What will raise my chances of going to Japan or Korea in the army?

2022-06-26T19:17:56-04:00

So I plan on going back to active duty and after thinking my on what I want I’ve decided getting stationed in Japan or Korea would be my top two. I get it there are needs of the army but I’m looking for advice from higher ups on what would be the best way especially coming back into active on how to get stationed over in a Asian country.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 26 at 2022 10:50 PM

2022-06-26T22:50:08-04:00

Contact one of these three gentlemen... they are very knowledgeable in Military related questions/issues.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 26 at 2022 11:39 PM

2022-06-26T23:39:23-04:00

For S. Korea, one would think any MOS would suffice. As for Japan, medical would certainly help. Regardless, it's still going to boil down to where the Army wants to send you.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 27 at 2022 1:34 AM

2022-06-27T01:34:15-04:00

Just reenlist to go there when it's time. Japan probably won't happen, but it's not impossible. I've put about a half dozen 92Y there before. But slots are extremely limited. Korea is too easy.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Jun 27 at 2022 10:09 AM

2022-06-27T10:09:51-04:00

I wouldn't imagine Korea being hard to get. Japan would be harder as it isn't a major hub for the Army and MOS's there are more limited by comparison. Just make your request known and worse case reenlist for it when the time comes

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Jun 27 at 2022 6:51 PM

2022-06-27T18:51:32-04:00

Just ask your assignment manager. I've received orders to exactly where I wanted to go every time I volunteered to go overseas. And that's 14 years worth of overseas time.
It's not only possible, it's plausible.

Response by SFC Jarvis Randall made Jun 29 at 2022 7:47 AM

2022-06-29T07:47:26-04:00

You can request Korea. Japan only takes certain ranks and MOSs.

Response by MSG David Lambert made Jun 29 at 2022 8:18 AM

2022-06-29T08:18:35-04:00

When I returned from the first Gulf War, I called the enlisted personnel manager and asked what assignments were available in the Asian theater. I landed a joint service tour in Japan. Already had a tour under my belt in Korea ‘87-’88. I always preferred overseas tours to stateside. Take an active role in your assignment. You’ll find that provides a better path in career progression to just sitting back waiting for whatever is handed to you. Also, seek out leadership positions. Challenge yourself by volunteering for more difficult assignments for the experience and for self improvement. Schools, assignments and tours of duty.

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Jul 6 at 2022 1:59 PM

2022-07-06T13:59:57-04:00

Contact your branch manager and tell them that you don't want to go there under any circumstances............ Orders shall miraculously appear within minutes of you having hung up the phone.

Response by PO2 Joan MacNeill made Jul 11 at 2022 8:11 PM

2022-07-11T20:11:19-04:00

First thought is to learn the language(s), even the basics, and get it in your record. Maybe some cultural or history courses too. Perhaps a local community college, online or correspondence courses, would be good resources. Or local people of that ethnicity. Japanese or Korean martial arts may help. I'm having a great time studying languages with the online group Duolingo.

Response by SSG Bill McCoy made Aug 29 at 2022 7:48 PM

2022-08-29T19:48:41-04:00

Japan is limited by the SOFA as to how many soldiers, especially in NCO ranks are even allowed to be stationed there - including Okinawa. I went to Okinawa on an accompanied tour, and was sent back to CONUS after about 4 months because the Army sent 140 too many NCO's. No, they were not allowed to transfer someone else closer to PCS because the SOFA required them to pull back the same people they sent over the specified limit.

Response by SP5 Dennis Loberger made Aug 29 at 2022 11:33 PM

2022-08-29T23:33:53-04:00

In my case evidence indicates you should express a desire to go to Germany and they will send you to Japan