Worst duty stations -- what's your Bottom 3 list?

2013-09-17T12:00:29-04:00

I've heard these are the worst places to get stationed in the Army. If you've been to any of these places, why do people hate them so much, and are they really that bad?

List of Worst 3 Army bases to get stationed at:
1. Camp Casey, Korea
2. Fort Polk, LA
3. Fort Irwin, CA

Response by SGT Daniel Lindsey made Sep 17 at 2013 12:54 PM

2013-09-17T12:54:27-04:00

I can't express an opinion on those three but my worst was Baumholder, Germany. I didn't like the unit or the post but I loved a lot of things off post. I think anywhere you go you have to take the good with the bad. It's really hard to take somebodies opinion because things change fast and some will hate it there while others love it. Embrace the experience and set goals that maybe can only be accomplish in that location. But that's my opinion.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Sep 17 at 2013 1:00 PM

2013-09-17T13:00:16-04:00

Thanks, SGT Lindsey. I actually spent a month training in Baumholder. Small world. You bring up a good points about just embracing the experiencing and seeing everything in a positive light as much as possible. Lots of people struggle with this, so I'm glad you raised the issue.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 17 at 2013 1:44 PM

2013-09-17T13:44:45-04:00

I've always believed that the assignment is what you make of it and it is mostly about the unit and the people rather than the location.
Being an Army Brat for 23 years, followed by over 20 years of my own service, I have not had a bad duty station. Some have more amenities, some have more outside the gate, and some have units that have better leaders (not related to the location of course). Wherever I've been, we find a way to enjoy it and to get involved and make it better.
Duty Stations (As a Brat and on my own):
Hunter AAF (2 years), Ft. Campbell (2 years), Ft. Knox (3x for a total of 1.5 years), Ft. Hood (3x for a total of 9 years), Ft. Leavenworth (3x for a total of 6 years), W. Germany (3 years), Ft. Polk (2x for a total of 7 years), West Point (2.5 years), Ft. Riley (3.5 years), Boise/Twin Falls, ID (4 years), Ft. Jackson (1+ year).

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 21 at 2013 12:35 PM

2013-09-21T12:35:11-04:00

Fort Polk....
here is a list of some pro's and cons of this post

PRO's
------------
Plenty of places to go hunting and fishing
it has a HUGE training area AKA the BOX (so your never far from home when going on a training rotation)
fairly small post so transit to and from work is never more than 20 min (if you live on post)
Air Assault School
Golfing- on post golf course

CON's
-------------
HOT.... VERY Humid
Limited off duty activities for both married and single soldiers.
Shopping or lack there of, you have to drive over an hour to get to large retail stores or malls

now im sure there are many more pro's and con's to this post, that's just a few off the top of my head.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 21 at 2013 3:41 PM

2013-09-21T15:41:02-04:00

I was stationed 2 of the 3 posts that were mentioned and been to the other one 8 times for NTC rotation in my career. Like the LTC J said it all depends on what you make of the assignment. Camp Casey was one of my best assignments, I enjoyed not only exploring new cultures but also understand the people and their beliefs.

Response by 1SG Jeff Finlay made Sep 22 at 2013 12:40 AM

2013-09-22T00:40:31-04:00

Korea was the best. Soldiers did their job. Fort Polk was ok but the community around it preyed on Soldiers just to make a buck.
Worst was Ft Riley Kansas.
Guantanamo Sucked
And I've heard Ft Hood, is bad because of Killeen and Nolanville.

Response by SPC David Sherman made Sep 22 at 2013 2:09 AM

2013-09-22T02:09:19-04:00

Ft Polk due to the weather and insects.
Ft Irwin, just plain sand, lots of it. Did a rotation for NTC in 1987 when I was stationed at Ft Hood, TX.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 22 at 2013 2:27 PM

2013-09-22T14:27:04-04:00

I would have to say Fort Polk is pretty bad because there is really not a lot to do around the post. I heard bad thing about Irwin too. The drive to the nearest town there is like 45 minutes from what I have been told. I love Korea but I was stationed at Camp Humphrey's.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 22 at 2013 6:15 PM

2013-09-22T18:15:02-04:00

Camp Casey. was there in 2008 Sir. It's filled with (or at that time it was) combat support, Cav unit, and tankers, fires units. There were a lot of hardworking younger Soldiers on post. There were some not so good choices made by a lot of people, not just the young Soldiers. There was a lot of clubs directly outside the gate, and the post was on alert quite a bit. There was also a unit that boxed and there were some injuries resulting from the boxing. For me and my unit (I worked at the health clinic), it was a pretty decent tour. Just connect with the right people and you cant go wrong.

Thank you.

Response by SPC Christopher Salustro made Sep 28 at 2013 8:28 AM

2013-09-28T08:28:57-04:00

Camp Casey when I was there in 2008 - 2010 (and I swear I'd never thought I'd say it) was one of the best times I've had in the Army so far. It was (as many above have said) filled with great soldiers and good solid leadership. There was a fair amount of craziness but that comes with the Army, not the Duty Assignment. I'd have to say I did NOT like Fort Bliss. Not a big fan of sand, the climate killed me and the crime was crazy that close to the border. (Was there in 2010)

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Sep 30 at 2013 2:57 PM

2013-09-30T14:57:28-04:00

I have PCS orders to Drum in August, so I'm glad to see it's not topping anyone's list...

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2013 7:54 PM

2013-10-15T19:54:29-04:00

Based off what criteria?I spent two years at Fort Irwin and learned how to be a better Soldier. When we weren't in the field we were with our families. Gyms were great, there were activities for families, and you made the most of it all together. We were two hours from surfing, skiing, or Vegas. Sure, Victorville is an hour away, but my kids think Atlanta is close to Fort Benning now.It's all a matter of perspective. If you're looking to learn how to do your job there are no better three duty stations in the Army than the three you listed. If you're looking for extracurricular activities, not many places are equidistant from places like LA, San Diego, Big Bear and Vegas.

Response by SSG Brian Walter made Oct 16 at 2013 12:33 AM

2013-10-16T00:33:31-04:00

Schofield Barracks, HI

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 20 at 2013 11:01 AM

2013-10-20T11:01:04-04:00

netops, 4th id

Response by SFC Michael Boulanger made Oct 21 at 2013 1:56 PM

2013-10-21T13:56:55-04:00

1. Fort Lewis, WA2. Fort Lewis, WA3. Fort Lewis, WA

Response by SGT Michael Smolik made Oct 21 at 2013 4:30 PM

2013-10-21T16:30:38-04:00

I only had two in 9 years active, 3 reserve. I would rank them, 1 being worst:1. Ft Carson2. Ft StewartWhich really correlates best to worst, 1 being the best:1. Ft Stewart2. Ft CarsonI can't rank Desert Shield/Storm because everyone knows that place is the worlds largest ashtray.

Response by SSgt Dan Montague made Oct 21 at 2013 5:49 PM

2013-10-21T17:49:07-04:00

My 3 worst1- Camp Lejeune2- Camp Lejeune3- 29 Palms (stumps)

Response by SSgt Lynda Bloomberg made Oct 21 at 2013 6:01 PM

2013-10-21T18:01:00-04:00

Nellis AFB. I had been stationed at Loring for 3.5 years. At Loring we would go out after work, did things together and we had a good group of people. At Nellis there was no camaraderie, no one wanted to hang out, the people there didnt want to do anything with their co workers. I'd take Loring in a heart beat. Too bad they closed it.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 21 at 2013 7:12 PM

2013-10-21T19:12:18-04:00

I am currently stationed at Camp Casey. It is not a bad post, but it isn't a good place to bring your family. If I was single, or had come here unaccompanied, I would appreciate the post better, but then I'd be missing out on other things. Korea is beautiful though and I love the people here.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 22 at 2013 5:52 AM

2013-10-22T05:52:47-04:00

I have been in for over 20 years and can't say that I have had a bad duty station. I agree that it is all what you make of it. Here is where I have been in chronological order. 1. Fort Sill, OK (3 years) 2. Schofield Barracks, HI (3 years, 6 months spent in Sinai, Egypt) 3. Fort Benning, GA (2 years) 4. Fort Jackson, SC (3 years - Drill Sergeant) 5. Houston, TX (3 years - Recruiter) 6. Fort Hood, TX (1 1/2 years, 1 year spent in Iraq) 7. Fort Benning, GA (9 months) 8. Fort Hood, TX (3 years, 1 year spent in Afghanistan) 9. Fort Benning, GA (1 year so far). It is more about the unit and you can find good and bad in any unit. Find all that there is to do in the area you are in and make the most of your situation.

