How does the Army differ in the States as opposed to being stationed in Korea?

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Feb 2020 07:42:18 -0500

So, I’m currently stationed in Korea (my first duty station) and I really like it here. I was told from a lot of NCO’s that it was way better here than back at the states. I was just wondering if I was gonna have a hard time in the Army stateside rather than in Korea. I really like the Army and I plan on staying in for a good while. Any advice? I’m also headed to Bragg next.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 12 at 2020 7:52 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Feb 2020 07:52:59 -0500

The Army as a whole is what you make of it, regardless of where you are. Every base is different depending on what formation type is there, local laws, who actually owns the land the base occupies, and how large of base it is. I prefer smaller bases because there tends to be less stupid rules.
Bragg, lot of stupid rules, but it's fairly easy to get good training. Good luck and remember there is no running on Ardennes.

Response by SGT Richard Gocio made Feb 12 at 2020 8:47 AM

SGT Richard Gocio — Wed, 12 Feb 2020 08:47:18 -0500

Several things that won't change anywhere in the Army, Your General Orders, P.T., S.Q.T, P.M.C.S. and all the other Army letter words with no vowels. ;-)
What will change is the people you work with, the people and culture surrounding the base, and depending on the location, the weather. What's important not to change... You being the best soldier that you can be and taking charge of your career no matter where you are assigned.

Response by SGT Robert Pryor made Feb 12 at 2020 10:13 AM

SGT Robert Pryor — Wed, 12 Feb 2020 10:13:40 -0500

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member You brought me a huge smile and a flashback. My first duty assignment after training was also in Asia -- Viet Nam. I loved it there and I kept wondering during my tour of duty about having to return to Ft. Bragg. I didn't want to return there and kept thinking of scenarios where I could get out of that. Of course, nothing seemed to work out the way I had it planned.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 12 at 2020 10:22 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Feb 2020 10:22:51 -0500

Curfew, alcohol limitations, have to take bus/taxi everywhere, more recall formations, language barrier...list goes on and on, but it is what you make it. I was away from my daughter and family and that took a toll but making good friends and good choices made the time go by fast. Some of my friends opted to stay in Korea longer! Go out and see the culture and take it in, and be a good Soldier, don't do dumb shit...

Response by SSG Brian G. made Feb 12 at 2020 12:08 PM

SSG Brian G. — Wed, 12 Feb 2020 12:08:12 -0500

That is an overall feeling in most OCONUS duty stations. Sure you are hundreds if not thousands of miles away from loved ones. But the overall duty is better. There are things that are not going to change no matter the duty station but generally OCONUS you breathe more.

Stateside you have more the mentality of everything must be by the book, no wiggle room, none. OCONUS the book is there as a guide and you follow it but you don't have people breathing down your neck at every infraction.

CONUS sees more line officers, more levels and intricacies of command. OCONUS you have your basic command structure and you occasionally see others but not often.

CONUS you are more likely to get UCMJ action on what are minor offenses, whereas OCONUS the NCOs and Officers are generally more morale and sustain oriented. The soldier is "taught" rather than punished first.

Some have a hard time adjusting going from OCONUS to CONUS. Not going to lie about it.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 12 at 2020 4:20 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Feb 2020 16:20:34 -0500

If you do well in Korea, you'll be fine in CONUS. USFK/8A policies are much more strict than at most CONUS bases, although those USFK/8A policies have loosened over the years with new command teams. I loved my time in Korea as well, so I extended a few times and finally recently PCS'd after 4-years. One thing I miss very much from Korea is the highly efficient public transit system and the safety. Within a few months of being back at Fort Bragg, my wife and I witnessed a violent crime committed in broad daylight in Fayetteville... In Korea, you can walk down just about any dark alley at any time of the night, and never have any issue from the Korean Nationals.

If you like it in Korea, and you aren't too close to your DEROS date, then I would recommend seeking extension through the Assignment Incentive Program or Foreign Service Tour Extension. Your continued service with the Red Dragons will be very helpful to the mission, due to the yearly loss of personnel creating vast gaps in experience. While you are there, make sure you catch a Korean baseball game, even if you don't like baseball. Game tickets are cheap and the crowd experience is more entertaining than the field play.

Response by CSM Tom Satterly made Feb 12 at 2020 6:42 PM

CSM Tom Satterly — Wed, 12 Feb 2020 18:42:10 -0500

Anywhere you go, it will be what you make it. Only difference is location for off time fun or training restrictions due to host nation laws

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 12 at 2020 9:09 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Feb 2020 21:09:35 -0500

hey, Im 25b too and im going to humphreys in couple months. What unit u are in?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2020 8:03 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Feb 2020 20:03:52 -0500

Old Korea was like that when we just boozed it up for a living. It’s not that life anymore

Response by SGT Rick Brasfield made Mar 1 at 2020 1:38 PM

SGT Rick Brasfield — Sun, 01 Mar 2020 13:38:27 -0500

I was in Alaska for 2 1/2 years, it was over sea's duty at that time 74/76. Came back to Ft. Carson and the training was a little hard to get use to because we were lite inf. in Alaska.