had a hard time keeping a straight face while Gene was pacing.

Response by PO1 Matthew Maxon made Jun 19 at 2015 11:51 AM

2015-06-19T11:51:48-04:00

I tried in 92 to go but was told that the Navy was getting away from AD at Deep Freeze.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 27 at 2015 5:18 AM

2015-06-27T05:18:07-04:00

I would if only for the ribbon, which has some of my favorite color schemes. My Dad just came back from a tour of the continent. He has done something on my bucket list: Set foot on every continent.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 27 at 2015 8:31 PM

2015-06-27T20:31:57-04:00

Give me 30 minutes to pack.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Jun 27 at 2015 10:43 PM

2015-06-27T22:43:01-04:00

I would cry inside if I got orders for Antarctica, though I know many will say that it has amazing aspects to it. I got assigned to Hawaii and wake up most mornings wishing I was back there! :-) ...which explains my "allergy" to freezing cold.

Response by PO2 John Musson made Jul 2 at 2015 8:18 PM

2015-07-02T20:18:58-04:00

1968 I was a PH-2 (photographer) with specialty in high and low level surveillance photography. There was an article in Navy Times seeking volunteers for the Anatarctic. I volunteered and was accepted. VX-6 was home-based at Quonset Point, Rhode Island. In 1969 we were redesignated as VXE-6. I made two summer deployments; 1968-69 and 1969-70. There was an automated panoramic camera system on LC130F (BuNo 148320) I served as crew on the aircraft - we photographed topology for USGS mapping, took part in penguin counts - photography of the rookeries from the air, and supported "SARPs" (Scientists in Antarctic Research Program) in their research programs. It was a great opportunity for adventurers - I loved it.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 27 at 2015 12:36 PM

2015-07-27T12:36:38-04:00

I would jump on it but my wife might kill me if it wasn't just a normal deployment length.

Response by PO2 Corey Ferretti made Aug 22 at 2015 11:02 AM

2015-08-22T11:02:03-04:00

Seabees use to deploy to the Artic in support of the research station there. I know our Subs go there from time to time.

Response by PO2 Corey Ferretti made Aug 22 at 2015 11:03 AM

2015-08-22T11:03:48-04:00

Seabees use to deploy to the Artic in support of the research station there. I know our Subs go there from time to time

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 17 at 2015 6:39 PM

2015-11-17T18:39:33-05:00

In a heartbeat!

Response by SSG James Elmore made Apr 23 at 2016 6:59 AM

2016-04-23T06:59:36-04:00

I want to do a rotation there so bad but I have no idea how to get there/ how to go about doing it!

Response by TSgt William Lounsbery made Nov 18 at 2016 7:59 AM

2016-11-18T07:59:15-05:00

I have been deployed to Antarctica, currently the only units that go are members of the Coast Guard assigned to the ice breakers, the members of the Navy that come to offload the supply ships, and how I went, members of the 109th Airlift Wing out of Sttratton Air National Guard Base, New York. The 109th is the unit that has the LC-130H (skibirds). We were based at McMurdo Station and we flew missions to the South Pole and many other science sites throughout the continent. I went as a crew chief, working on the LC-130H's.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2016 12:24 PM

2016-11-24T12:24:12-05:00

I went down to Antarctica as part of the NYANG Stratton ANGB as a USAP AGR in the propulsion shop working on the LC-130H (Ski Birds). The only other unit I seen down was the crew from the US Coast Guard that worked on the Ice Breaker. The navy comes down to off load the container ship that comes down.

Response by PO1 Gery Bastiani made Nov 25 at 2017 10:49 PM

2017-11-25T22:49:29-05:00

I was with the small group of Seabees assigned to NSFA 81-84 and wouldn't change a thing. I worked the three winter over crew that ran the Water Distillation plant.

Response by SSG(P) Brian Kliesen made Jan 14 at 2018 10:34 AM

2018-01-14T10:34:59-05:00

https://www.leidos.com/antarctic-support-contract
This is the link to the civilian side of the house for the US Antarctic Program. If you are interested in being a worker on the continent. I spent seven seasons on the ice and it was the best job I've ever had. On the military side, you have to be affiliated with the USAF C-17's, LC-130's out of the NYANG, or find one of only a few slots at Operation Deep Freeze. The military footprint on the ice is very small compared to what it once was. Another avenue would be to go as a researcher, but would require affiliation with a university or organization that is sponsoring a project there. The last way is to go down as a tourist or work for one of the few operators that take tourists to the Antarctic.

antarctic-support-contract

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2018 11:05 PM

2018-06-30T23:05:27-04:00

Was part of Operation Deep Freeze in 2004. Started in New Zealand, then flew via C-17 to McMurdo Station, Antarctica. One of my absolute favorite TDY's ever. Made it to the South Pole via LC-130 flown by the New York National Guard. Was awatded my Antarctic Service Medal. I would go back again in a heartbeat! I'll attach a few pics.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 29 at 2020 11:59 PM

2020-09-29T23:59:16-04:00

Put me in the game coach! I was born in winter to a father with a cold heart. I am ready to go. I offer 365 days. Just say when.