Response by CW3(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 25 at 2013 1:52 PM

2013-10-25T13:52:26-04:00

I dont think I have even been at a bad duty station, and I have had many tdy's and pcs's. A duty station is what you make of it. I do have a fellow service member getting stationed with the 167th TSC, and he is active duty. EVERYTHING is on the ecomony and on your own, medical, dental, food, housing etc. That has to be the worst I have heard of during my time in the service. I dont know why the U.S. Army would do such a thing, but I guess it't out there.

Response by SSG Mark Jordan made Oct 25 at 2013 6:34 PM

2013-10-25T18:34:50-04:00

You can put FT SILL in there

Response by SSG Mark Jordan made Oct 25 at 2013 6:35 PM

2013-10-25T18:35:17-04:00

FT Sill is the worst of the worst

Response by SSG Mark Jordan made Oct 25 at 2013 6:47 PM

2013-10-25T18:47:20-04:00

I was at all three of those posts and like them. I still put FT Sill as worst because everyone I know that lives in Lawton right off post has had there place broken into.The fact there isn't a lot to do in that area. I spent a lot time in Texas in my free time.I would rather be deployed to Iraq again then be at FT Sill. It is a training post so a lot of bull crap even for permanent part that is not in the training units more than other places. The gangs are getting out of control in the Lawton area. There are two Walmarts one is called the bad one since there is drug dealing right out in the parking lot, or people will come right up to you in the parking at time store and ask for money.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 25 at 2013 8:16 PM

2013-10-25T20:16:38-04:00

1. Fort Stewart2. Fort Stewart3. Fort Stewart

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2013 8:42 PM

2013-10-26T20:42:49-04:00

1. Fort Hood2. Fort Polk3. Fort RileyBases are lacking and the cities outside each one are horrible. Have to drive hours to get to anywhere worth going.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 27 at 2013 5:21 AM

2013-10-27T05:21:40-04:00

1) Drum 2) Alaska3) PolkCan you tell I hate the cold?

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 27 at 2013 10:43 AM

2013-10-27T10:43:52-04:00

I liked Fort Irwin and wish I had spent my whole two years there instead of one deployed. It is a nice base with lots of services and it was being built up when we left in 2006. The only problem with it was the road trip to get to anywhere off base.Instead of giving bases a bad name, maybe you should have asked what are the top three bases you've been assigned. I think Fort Shafter, Fort Irwin, and Fort Benning would be the top three I've been assigned.

Response by SSG Mark Jordan made Oct 27 at 2013 2:16 PM

2013-10-27T14:16:22-04:00

FT Sill FT BraggAlaska

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 27 at 2013 2:45 PM

2013-10-27T14:45:26-04:00

Mannheim Germany, Baumholder Germany, oh and Heidelberg Germany

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 27 at 2013 9:20 PM

2013-10-27T21:20:21-04:00

I have been stationed at Ft. Irwin twice. I enjoyed both assignments. The only reason I would caution anyone is if they have high school age children. The high school is a 45 minute bus ride at 6 in the morning. The road is one of the most dangerous in California. I have been to many locations and I found a way to make the best out of each one.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 27 at 2013 11:02 PM

2013-10-27T23:02:26-04:00

1. Fort Polk is by far the worst, everything is bad, except for the food.2. Fort Leonard wood is a notch just above Fort Polk but just as bad..3. Hawaii, cost if living is just too expensive , but the free things such as hikes and the beaches are awesome

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 28 at 2013 7:34 AM

2013-10-28T07:34:04-04:00

Fort Drum, Fort Richardson, Fort Lewis... I hate the cold!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 28 at 2013 10:53 AM

2013-10-28T10:53:04-04:00

Fort Polk, LAFort Sill, OKFort Irwin, CA

Response by SGT(P) Jeren Fullmore made Oct 28 at 2013 11:18 PM

2013-10-28T23:18:12-04:00

I can say truly Fort Riley, its just a place no really truly likes. The young soldiers have to deal with pressure of being hated by the KSU males. The soldiers under 21 have nothing to do there cause it the surrounding area is made of nothing but bars and clubs 21 and up unless you go to Salina. The worst part is, its hard to leave there or you get stuck on the K-K-K trail (Kansas, Korea, Kansas)

Response by CPT Mike M. made Oct 29 at 2013 9:01 AM

2013-10-29T09:01:14-04:00

I personally had a great time at Camp Casey. Yes, there's the obvious partying that everyone's first thought is a lot of the time when thinking about there but on top of that there were added benefits. As an Armor officer, Korea was/is one of the FEW places we can go and be basically guaranteed two gunneries a year (not sure how the sequestration affected that but it's how it was when I was there). It seems at times the Army is set on weeding out tankers and that's one of the best places to go hone our skills. Not to mention travel opportunities out of Korea. Plenty to do on the peninsula and it can also be a good hub for trips to China, Japan, Australia, etc.
And I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the fact that I met my wife there. So all in all, Korea gets a bad rap but is one of my favorite places so far.

Response by SPC James Connolly made Oct 29 at 2013 3:47 PM

2013-10-29T15:47:01-04:00

As a single soldier who was stationed at Irwin and PROFIS to a unit in Korea, I would have to put Irwin on the top of that list. I can see Korea being difficult if you were married, but at least there were things to do close by. Irwin was OUT THERE!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 29 at 2013 11:37 PM

2013-10-29T23:37:34-04:00

I have been stationed in Korea and visited Casey often to spend time with a Battle that was stuck there. It SUCKS considering what a lot of soldiers do when they go to Korea; shop! In my opinion I think Casey is the dark hole. There is not much to do their but hit the same clubs and drink.

Response by 1SG DeyShuan Shepherd made Oct 30 at 2013 10:56 AM

2013-10-30T10:56:27-04:00

I have only had 4 real duty stations.

1. Fort Stewart, Ga

2. Fort Drum, NY

3. Fort Gordon, GA (3 times)

4. Fort Jackson, SC (Basic and Drill Sergeant Duty)

I spent 3 months at Fort Riley.

2 Deployments to Bosnia and one to Iraq

The Army fooled me and said that I would see the world. I have really left the South much.

Response by SFC Charles S. made Oct 30 at 2013 4:46 PM

2013-10-30T16:46:28-04:00

Sir,

This is a very interesting question. Your follow-on questions answers would be more telling if people reply to them.

1. Duty Stations are locations and by themselves would only be good or bad based on either the local population and/or environment. For example, Camp Casey, Korea is Cold and the North Koreans are pretty much the reason why people would feel that it is the worst bases to be assigned. It becomes more of a personal experience that someone experienced while assigned there.

2. Command Climate and Command Environment of those duty stations can be influenced by the leadership that are affecting / inflicting the experiences of people. Another example, Fort Polk, it's a training environment and exists to do that mission of training. It's not supposed to be fun and usually it achieves that goal, but only to those who are not experiencing a good training environment.

3. Soldiers expecting the duty station to be something that it is not. Everyone would love for their duty station to be like Disney Land, but reality says, that will not be the case. So, when the duty station does not live up to that expectation the soldiers have a let down feeling and usually end up saying things like this post SUCKS. Example, I was stationed on Schofield Barracks Hawaii, most of the young soldiers hated being there, I could not believe it but it was due to the let down that Hawaii was not Disney Land and was not fun everyday. There were things to do and WORK to be done. It is LIFE on an army post. They just didn't get that.

Soldiers who go to a duty station with an open mind and good attitude will have much better experiences and will enjoy their time on station much better than those who have unrealistic expectations.

