If you had the choice would you like to be stationed at JBLM or Hawaii?

I know a couple of guys that live there. They say they get island bound pretty easy and are ready to go to the mainland as often as they can....

Was stationed in Schofield 2013-2016. I miss it and would go back. It’s not really that bad of a duty assignment. The island is small and you can get around the entire island within 1hr 30mins. Plenty of beaches and off duty activities to do. The units are pretty good there especially if you go to 3rd Brigade (hopefully you get 2-27IN or 2-35IN). 25thID Hawaii takes pride in their units and unit’s history. The morale and espirit de corps there is bar none the best of I experienced. Plenty of DONSAS and days off due to them also following Hawaiian holidays. Be prepared for the winters. The coldest it gets in the winter is 60 degrees but it rains ALOT during winter and spring. When it rains, it POURS. It’s expensive to fly from and to there when on Leave so it kind of sucks in that aspect. Most people say they experienced Island Fever (meaning missing being home and in the mainland, usually occurs around 6 months after being there) and want to get off the island (or rock as some will call it lol). I’ve never experienced that feeling I enjoyed every part and moment being stationed in the Tropical Duty Assignment. It’s expensive there but not as expensive as some make it out to be. It’s literally the same prices there as it is if you were to go to a downtown area in a big city (still pricey, but again not how some will exaggerate it to be). Overall it’s a great duty assignment and I’m sure you will love it if you decide to go there.

Lewis all day

JBLM

I was stationer in Hawaii from 2000-2010. I enjoyed every second of it. The people that talk about island fever don’t get out and do anything. There is so much to do on the island and the inter island flights “were cheap.” Not sure what they are now. Stay away from the tourist traps and go enjoy the local spots. The island and local people are extremely nice. I never had an issue in my tenure there. I would go back in a heartbeat.

How come they have an interstate highway in Hawaii? Lol!

Stationed at both. I loved both but at the end of the day, the beaches were not enough to hold me in Hawaii. It’s a great experience in Hawaii but JBLM is where I would go. If there was a way for me to get back to JBLM or Western Washington ROTC I would have gone back. SFAB

Normally I'd say Hawaii. Both locations have problems. Hawaii is shut down for COVID. Seattle is experiencing civil unrest. Neither of these situations will last for what should be a 2 to 4 year assignment. I'd vote for Hawaii. Opportunities for activities centered on "sun and surf" abound. Climate in generally mild and sunny, but I've heard it always rains when your unit goes to the field. Cost of living is high, probably 20% higher that US average. You should get additional housing allowance if you're living off post. You'll get credit for an overseas tour. DoD recreation facilities provide reasonably priced opportunities to enjoy the islands. Down sides with Hawaii I've heard from folks stationed there are cost of living, poor public schools, and it's an island a long ways from the CONUS. Some folks get "island fever" and are unhappy in paradise. If your family may need you home in the next few years, Hawaii is a long flight from LA and even more from the East Coast. Otherwise you should expect family visitors.

Personally wouldn’t be a tough choice. Hawaii is one of the most beautiful places on Earth (in my opinion).

What are your hobbies? Married? Children, if so, how old? I have been stationed in Hawaii and TDY to Lewis. Answer some of those questions and we can give you a better recommendation.