11
11
0
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?
Posted in these groups: 
Awards
Antarctica
Awards Antarctica
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 67
23
23
0
PCSing to Antarctica sounds like something my wife would suggest when she's pissed at me.
(23)
(0)
MAJ(P) (Join to see)
My wife told me a few months ago that she wished I was going to Afghanistan instead of 6 months TDY in Germany without her (operative word, without).
(2)
(0)
MCPO Douglas Pennington
The Navy used to deploy to Antartica, Mcmurdo Station i beleive it was. It was a detachment. 6 months of freezing and blowing snow. If my memory serves me the squadron was VXE-6. They always wintered over. My brother deployed there twice. They had a UH-1 and C-130. It was funded by the National Scientific Association or something like that.
(0)
(0)
PO2 John Musson
I did two tours in the Antarctic - 1968-69 & 1969-70. Deployments were from September through March. The forward operating base was Christchurch, New Zealand. My role as a photographer allowed me to go places to photograph scientific exploration, unusual sights (I shot picture of a mirage - called a fata morgana - from the highland just above Scott's hut). i was aircrew on Navy LC-130F (ski equipped) Bu Number 148320. This aircraft had a panoramic camera system that we used for photo-mapping for USGS, and support for scientific research such as, penguin counts and research in the dry valleys. I also flew on H-34s and HUEYs. When the season started in September the sun would still be going below the horizon, the temperatures around 65 below zero and up to double whole gale winds (70 mph). I doesn't really snow there, the moisture freezes out of the air and produces a fine dust with practically no moisture content. We would use number 16 grain scoops to move it and it felt as though the shovel was empty. It was an interesting two seasons.
(1)
(0)
21
21
0
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?
(21)
(0)
SGT (Join to see)
CPO Bernie Penkin - I saved the second one. Hope you don't mind. Also, http://waifu2x.udp.jp/ is great for enlarging photos without blur.
(0)
(0)
MAJ (Join to see)
Some of my best memories were heading to Scott Base on the other side of the hill and hanging with the Kiwis...they always the better beer! I spent most of my time at the South Pole, though. Hoping to go back there someday, but it'd have to be as a civilian next time.
(0)
(0)
15
15
0
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.
I would love to go to Antarctica because then I would truly be bipolar.
(15)
(0)
MAJ (Join to see)
You would experience the same daylight challenges but fewer mosquitoes. In fact, no mosquitoes as Antarctica is delightfully free of them. Instead of mosquitoes the Southern Continent boasts a liberal sprinkling of flightless fowl in formal wear. Unlike Alaska, there are no large carnivorous critters gadding about waiting to introduce you to the food chain. There are no large land predators in Antarctica. If there were, flightless fowl in formal wear would not choose to timeshare in the summer. Instead, there are gigantic water predators from your nightmares. Check out the below clip for an amazing encounter between a National Geographic photographer and a Leopard Seal who failed tape.
I think one of the stranger experiences would be looking at a completely new star field. Even half a world away in Afghanistan I could look at the same stars as back home. In Antarctica you can't see the North Star.
I hope you make it down there.
I think one of the stranger experiences would be looking at a completely new star field. Even half a world away in Afghanistan I could look at the same stars as back home. In Antarctica you can't see the North Star.
I hope you make it down there.
National Geographic photographer’s unbelievable encounter with vicious predator in Antarctica...
We've posted quite a few amazing underwater photography videos here before but this story might be the most unbelievable yet. In the clip (embedded below), National Geographic photographer Paul Nicklen talks about his encounter…
(3)
(0)
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
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.
(10)
(0)
SGT (Join to see)
Your provided link also shows an Army Captain which toured the location years ago as a Seaman. Thanks for the link, sir.
(2)
(0)
7
7
0
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!
(7)
(0)
SrA Scott Mosher
re: rotary wing aviation -- the current contractor for the US Antarctic Program is PHI. They operate a couple of Bell 212s and a few AS350 B2s out of McMurdo Station during the summer (daylight) months.
(2)
(0)
MAJ Christopher Daily
SGT Spratley, the audiences are put out when they come based upon what information they have and which representatives come.
SrA Mosher, I will just have to settle for flying in Alaska again later.
SrA Mosher, I will just have to settle for flying in Alaska again later.
(1)
(0)
SGT (Join to see)
Somehow, I doubt I'd even know of a HRC visit, unless a mass invite is sent out by PAO or HRC and it's an online brief on Adobe Connect.
(0)
(0)
6
6
0
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!!
(6)
(0)
SGT (Join to see)
That's awesome. It is as rare as the Glider badge.