Response by CPT Mike M. made Oct 30 at 2013 5:54 PM

2013-10-30T17:54:34-04:00

I came to the defense of Korea earlier but didn't post my bottom 3.  I've always told my wife, the main places I'd really try arguing with branch if they wanted to send me there are:1) FT Polk (horrible weather/station)2) FT Irwin (middle of nowhere)3) FT Drum (not a fan of the cold and not close to major cities)

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 30 at 2013 7:00 PM

2013-10-30T19:00:00-04:00

I haven't been stationed at any of these duty stations but I hated Fort Lewis equally.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 30 at 2013 8:48 PM

2013-10-30T20:48:00-04:00

Ft. Sill is the worst. But I agree it's how you make the best out of where you are stationed.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 30 at 2013 11:52 PM

2013-10-30T23:52:01-04:00

As a young Private I was stationed at Fort Polk. Not knowing a lot about the Army or what to expect I loved it there. I was surrounded by amazing leaders and "raised" right. Being that I've only PCS'd three times my bottom three are nonexistent.<div>Schofield Barracks is awesome, the Army is what you make it. Too often I hear Soldiers complain about Island fever and as my time here comes to an end I can honestly say I've yet to experience "Island Fever". Fort Stewart is the best installation I've ever been to. Espri De Corp is rampant and Soldiers take pride being in the 3rd Divison. I'm a proud Dog Face Soldier, it's to bad the Army is cutting my old brigade!</div>

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 31 at 2013 4:31 AM

2013-10-31T04:31:26-04:00

I was stationed in Fort Irwin, CA with 11th ACR. It's a remote area, but if you live on post is ok. Stores are far, but you get quality family time and a close knit community.

Response by SSG Ivan Ribadeneira made Oct 31 at 2013 7:44 AM

2013-10-31T07:44:14-04:00

1) POLK

2) POLK

3) POLK...

I had PCS about 8 times and there is nothing like FT Polk,
LA. School is terrible, low class education. Low sociality class. Folks don’t have
respect for nobody as well young teens. From my point of view locals from there
are very ignorant. Besides they are very happy with the only “mall” around 50
miles and is call “Wallmart”.

Response by SGT Trindi Collins made Oct 31 at 2013 2:12 PM

2013-10-31T14:12:51-04:00

FORT DRUM!!!!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 31 at 2013 4:06 PM

2013-10-31T16:06:30-04:00

Well, I havent had a bad assignment as far as location goes anyway I was blessed to have been stationed close to big cities. (Eustis, Bragg, Hood). I WAS on assignment to Riley but got it deleted b/c of my EFMP but Im told there's nothing there. My three (maybe more) are
1. Polk
2. Drum
3. Riley
Bonus
4. Levanworth
5. Irwin

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 31 at 2013 5:27 PM

2013-10-31T17:27:09-04:00

Sir, I spent 3 years at Fort Polk and I can see why it is unpopular to many people. Most people want to be stationed where there is a lot to do in the form of nightlife... its what the young soldier craves I suppose. I would say Fort Polk is more of the sportsman's paradise. Toledo Bend is a great place for fishing and family recreation near the lake. I believe there is good hunting in the area too. These things attract the minority of service members, so that's probably why its widely unpopular.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 1 at 2013 7:33 AM

2013-11-01T07:33:52-04:00

Honestly, I cannot answer this truly due to the fact I have been stationed in some pretty nice places. First coming from Fort Hood, Texas and being surrounded by some pretty nice cities (Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, Waco, Round Rock and Austin). My second duty station, and my current assignment, MacDill AFB in Tampa Florida. Next on my list is Molesworth, England. Granted, I have been to several duty stations in which I spent some time I really don't have the experience of actually living there. Some of the ones I thought were not a good selection were Fort Irwin, Fort Bragg, Fort Eustis, Fort Polk (there's nothing good there), Fort Benning and Fort Huachuca.

Response by Sgt John Henry made Nov 1 at 2013 10:11 AM

2013-11-01T10:11:16-04:00

Chesapeake, Virginia was pretty bleak.

Response by LTC Jason Bartlett made Nov 1 at 2013 1:48 PM

2013-11-01T13:48:00-04:00

Top three places I refuse to be stationed at....

1. Fort Irwin, CA (really anywhere in southern Cali)
2. Fort Drum, NY (once you leave post it reminds me of 1970's)
3. Fort Bliss, TX (need I say more)

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 1 at 2013 3:22 PM

2013-11-01T15:22:51-04:00

FORT POLK

FORT IRWIN

ANTARTICA

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 1 at 2013 8:27 PM

2013-11-01T20:27:46-04:00

I've only been to Fort Polk once for JRTC. It was one of the worst 3-week periods in my career. Mosquitos are huge, hot, muggy, and nothing around at all. After 3 weeks, a shopette and the bowling alley seemed like heaven. The other bad pre-deployment training I experienced was at Fort Bliss, TX. There is some pollen out there that was killing my allergies. Even daily doses of Claritin couldn't alleviate my allergies.

A lot of people have bad things to say about Fort Drum. As a physical post, Fort Drum is a beautiful post with some brand new facilities (commissary, PX Mall, housing, etc.). It is just in a bad place (Watertown) in an increasingly totalitarian state (NY). I liked Fort Drum, just not BEING there.

As someone who hates being cold, Any posting in Alaska or back to Drum would be unwelcome to me. I wouldn't want to go to Korea, based on reports from people who have been there.

Response by SFC Randy Robinson made Nov 2 at 2013 12:09 AM

2013-11-02T00:09:26-04:00

Every location I was assigned to was different than the others. I totally enjoyed every location because I made the best of it and always looked at the positive points it had to offer.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 2 at 2013 12:51 AM

2013-11-02T00:51:41-04:00

Camp Casey isn't that bad.

I'd rather avoid Polk, Irwin, and Bliss, personally.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 2 at 2013 1:04 PM

2013-11-02T13:04:16-04:00

Having been in the Army and now in the Coast Guard (Assigned to a Navy unit, yes it's a tad odd), I've not experienced bad bases in the Army as opposed to the Coast Guard. When you have bases of thousands of people around decently large cities, it's hard to get a really bad one. And if you think so, I'd suggest you look at what the other services face. When you have movie theaters, sport teams, a PX, a commissary, cable TV or OTA TV, etc it's not THAT bad.

Take in account, Venice, LA. (not the city of LA but the state!) In the Coast Guard, I was sent to Venice, LA for a short deployment. By far, hands down the worst area I've seen. If you're single, you live there. I suggest you Google map this for a full effect. The nearest store is a Family Dollar 45 minutes away. The nearest Wal-Mart is 1.5 hours away. All the married personnel live 1.5 hours away. So that's 3 hours of travel per day then your duty day. You're in a town of 200 to 400 with 2 gas stations. There are no other stores.

Army wise, I liked Jackson, Bragg and Germany (Mainz/Weisbaden).

It's apples to oranges but I've seen some great places and just a few bad ones and the Coast Guard seems to have far more "bad" ones than other services due to their isolated nature.

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Nov 3 at 2013 1:49 PM

2013-11-03T13:49:29-05:00

I was stationed at Camp Casey, Korea back in 97-98. It wasn't too bad. At that time, they had opened up a Reggie's Brew Pub just a few hundred meters from our barracks. Needless to say, mirobrewed beer definitely added to the "positives" on the Camp...

Response by Cpl Ray Fernandez made Nov 3 at 2013 10:34 PM

2013-11-03T22:34:18-05:00

Most of my enlistment was spent stationed in 29 Palms, CA. It wasn't the best place, but it would have been much worse had I not owned a vehicle. It was roughly halfway between Los Angeles, and Las Vegas. I think any duty station can be a good or bad experence based on the ability you have to get a break from military life. The worst moments of my enlistment were the times when even when I was off duty, I could not leave the base due to the needs of my unit. The other places and moments I thought were the worst of my time in the military were being at sea for 19 days between Hawaii and Darwin, Australia/East Timor (no mail, nothing to see but empty stretches of ocean). Training in Qatar (extreme heat even on the beach, and the ground was very rocky which made trying to set up an OE antenna difficult), Newport, Rhode Island for me was probably the worst duty station I ever had, the weather (I'm a native Californian and don't like having 4 real seasons), plus all of my family is on the west coast.

