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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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SSG(P) Brian Kliesen
They have a large IT Program, so look at the website and see if there is a listing. They want folks that are up to date, but can work on antiquated equipment. Be sure to highlight your ability to get along with others and work in an extreme and isolated environment, though you will be living in a dorm and working indoors.
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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.
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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.
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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 ...
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Always wanted to "Winter Over" Heard some crazy stories about what it was like back in the late 70's early 80's....
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PO1 Tracy Dreyer
Well, unless it has been thoroughly scrubbed since then, I wouldn't suggest kissing the south pole. Story I heard was when the Seabees handled winter over, it it was your first time, you were driven out to the pole, then wearing nothing but bunny boots, you had to go run over and piss on the south pole. Keep in mind, this was middle of the winter down there...
A whole lot of partying went on.
They would also have a beard growing contest during winter over, just had to have it shaved before the 1st scientists started showing up come spring..
just a few....
A whole lot of partying went on.
They would also have a beard growing contest during winter over, just had to have it shaved before the 1st scientists started showing up come spring..
just a few....
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Hey - if I get this assignment, does it mean I have to PMCS the dog teams?
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MSgt Kevin Willoughby
Sorry no dogs allowed! Back in the 90's they worked it into the Antarctic treaty & removed all dogs from the continent.
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1SG Michael Blount
MSgt Kevin Willoughby - their little gifts are likely too harsh on the environment.
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MSgt Kevin Willoughby
It's all about the environment down there. More gets sent back to the states & recycled than you can possibly fathom
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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.
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