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/have-you-ever-seen-anyone-wearing-a-glider-badge
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/have-you-ever-seen-anyone-wearing-a-glider-badge
Have you ever seen anyone wearing a Glider badge? | RallyPoint
Have you ever seen anyone wearing a Glider badge? How many Soldiers could you ask before receiving the correct answer without the help of a search engine?
(0)
(0)
SSG(P) Brian Kliesen
I worked at McMurdo from 1999-2006 as a civilian contractor and in 2007 went on a research vessel for a science cruise to Palmer, so I too have the Antarctic Service Medal. As an enlisted soldier I often got a second look and had to explain my medal to others. Even as a reservist, when I went to a new unit or was activated, I usually just made a presentation to the unit to explain the medal and answer questions right away to get past the dirty stares from the CSM's. There are actually a few folks from the Army who have served on the ice.
(1)
(0)
MAJ (Join to see)
That's awesome! Glad to be a part of a small group! Ya, I love all the stares as well, lol.
(1)
(0)
4
4
0
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.
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.
(4)
(0)
4
4
0
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.
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.
(4)
(0)
CMDCM Gene Treants
Nice story CPO Bernie Penkin. This sounds like something a Sailor, especially a SeaBee, might make happen.
(1)
(0)
1SG(P) (Join to see)
Sirs, I believe the Seabee remains at Davisville. I'm just up US 1 from it: http://www.seabeesmuseum.com/
Seabee Museum & Memorial Park .. original home of the Seabees
These are examples of Seabee Battalion patches from the Museum's collection. They are embroidered on cloth, about 3-inches in diameter.
(3)
(0)
CMDCM Gene Treants
tHANKS 1SG(P) (Join to see) THAT IS GOOD NEWS INDEED! I spent some very good times in the area and made many good friends there, Civilian as well as Navy. I am very happy indeed to know the first home of the Seabees is being remembered.
The link is VERY interesting. One fact I did not know,"On D Day on Normandy’s beaches, approximately 10,000 Seabees of Naval Construction Regiment 25 manhandled pontoon causeways onto the beach." This shows how much our Military Team worked together in WWII.
The link is VERY interesting. One fact I did not know,"On D Day on Normandy’s beaches, approximately 10,000 Seabees of Naval Construction Regiment 25 manhandled pontoon causeways onto the beach." This shows how much our Military Team worked together in WWII.
(1)
(0)
3
3
0
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.
(3)
(0)
SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA
That's hilarious, CSM Charles Hayden Passed 7/29/2025!
A senior NCO once advised me to "always be nice to the help."
It's good advice.
A senior NCO once advised me to "always be nice to the help."
It's good advice.
(3)
(0)
SGT Bryon Sergent
I was told by my Korean war/ Vietnam Vet squad leader when I was young and wet behind the ears " Son you can piss anyone in the Army off you want and survive except PAC(S-1), cooks, supply, and transportation. Reason being they cook your food, get you where you need to be and not walk, Keep your records right and get you what you want, when you need it." I have lived by that to this day. I try to tech my young troops the same!
(2)
(0)
CSM Charles Hayden Passed 7/29/2025
SGT Bryon Sergent Don't you dare not irritate the medics either, for many sharp reasons.
(1)
(0)
3
3
0
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"
---
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"
(3)
(0)
SrA Scott Mosher
This is a good starting point for job opportunities with the US Antarctic Program:
http://www.lockheedmartin.com/us/products/antarctic-support-contract/jobs-in-antarctica/visit-partners.html
http://www.lockheedmartin.com/us/products/antarctic-support-contract/jobs-in-antarctica/visit-partners.html
Lockheed Martin and its subcontractors hire approximately 1,000 positions annually to work contract jobs in Antarctica.
(0)
(0)
SPC (Join to see)
I was wondering if you knew of any Army 91L (construction equipment repairer) mos's slots for an opportunity to work there
(0)
(0)
LCDR (Join to see)
The Chaplain at McMurdo is a US Air National Guard Chaplain out of a unit based in New York. It's a 3 month rotating position, but is an assignment. I think there's a liason officer or two stationed there as well. Not too sure if it's a permanent assignment or not, but I know the Chaplain is US Air NG from NY (was the USN Chaplain assigned to the USCG icebreaker for ODF17, and we did some work together).
(0)
(0)
SSG(P) Brian Kliesen
There are also positions in New Zealand affiliated with Operation Deep Freeze and the National Science Foundation logistics hub in Christchurch. These slots are closely held secrets somehow as no one knows how to get them. There is for sure an Army Force Protection slot for an E6/7 there, and USAF logistics and maintenance. On the ice, crewmembers are rotated out pretty often (except for ATC and a few others), much to the disappointment of the others working there. The civilians, with few exceptions, are on the ice for the entire 5 month tour. The military rotate most of their people pretty regularly.
(0)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google