Response by SFC Matthew Parker made Nov 4 at 2013 5:05 PM

2013-11-04T17:05:39-05:00

Camp Casey was good duty if your in Korea and 2nd ID. Drop that off the list.

Ft Polk, well its not the post its everything around it, ok post was a dump too but it got better as time went by. Still its no Ft Bragg or Ft. Stewart.

Ft Irwin is a hardship tour like Korea. You should not be able to take your family to Irwin. The heat, the dust the lack of anything being remotely close to post and the facilities, FOBs in Iraq were better off. But then again it got better, money was put into the facilities and MWR.

So I guess the answer to your question sir is each location is only as good or bad as the soldier makes it.

Response by SFC Matthew Parker made Nov 4 at 2013 5:17 PM

2013-11-04T17:17:15-05:00

Casey was great if you were 2nd ID. Of all the dumps it was the best.

Ft Polk is what it is, a training center. Money for training nothing for housing, well wait a second, Polk did improve over time and its outside the gate that's bad. Polk is no Ft Bragg or Ft Stewart but it is better.

Ft Irwin is a dust hole, a desert location suitable only for a used potta john museum. FOBs in Iraq have a better quality of life, what was the Army thinking putting soldiers in the desert like that. Well the command did improve the facilities, movie theater, MWR and education opportunities. Housing did get renovated and improved and the training readied us for Iraq. Not to shabby I guess.

I guess the answer to the question is each location is what you make it. Sure Ft Drum sucks during a Blizzard but its nice in the summer time.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 8 at 2013 6:36 AM

2013-11-08T06:36:35-05:00

I am currently based at Camp Humphreys, Korea. I have been to Camp Casey several times since I been here in convoys and personnel escort. The thing I really don't like about Camp Casey is the base in very very small. Its about the size of a football field or 2 but not much bigger. And right outside the base you have a relative big city where people (most new to the Army) get in trouble. But I been in Korea for 2 years and I like it here. Its not like the states by any way but I like it.

Response by LT Earl Lingerfelt made Nov 8 at 2013 11:03 AM

2013-11-08T11:03:58-05:00

I was at Camp Casey from June 90 to May 92. I was 18/19 years old....and I loved it. Great place to learn the craft of soldiering (I was a Scout), but not family friendly. Accompanied assignments didn't exist back then anyway at Casey, that I know of. I left and went to Ft. Carson- which I hated. Not enough money at the time to even go to the field, so we did a lot of busy work. Not a happy soldier there. Just my .02.

I was at Ft. Richardson, AK as well. And loved it. Maybe I'm just a sadist.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 9 at 2013 2:08 PM

2013-11-09T14:08:37-05:00

1. Ft.Polk

2. Ft.Polk

3. Ft.Polk

Casey was my 1st Duty station and I LOVED it!! I had my family there and my unit was great and everything was pretty smooth. I have no complaints at all. Ft. Polk, on the other hand, the worst place I've ever been to. The surrounding town is horrible due to their refusal to develop and I really don't want to say anything about the Army aspect of it given that I am still currently assigned to that post but, I do not like it. All this being said, JBLM, WA was the best duty station I've ever been assigned to. Great place to live and there's a lot to do there.

Response by SGT Matt Mowery made Nov 10 at 2013 10:00 AM

2013-11-10T10:00:58-05:00

If Camp Casey is #1 I feel like Camp Stanley should be #1-A. While stationed at Camp Stanley we went to Camp Red Cloud or Camp Casey for better facilities/more options. The PX was better at Camp Casey and we could play golf at Camp Red Cloud. At the end of the day, however, being stationed in South Korea (Stanley/Casey/Red Cloud -- Uijeongbu/Dongducheon area) isn't a terrible assignment; it certainly could have been a lot worse.

Response by SGT Claude Debnam made Nov 15 at 2013 3:50 PM

2013-11-15T15:50:05-05:00

I've never been to Ft Irwin. But I did tours at Ft Polk and the Camp Casey area. I had fun at both places. BTW I have a total of 6 years in Korea. All in The 2nd ID.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 15 at 2013 4:23 PM

2013-11-15T16:23:20-05:00

I was at Fort Polk for seven years and I am currently stationed at Fort Irwin. I know, who did I piss off right? Fort Irwin is probably the worst. The amount of time we spend in the desert training units takes up so much of your time you dont get a chance to get out and do much. You do get a 4 day after every rotation, but the kids are in school for two of them, so impossible to get out to SD, LA, LV, SF, places like that. Nothing anywhere close. Fort Polk wasn't too bad. Not great, but better than here.

Response by LTC Martin Metz made Nov 18 at 2013 3:12 AM

2013-11-18T03:12:26-05:00

When I was at Camp Casey in 1981-1982, Baskin Robbins only had one flavor.

Response by LTC Martin Metz made Nov 18 at 2013 3:17 AM

2013-11-18T03:17:54-05:00

The Baskin Robbins at Camp Casey only had one flavor when I was there from 1981-1982.

Response by SSG Ronald Limbaugh made Nov 22 at 2013 8:43 AM

2013-11-22T08:43:19-05:00

During my time in Korea, I hated being away from home (the states), but I have to say that Camp Giant was probably one of the best postings I have ever had. I was in a great, tight-knit unit and though we were on a spartan style camp, we really didn't have much need for any outside influence. We were detached from the rest of the battalion, so there wasn't much brass around and we were able to maintain discipline through keeping the majority of issues in house.
As far as Ft. Polk, I only ever went there for JRTC, which was bad enough as it was, but to most of the folks I've spoken to about FP, it was not a choice duty station, as it wasn't much better being stationed there as it was going for training.
Fort Irwin, once again for training... learned then that I did not like the desert, though I've ended up spending the last three years in one. Even though I wasn't crazy about the heat (and cold at night) I still enjoyed the short time that I got to spend there for NTC.
Like many of the other commentors, I'd have to say that a posting or deployment will have to do a lot with how you make it. Attitude and unit morale will have a lot to do with what sort of experience you have at a duty station, though I do believe that weather and local fare might also have a good bit of influence in the equation.

Response by SSG Jim Handy made Dec 2 at 2013 7:02 PM

2013-12-02T19:02:21-05:00

I really can't give you a bottom 3. I pretty much enjoyed myself everywhere I went during my 10 years. I think it's more about your attitude and the people you choose to associate with than it is the place. I had people everywhere I went that did nothing but sit in the barracks and drink beer or watch TV during their off time, and they were always the whiners and the ones who blamed their sorrows on where they were stationed. Those that got out and had a life and associated themselves with other positive fun loving people usually had a good time anywhere they went. It's what YOU make it, not where you are. In answer to your Question, I have been to Camp Casey and Ft. Irwin and had no problem with either, and I was at Irwin the last time in 1980 and trust me , it wasn't near as nice as it is now.

Response by SSG Joseph Lord made Dec 3 at 2013 8:45 PM

2013-12-03T20:45:20-05:00

Ive been to Camp Stanley, Fort Sill, Camp Pelham, and Baumholder. Artillery..........

Response by SSG Joseph Lord made Dec 3 at 2013 8:49 PM

2013-12-03T20:49:32-05:00

These are not my worst duty stations. These are my duty stations. Fort Sill, Camp Stanley, Fort Sill, Camp Pelham, Fort Sill, ( Desert Storm - Saudi to Iraq and back ), Fort Sill, Smith Barracks ( Baumholder, Germany )...............

