What do I need to know as 31A PCS-ing to Camp Casey?

2019-06-10T09:34:26-04:00

I'm getting assigned to a MP Company out there, but I'm really unsure on the process, if I should email my gaining commander, what the officer quarters are like, etc. I've been ARNG for the last 4 years and am now transferring to Active Duty as part of my commission. Any help, advice, or tips are appreciated!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2019 9:49 AM

2019-06-10T09:49:55-04:00

You should get a sponsor from the unit that would be able to answer all your questions. If you don’t get one in time then if you do know the Commander than I would email them and they should answer questions or give you a sponsor to help.

Response by LTC Eugene Chu made Jun 10 at 2019 10:00 AM

2019-06-10T10:00:27-04:00

For Korea in general, consider obtaining language and cultural books. Although you are part of the US Army, you will also be interacting with ROK Army, KATUSAs and civilians too.

Response by SFC William Farrell made Jun 10 at 2019 10:17 AM

2019-06-10T10:17:51-04:00

Loved my time in Korea 1LT Private RallyPoint Member a long time ago Bronson. Be safe, immerse yourself in the culture, learn the language.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Jun 10 at 2019 10:29 AM

2019-06-10T10:29:21-04:00

1LT Private RallyPoint Member the process is you flow into theater, believe everyone flies into Incheon now. The replacement detachment rounds up all the soldiers who just flew in. They inprocess you into theater, then arrange for transport to your camp, post, or station by your unit or they put you on a bus with others going there too. You may spend the night depending on how late it is. You'll in process your unit and be assigned quarters. Your battalion commander and company commander will figure out your initial assignment.

There are multiple posts on RP about what goes into a BN Commander letter of introduction. Recommend you write one. Contact the unit S1 to ensure you are still on their gains roster.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2019 1:38 PM

2019-06-10T13:38:39-04:00

LT, I was there in 96/97 and it was my first duty station. I look back fondly on my time there... When I got there I was called a "Turtle" and replacement was called the "Turtle Farm". Get ready to see all sorts of things like 30 cases of beer on a moped or even a bath tub or two. Watch out for the "Turtle Ditches" which are the storm water spillways that run along the roads.

My advice to you is to get off post and check out the "vill". TDC and Second Market were a lot of fun back then when I was a Spec 4. Watch out for the soju (Korean alcohol) and the kettles they serve it in. Don't let the KATUSAs talk you into eating the spicy kimchi, unless you like it. Buy custom made clothes, shoes and boots! Mink blankets will keep you warm. The rainy season is really wet! Go to the DMZ when you can, check out Seoul and see if they still do retreats on Chedjudo Island. If they do, go there!

I think that they still do Air Assault School there so see if you can get a slot... Then the Army will send you to the 101st!

As an MP though you need to set the standard and not get caught up in all the "fun". Sorry I don't have any up to date info on Casey.

My best advise to any Soldier PCS'ing is to remember that you are not the first person to PCS to where you are going, listen to the folks who are there to greet you, listen to your NCOs and sponsor, take a notebook and pen everywhere you go and you'll be fine. Good luck and remember that my intel is dated.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 11 at 2019 10:00 AM

2019-06-11T10:00:35-04:00

As far as I remember, everyone fly's into Osan AFB. Everyone gets on a bus and now I think they take you down to camp Humphreys seeing as yongsan is closed. You will spend a day or two at the hump, before being bused up to Casey, it's about a 2hrs 45min ride. Once you get to Casey you will stay in the in processing barracks which are in the back of the base away from most hings unfortunately. You should get your own room or share it with one other person while there. There will be formation which I don't think you have to go to. After about a week or two, your unit will come and get you. As an MP officer I'm not sure where you'll be staying it maybe be towards the front of the base. Expect to have to deal with a lot of curfew violations as that's the most common thing out there, followed by under age drinking. The katusa MPs are really nice, but man they are under appreciated. You will mostly be dealing with soldiers as katusa do not get in trouble, or if they do the ROK come down on them very hard and swiftly.

The MPs I talked to while there would tell me it's a bit boring as there isn't much work to do, but things could have charged since 2017. Make sure to get out in the country and explore Korea has a lot to offer. Try and learn the language if you can others wise please, and thank you, and hello will get you by in most situations. Like the previous people have said your sponsor should get in contact with you and let you know what's happening, if you can't reach them I'm sure you can find someone over there who knows how to get in contact with your unit.

Response by LTC Gregory Davis made Jun 11 at 2019 5:39 PM

2019-06-11T17:39:53-04:00

If you haven't started a Mil Bio yet, get going on it. A brief email to your Commander and BN Commander is a good idea BUT don't make it 390 pages long. 3/4 page max, that is what your in-briefing and initial counseling are for. You'll have enough to think about.....just think about "drinking from the fire hose' line