Response by SSG William Patton made Dec 3 at 2013 9:28 PM

2013-12-03T21:28:04-05:00

I have been at two of those you listed, Irwin and Polk. Polk was bad because it was infantry training in Tigerland, but in retrospect, it is the reason I survived Viet Nam. Irwin was bad because it was isolated, but I had a good time there. I too agree that the people you are with make the difference. The absolutely worst was an artillery fire support base and special forces outpost at Trai Plei Djereng, RVN. It was about 50 klicks from Pleiku and about 1 klick from Cambodia. The only thing around us was a huge Montanyard village and the Ho Chi Minh Trail. I spent 4 months there and it was so isolated we could not pick up Armed Forces TV and had a hard time getting radio during the day. We could however pick up Hanoi Hanna on our two way. She played great music, better than AFR. Still, the people were great and that made it bearable.

Response by SPC Tiffany Cloutman (Toney) made Dec 4 at 2013 10:44 AM

2013-12-04T10:44:37-05:00

Duty stations as a soldier I can only speak of personal experience from one. I was stationed at Fort Drum and I HATED IT!!!! It was far to cold for a Louisiana gal like me and too close to a major city. I see a lot of people hated Fort Polk but I really wanted to be stationed there because that is where I am from. I wanted to be close to home and my family lives about 45 minutes from there. Now as a military spouse I have to say I LOVED Fort Richardson (JBER), AK I hated the cold but it wasn't as bad as Fort Drum and I loved the natural beautiful of it and the slower pace. We were there for 7 years and my husband and I plus the kids all loved it and want to go back and retire there. We are currently at Fort Lee, VA and we hate this place with a passion. People around here are rude and do no respect the military IMO and you have to go to Richmond (for family members and Norfolk for military) for most medical stuff because there is only a clinic on base can't do hardly anything for medical stuff plus you can't fill over half your prescriptions on base because the pharmacy doesn't carry it.

Response by SSG Waldo Yamada made Dec 4 at 2013 6:55 PM

2013-12-04T18:55:09-05:00

Fort Hood

Response by SSG Waldo Yamada made Dec 4 at 2013 6:55 PM

2013-12-04T18:55:45-05:00

Fort Hood

Response by 1SG Johnny Carter made Dec 5 at 2013 4:46 PM

2013-12-05T16:46:06-05:00

I really don't have a worst duty station list. I had a good time everywhere to include FT Polk. You gotta do research and find the good times!

Response by LTC Joseph Gross made Dec 6 at 2013 8:24 AM

2013-12-06T08:24:21-05:00

I think I can win this one based on the answers I've seen so far. I've been to what some people here say are the worst and thanks to my current job I can top Fort Polk. I also grew up South of Fort Polk so I'm biased. I did two years at the US Embassy in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. Good chance you would not have electricity every day. Water could go out at a moments notice and you didn't notice until your mandatory 500 gallon tank went dry. My next door neighbor had an actual out house and when the wind was right... The absolute worst rodes and worst drivers I've ever experienced! But I did know a few good people there and we had a nice club to visit.

I'm in Brussels now as pay back!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2013 9:11 AM

2013-12-06T09:11:21-05:00

1. Camp Casey2. Ft. Rucker3. Ft. Belvoir

Response by SSG William Patton made Dec 6 at 2013 6:17 PM

2013-12-06T18:17:32-05:00

When I graduated from AIT at Ft. Monmouth, NJ we were all comparing duty stations from Ft. Wainwright to Ft. Huachuca, AZ. to Aberdeen, White Sands, and my duty station of Dugway Proving Grounds, UT. When I first arrived, I thought everyone was correct, but then I made some friends and started doing things like mountain climbing, hunting desert sheep and elk, trout fishing, and playing baseball and fast pitch softball. I was a good baseball player and made the post baseball team and we played all over the intermountain region. We had a fast pitch softball league on post that was excellent and loads of fun. I got to travel on Uncle's dime to play the game I love and even got a civilian status TDY where per diem was 30$/day plus by E-4 pay, I was rolling in the dough in 1968. I was fortunate to spend 18 months assigned to Dugway, then I spent my last year in II Corps with the 6/14th ARTY, RVN. Your duty station is as good or bad as you make it. Kinda simple.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2013 10:21 PM

2013-12-10T22:21:08-05:00

I have been to 8 duty stations in 17 years, Fort Polk was by far the worst! Worse than some small FOBs I have deployed to. The assignment as an O/C was very rewarding and learned a tremendous amount while I was there. The overall area was just so bad, it's not a place I would send my worst enemy to.

Response by 1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2013 12:52 AM

2013-12-11T00:52:04-05:00

I haven't been to FT Hood.  I've heard that it's not hell, but you can see it from there.

Response by MSG Brian Breaker made Dec 14 at 2013 3:30 AM

2013-12-14T03:30:17-05:00

I have been to all three, but I have to agree the your duty stationed is what you make it. In the Active Guard Reserve(AGR) program you can be anywhere there is an Army Reserve Center. Imagine that...Some are in great places, but most are in the hood or middle of nowhere. Think about that next time you are driving across America.

Response by SGT Thomas Brown made Dec 21 at 2013 4:16 AM

2013-12-21T04:16:15-05:00

This is a hard question to ask being everyone has their own opinion on their experiences they had at those units.

1.) Fort Wainwright
2.) Fort Irwin
3.) Fort Polk

I have either been to these for training or duty station and I have to say that Fort Wainwright is the worst by my experience. The aarctic cold sucks, the long days/nights, nothing interesting about fairbanks. There isn't much to do with your family if you have younger kids, closest city is 6-8 hours south, and if you buy anything it costs an arm and a leg to get it shipped.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 21 at 2013 7:39 AM

2013-12-21T07:39:40-05:00

I actually didn't have any. But I will say that when I was TDY to Fort Irwin as a photojournalist, I would have probably deserted the Army if I ever had to be stationed there! It was terrible!!!

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 22 at 2013 11:21 AM

2013-12-22T11:21:02-05:00

I have only been to two duty stations going to my next one in June but from my experience out of the two I've been to FT. Lewis, Wa is the worst one for me the weather is only nice for 3 months out of the year, it is always rainy and gloomy outside I don't know about other units on the base but my whole division is ate up no pride or high standards there is no tradition like i had when I was with 3BDE 3ID in FT Benning, Ga

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Dec 26 at 2013 11:03 PM

2013-12-26T23:03:38-05:00

I've been stationed at Fort Polk, and have done multiple rotations through Fort Irwin. Duty stations are what you make of them. If you want to be miserable, you can be miserable anywhere. If you want to enjoy life, you can find something enjoyable anywhere. Fort Polk is great if you enjoy quality time with your family, doing outdoor stuff (fishing, hunting, camping, swimming, etc.), and/or enjoy road trips to the surrounding cities (BR, Houston, NO, S'port, etc.). You won't get fine dining, nightlife, and high-quality shopping there though. Fort Irwin is great if you want a job that looks good on your OMPF or you want to be relatively close to Las Vegas and/or Los Angeles. You won't get fine dining, nightlife, and high-quality shopping there either.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2013 11:29 PM

2013-12-29T23:29:45-05:00

I was stationed at Polk from 03-11 and I loved it but most of the reasons that people didnt like it was its location. i grew up in a town of 2500 people and had to drive 25 mins just to get to a town with a walmart, so leesville was big in comparison to where i came from.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2013 2:21 AM

2013-12-30T02:21:14-05:00

Was at Fort Polk for 7 years, not completely horrible, but wouldn't go back. Really humid/hot, and nothing near by to do. Lake Charles is the closest ok place. Currently at Fort Irwin, it is the worst, nothing anywhere near here. Post sucks, the closest town, Barstow, is full of meth addicts and has nothing there. We are constantly on rotation here, so cant get out to LA, Las Vegas, San Diego that often to do anything. Was at Hood for a few years as well. It wasn't bad. I liked it there, Austin and San Antonio aren't too far, and are a lot of fun.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 2 at 2014 2:21 PM

2014-01-02T14:21:18-05:00

FT PolkFT IrwinFT Hood

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2014 1:52 PM

2014-01-03T13:52:05-05:00

No Fort Polk?

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 4 at 2014 4:37 AM

2014-01-04T04:37:37-05:00

Sir I've been stationed at Irwin twice. Yes it's out in the middle of nowhere, but at the same time it's in the middle of everything. You're 2.5 hrs from vegas, 2.5 hrs from san diego and many other places. If you go to the cav side of irwin you have to deal with the rotations and playing opfor ( loads of fun IMO, because you actually do your mos) and if you go to the ntc side of the house its like any other post. Its a small post and pretty close knit. I actually liked Irwin

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 5 at 2014 1:59 PM

2014-01-05T13:59:57-05:00

Sir, I have to say that there is no such thing as a "worst duty station." It boils down you individual experiences at an installation. I have been at each post you listed, either for training or PCS. I make the most of a situation, like most Soldiers do. Yes, there are places Soldiers would prefer to go or not go, but just because a Soldier has bad memories if a place doesn't mean that it is a bad Army base.

Response by SSgt Dan Moquin made Jan 5 at 2014 9:21 PM

2014-01-05T21:21:47-05:00

Laughlin AFB Texas, the worst assignment that could ever befall a person. Seriously this place is the pits, right on the boarder. 150 miles from San Antonio. The best thing they could ever do for this place is turn it into a live fire training range, a small tactical nuke dropped on it would be an improvement.

Response by SFC Benjamin Parsons made Jan 5 at 2014 9:25 PM

2014-01-05T21:25:15-05:00

5 years at NTC (Ops Group) and a tour at Camp Casey. Thoroughly enjoyed them both, but did get bored at Irwin the last year. Visited Polk on a few occassions. Never felt any desire to stick around.

The key for me at any duty station was to get away from the GI hangouts and visit/see the real locality. As often as possible.

Response by SPC James Fish made Jan 5 at 2014 9:49 PM

2014-01-05T21:49:02-05:00

I loved Fort Irwin. Most people I've talked to that said they hated it, was only there for training. During that training, you are usually stuck in a contonment(sp) yard, or out in the desert training. You don't get out much as there is a PX and such in the yard.

However, if you are stationed there, it does offer alot, all within 4 hours of driving. Skiing, hiking, snowboarding, camping, beach, Hollywood, Disneyland, etc...

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 5 at 2014 9:53 PM

2014-01-05T21:53:53-05:00

Korea was not bad duty had a great platoon and a critical mission but its Korea not like you get to travel the country.
Irwin was again great duty as an OC but you are 3 hours from anywhere, made it an opportunity to see some of Las Vegas and the west coast but not a place Id want to go back to.
I have been to Polk but never stationed but could say I would much rather go there than Ft Bliss and I really enjoy Texas.
Much of an assignment has to do with getting out and seeing and experiencing that part of the country. But having a location with activities you like nearby or Family within a days drive to see between deployments on holidays can make a huge difference in opinions. For every person who dislikes a location there is someone who loves it.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 5 at 2014 9:59 PM

2014-01-05T21:59:03-05:00

1.fort irwin
2.fort polk
3.fort drum

Response by SSgt Jonathan Ayers made Jan 5 at 2014 10:36 PM

2014-01-05T22:36:57-05:00

O-S-A-N spells Osan AB, Korea!

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 6 at 2014 1:15 AM

2014-01-06T01:15:59-05:00

#3 Ft Polk

#2 Ft Polk

#1 Ft Polk

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 6 at 2014 1:25 AM

2014-01-06T01:25:58-05:00

In the 2 short years that I've spent time that I'll never get back while here in "sleesvile", I must say that this is the worse duty station of all. This city has nothing around it. Everything is far FAR away. Houston is 3 hours, Baton Rouge is 3 hours, New Orleans is 4 hours and Shreveport is 2 hours away. No malls in the areas, no parks, nothing. Just a bunch of backwater folks who constantly beg the military for money and in turn don't give anything for the troops to look forward to after work or outside post. No one should have to drive 45 minutes or more for a good time. I don't like to hunt, I'm not a nature loving guy, I do like lake Vernon so I take my pit bull. Marley to go get his exercise, but that's it. Married with three kids and when your mother says that "I was better off flying 10 hours to see my grand kids rather than 4 to come to nothing in area" pretty much sums it up. But it's funny about duty assignment because some of us Soldiers have our branch managers in our back pockets.

Response by SGT Jonathan Nathan made Jan 6 at 2014 8:55 AM

2014-01-06T08:55:20-05:00

I have only been stationed at Fort Carson and Fort Leonard Wood. I loved Carson since you had everything within 2 hours. Colorado Springs is right outside the gate and then the Ski areas were about 2 hours away. Plus Denver wasnt a bad drive either from post. Now, Fort Lost in the Woods, is another story, my unit is great but the area around it has its pluses and minuses. I think the worst part about Lost in Woods is it is a training base with a couple FORSCOM units on it. Trainees are everywhere on weekends even the clubs. If you don't mind the drive Springfield, MO; Columbia, MO; and St Louis, MO are all within 2 hours of post.

Response by SFC Aaron Finley made Jan 6 at 2014 10:38 PM

2014-01-06T22:38:32-05:00

1. Fort Drum
2. Fort Polk
3. Fort Stewart

Response by SFC Aaron Finley made Jan 6 at 2014 10:38 PM

2014-01-06T22:38:35-05:00

1. Fort Drum
2. Fort Polk
3. Fort Stewart

Response by SFC Mark Hodges made Jan 7 at 2014 12:47 AM

2014-01-07T00:47:20-05:00

After 24 Years in the Army I can safely say what my favorite duty stations were (Cp. Mercer, Ft. Campbell, Presidio of Monterey); it's all about the mission and the folks tied to it.

The thing I cannot stand is being assigned to a place where nobody cares about the mission and so everything else will suck right along with it. After all, if it's not about the mission then what the hell is it about?

Response by SFC J. Dirk S. made Jan 7 at 2014 4:43 AM

2014-01-07T04:43:38-05:00

The following is only MY opinion. Camp Casey: Leadership in Korea that marries to stay there then gets into a rut of silliness that impact the morale of Soldiers, the living arrangements are more Korean and 1950's than modern Army, with little to no option to fix it yourself. Easy access is to the Juicy Bars and drinking around Casey, so Soldiers have no idea what Korea is really like, that is a mentorship issue..

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2014 11:47 AM

2014-01-07T11:47:33-05:00

In 18 years I have been to Ft. Riley KS, Camp Casey Korea, Recruiting duty in Fresno CA, Camp Buehring Kuwait, Rock Island Arsenal IL, Grafenwoehr Germany and Ft. Bliss TX. I can truly say I enjoyed them all for different reasons. You have to be willing to travel and try new things at some of these locations, but none were bad to me. The only duty station I have tried to avoid over the years is Ft. Drum NY (COLD). I am sure however if I went there I would be able to find a way to enjoy it. I love the outdoors, cycling golf etc. and think that there is plenty of that no matter where you go. As has been stated many time each one is what you make of it. If all you do is sit in the barracks or housing and drink you might have issues, but if you realize there is more to life and the Army than being an alcoholic all have there benefits.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2014 12:00 PM

2014-01-07T12:00:52-05:00

Ft Hood was the worse. No matter how hard I tried, there was no way of making it a great assignment

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2014 1:36 PM

2014-01-10T13:36:58-05:00

I'm currently stationed at Ft. Hood and I'll tell you I'm doing fine, but not asmuch as being overseas. Being in Korea and Germany was the best things that the Army did for me. Worst duty stations? I was in Polk for JRTC and that was two awful months in the summer. Besides that except Afghanistan which is of couse a war zone.

Response by SGT Benjamin Dutill made Jan 10 at 2014 1:49 PM

2014-01-10T13:49:36-05:00

In my personal opinion, Fort Hood was a very bad experience for me. It wasn't the Unit itself, it was the leadership. Fort Hood is notorious for gangs, rapings, robbings, DUIs, DWIs, murder, assualt (both sexual and physical), drug abuse, suicides, and prostitution- which is why a lot of senior NCOs were relieved of their duties. I was stationed there for seven years (called the Cav Trap for a reason) and I have seen some things that will make your stomach turn. And there were times I thought to myself "I need to get the hell out of here".. Yes, the unit I was in was great but like I mentioned, the leadership sucked and that was one of the reasons why most of the service members were receiving article 15s, extra duty, etc.

Response by CPL Paul B. made Jan 13 at 2014 3:19 AM

2014-01-13T03:19:39-05:00

I was stationed at Camp Casey, South Korea. I actually really enjoyed it.

Response by MSG Mitch Dowler made Jan 15 at 2014 12:51 AM

2014-01-15T00:51:38-05:00

Camp Casey is my absolute favorite assignment and I spent two years there '92 to '94! I had a great commander and 1SG. I made great friends. I had more fun than should probably be legal. My 1SG and commander would call me into the office every Monday for the low-down on my adventures. I explored as much of Korea as possible. I brought home a wife and went back and did it all again. It was my stateside assignments that were dull, ordinary and routine. I always went back overseas as quickly as I could where the mission was still real but not a deployment.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 16 at 2014 5:58 PM

2014-01-16T17:58:53-05:00

Kaiserslautern.

Response by 1LT Israel (Izzy) B. made Jan 30 at 2014 10:56 AM

2014-01-30T10:56:52-05:00

I've heard the arguments for and against FT Irwin, which means it may depend on your experience. I agree with 2ID in Korea, although CP Casey was paradise compared to the smaller posts by the DMZ. Not many people care for FT Polk, unless they're from the area. FT Leonard Wood has improved but is still in the middle of nowhere. FT Drum is hands-down the most miserable place to be in the Winter.

Response by 1SG Shane Hansen made Jan 30 at 2014 11:07 AM

2014-01-30T11:07:15-05:00

Worst 3 Army bases in my opinion:

1. Ft. Irwin - middle of nowhere, too much desert

2. Ft. Drum - too darn cold

3. Ft. Lewis - too rainy, cold, and dreary in that part of the country

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2014 11:19 AM

2014-01-30T11:19:53-05:00

I think my personal bottom 3 would be:
Fort Wainright
Fort Richardson
Fort Drum

Germany has been plenty cold for me, I don't know If I could handle any worse!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2014 11:19 AM

2014-01-30T11:19:55-05:00

I think my personal bottom 3 would be:
Fort Wainright
Fort Richardson
Fort Drum

Germany has been plenty cold for me, I don't know If I could handle any worse!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2014 4:19 AM

2014-01-31T04:19:38-05:00

Like it's been said many times I believe each duty station is what you make of it. To enjoy some of those places you really need to pickup new hobbies or go back to some old ones and immerse yourself in the surrounding areas and culture. I spent 3 years in Cp Casey as a young single Private. I definately spent many hours like most young grunts enjoying the night life, but on the other hand I also took many USO tours and got out and experienced the Korean culture during the day. I also spent 3 years in Ft Irwin, though is is definately far from stuff there is still plenty to do; just takes a little driving to do it. There were tons of places to legally shoot your POW's and some of the countries best rock crawling for the jeep guys. To top it all off, Ft Irwin has some of the best weather in the continental U.S. to ride a motorcycle year round. Couple of hours and you are in Vegas, couple of hours the other way and you're at the coast. I thoroughly enjoyed the area, not so much for the work schedule though. No experiences yet with Ft Polk.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2014 12:31 PM

2014-01-31T12:31:50-05:00

I was at Polk for 3 years, hated the 1st year, but would go back. I enjoyed it. There is a lot to do, and a lot to do during the summer months. Can't speak to much on the other two, but I would add Ft. Knox to the list. There really isn't much do to here.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2014 2:39 PM

2014-01-31T14:39:52-05:00

I don't know much about these places, because all my knowledge is second hand. I have buddy stationed in fort Irwin and he dislikes it. First I think it is a combination of his unit and the people in it. Second it is the middle of the desert. My wife went to Fort Polk for training and from what i gather its a run down dump, and the grand attraction in the surrounding area is Walmart.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2014 2:42 PM

2014-01-31T14:42:10-05:00

1 Fort bragg

2 Fort Bragg

3 Fort Bragg

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2014 9:05 PM

2014-02-05T21:05:20-05:00

CPT,

I agree with your number 2 and 3 choices. I haven't yet been to Korea, but im on orders for Oct. I'm not sure yet where in Korea but everyone says Casey is pretty bad. But I do believe that you can make the most of a bad location.

Response by SPC(P) Veronica King made Feb 5 at 2014 9:13 PM

2014-02-05T21:13:51-05:00

I deployed out of Fort Stewart but its in a small country town in GA i was not very fond of the location at all. Cheivres, Belguim was a AWESOME assignment little did I know because it was my first , Currently at Fort Meade, MD nice but funny weather here.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2014 6:42 AM

2014-02-09T06:42:38-05:00

Ft. Hood and Ft. Polk. Hood is bad because they focus so much attention on the mechanized part of the Army. Being Infantry is hard because we don't get new equipment and don't really see much by way of dismount training. Its always focused on the Bradleys which suck up the unit's money. Mechanized Infantry it may be, but Soldiers need decent equipment to prepare themselves for combat. AN/PVS 7B's should not still be in the arms room. Those types should go straight to the non combat arms MOS's. Killeen is a dump, and the surrounding area is ghetto also. I can't wait to get to Lewis in September and visit Tacompton again

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2014 9:59 PM

2014-02-16T21:59:04-05:00

I will avoid the following like the plague:

Fort Irwin (many NTC or LTP rotations)

Fort Polk ( way too many JRTC/MRE rotations)

Korea (Just got no desire to go to)

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2014 10:33 PM

2014-02-16T22:33:49-05:00

Fort Drum has been the worst place that I have ever been stationed not only is there nothing here but it is insanly cold in the winter and hot and humid in the summer. The lakes in the area have no public access and the people of water town hate the military.

Response by GySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2014 12:31 AM

2014-02-18T00:31:51-05:00

29 Stumps, i mean... 29 Palms

Response by LTC David Haines made Feb 18 at 2014 9:09 PM

2014-02-18T21:09:09-05:00

Haha! Irwin was one if my best! Maybe I'm just sick in the head.

Response by LTC David Haines made Feb 18 at 2014 9:09 PM

2014-02-18T21:09:13-05:00

Haha! Irwin was one if my best! Maybe I'm just sick in the head.

Response by 1SG Alan Bailey made Feb 19 at 2014 10:16 AM

2014-02-19T10:16:15-05:00

I was stationed at Ft. Irwin for 4 years in OPS GRP and me and my family loved it, I know alot to do with people saying they would not like it is from them going on rotation out there but being assigned is great. Never stationed at Ft Polk but several rotations there and I would not want to be stationed there just because of the weather. and never been to Korea, but have heard great things about it. I personally do not have any bad assignments, I feel they are what you are make of them.

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2014 2:07 PM

2014-02-26T14:07:59-05:00

First, I'm in the Air Force, but have been stationed on 2 out of the 3 bases listed (Casey and Irwin), and I've been to JRTC 4 times.

I don't understand why Camp Casey would have a bad rap. I really liked it there. You are away from the brass, and you can still get out and experience Korea. The exercises are not fun, but what exercise is? The biggest problem I think a lot of people have with Casey is probably "the Ville." That is where all the younger soldiers spend their time (and money) on the Juicey girls. You would be a lot better off both financially and romatically if you decided to spend your time taking the train to the international district of Seoul, or ANYWHERE other than "the Ville" while stationed there.

For Fort Irwin, there are two issues that would make it the worst assignmnet. Issue 1: It is in the middle of nowhere! When I have to drive 40 minutes to get to the nearest town (Barstow, CA), and that town is a shit hole...that sucks. You are really an hour + from the nearest thing that could really be called a town (Victorville, CA). That in itself is tough. It's also not fun driving into the post and seeing the crosses littered all along the road from the people that have been killed. It's not exactly a morale booster. Issue 2: The work sucks. For me at least, working as an Observer, Coach, and Trainer to the units that come out here, it is not fun. There are 10 rotations a year, and each rotation is 28 days. 2 weeks out of every month you are in the field, and the other 2 weeks you are spending teaching (aka babysitting) grown men and women. For me personally, it feels like a 3 year deployment. If you have a family, good luck trying to see them for more than a few hours a week. And since the base is frequently over run by Rotational Soldiers who believe that they have to "stock up" for the field, your family will be just as miserable because the Commisary and PX will be out of stock, and the 5,000 locusts (soldiers) that are invading your base mean that EVERYWHERE you go on base, there will be a line.

I don't have the graphic first hand knowledge of Fort Polk, however it is a Combat Training Center just like Fort Irwin. I imagine for those that live there, it is a lot like Irwin, because it's in the middle of nowhere Louisiana. The big difference, is at least at JRTC they have trees and aren't choking on dust all the time.

Response by SPC James Bailey made Feb 26 at 2014 10:24 PM

2014-02-26T22:24:35-05:00

I haven't been to Casey or Polk but I am currently at Irwin and I'm loving it. I think people hate Irwin if not from California because they don't want to make the effort to drive at least 40 some odd miles to a place to have fun and to sightsee. and this is speaking about the ones on pcs orders, not the ones that get trained for deployments

Response by SPC James Bailey made Feb 26 at 2014 10:52 PM

2014-02-26T22:52:03-05:00

I think single soldiers have opposing views on Irwin vs married soldiers as well

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 28 at 2014 11:04 AM

2014-02-28T11:04:40-05:00

I only have one that I experienced to be absolute the worst:

Fort Detrick, Maryland.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 6 at 2014 7:23 AM

2014-03-06T07:23:51-05:00

Fort Drum, NY

Fort Polk, LA

Fort Irwin, CA

Response by CW5 Sam R. Baker made Mar 9 at 2014 6:13 PM

2014-03-09T18:13:40-04:00

Worst

1) Fort Polk

2) Fort McClellan

3) Fort Hood

Best

1) Camp Zama

2) Soto Cano AB

3) Fort Campbell

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2014 5:58 PM

2014-03-11T17:58:34-04:00

id vote fort lewis 10/10

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2014 12:30 PM

2014-03-12T12:30:28-04:00

Of the places that I've been stationed, definitely Camp Casey, South Korea.
Pros: I love Korea while off-duty. Great place. Tons of things to do. On-duty, it had some of toughest field conditions that I had experienced when I was in the artillery. 3 week field problems in the snow with a camo net as shelter. Shooting. Moving. Communicating. All day, every day.
Cons: Living on a base with almost entirely nothing but combat-arms in an extremely alcohol heavy atmosphere. Everyone making poor decisions mixed with a high mass punishment factor makes for an unpleasant experience, overall.

Response by SGT Edward Clark made Mar 12 at 2014 12:34 PM

2014-03-12T12:34:39-04:00

Spent time Ft. Polk why back in the late 80's early 90's with the 5th ID. On base great off base was almost like a different country.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2014 10:35 PM

2014-03-22T22:35:31-04:00

USS Aircraft Carrier in Norfolk, Va.

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Apr 9 at 2014 4:10 PM

2014-04-09T16:10:09-04:00

Hands down...The Old Guard in Arlington, VA

Wanna join The Old Guard?
http://www.oldguard.mdw.army.mil/join-us!

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Apr 9 at 2014 4:26 PM

2014-04-09T16:26:40-04:00

I would have to say Ft Campbell. I am proud of my service and connection to this prestigious unit. I was with the 2/ 187th INF Rakassans. we lived in the field. After being released from active duty in the early 90's, I heard that there was a investigation on why the 101st had the highest attrition rate of the army, at that time, for Chapters and Poeple wanting an early retirement and just GTFO.

Response by SFC Craig Dalen made Apr 9 at 2014 4:55 PM

2014-04-09T16:55:44-04:00

Here at Fort Bliss, and yours?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2014 8:21 PM

2014-04-09T20:21:31-04:00

Hands down it was Recruiting. I was a detail recruiter from 2005-2008 in a very hard market. These were the dark days of recruiting, the wars were in full swing. It was the toxic leadership during this time in recruiting that lead to the changes in the work hours in 2009. (after 4 recruiters in 1 BN commited suicide in like 18 months.)

Response by 1SG Frank Boynton made Apr 24 at 2014 3:01 PM

2014-04-24T15:01:35-04:00

Personally, I can't name 3 worst duty stations. I can name one, Ft. Dix, NJ. Even as a Drill Sergeant it was the worst duty assignment anyone could ever ask for. Can't name a bad overseas assignment. I loved them all. Good stateside assignments. I even liked Ft. Leanorwood MO. which is where I took my basic training. Never got back there, but always wanted to go visit. The only reason the state of California is still attached to the western portion of the United States is because Ft. Dix suck so bad.

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made May 10 at 2014 3:39 PM

2014-05-10T15:39:29-04:00

Fort Drum?!?! That's where I'm heading to next!

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made May 10 at 2014 3:48 PM

2014-05-10T15:48:28-04:00

Fort Polk, the state bird is a mosquito

Response by PO2 Rocky Kleeger made May 10 at 2014 3:50 PM

2014-05-10T15:50:19-04:00

For Navy, that's easy. When picking orders, look for the ones that have the most AIP (Area Incentive Pay)

Response by TSgt Scott Hurley made May 10 at 2014 5:27 PM

2014-05-10T17:27:45-04:00

For the Air Force, it was Minot, Pope, and Cannon AFBs. Now there could be a few more. But, the best bases in the AF were Eglin, Langley(depending on what you like), and from what I understand when I was told this, The Best kept secret in the AF, was Pease AFB. That last one was because you really did not have to take leave to do things. You were at most 2 hrs away from everything. Even if you like Hunting.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made May 10 at 2014 5:35 PM

2014-05-10T17:35:17-04:00

Any Ship in Drydock. Nothing more horrible for a Sailor.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2014 6:12 PM

2014-05-10T18:12:40-04:00

I agree with CSM Uhlig, most Soldiers I talk to say Polk is definitely NOT a preference.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2014 11:26 AM

2014-05-11T11:26:44-04:00

Fort Drum was my second duty station. I heard so many horror stories before getting there but it turned out to be one of my best assignments.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2014 11:38 AM

2014-05-11T11:38:53-04:00

I am currently stationed at Fort Drum. I hate the area. Hate it. I was spoiled by spending 4 years at Carson. I really don't have any complaints about the unit, or the post. But the area sucks.

Marines don't call it 29 Palms. They like to call it 29 Stumps. LOL

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2014 7:33 PM

2014-05-12T19:33:24-04:00

Ft. Bliss, hands down no question about it. Worst year and a half of my life. I have said it before and I will say it again "I would rather deploy to Iraq than go back to Bliss.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2014 9:18 PM

2014-05-12T21:18:02-04:00

Fort Irwin (Federal Penitentiary)/NTC, CA! I was stationed there for 35 months in the middle of the Mojave Desert...unless you are a CA resident or love the desert.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2014 9:40 AM

2014-05-13T09:40:15-04:00

The National Capitol Region.

"You will not find a more wretched hive of scum and villiany."

Send me to Drum, Wainwright, Minot, I don't care. Just don't send me to DC.

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made May 13 at 2014 10:33 AM

2014-05-13T10:33:25-04:00

In most cases for every person you find that hated an assignment you can find one who loved it...the only exception i can think of is Ft. Polk.. in over 20 years in the Army, I can't recall a single person telling me how much they liked it there! I guess I was fortunate in that I never had a bad assignment!

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 21 at 2014 6:51 PM

2014-05-21T18:51:01-04:00

Very interesting. Other than training, I spent all four years of my active duty time at Camp Casey (and Camp Howze), then Fort Irwin right after. I must admit 26 rotations in the desert at Fort Irwin (NTC) after Korea was interesting but educational!

Response by LCpl Steve Wininger made May 26 at 2014 2:14 AM

2014-05-26T02:14:23-04:00

After being stationed in Hawaii my entire tour, they are all bad, just kidding, I did like Camp Pendelton. As primitive as it was, I liked Camp Mu Chuck in South Korea.

From worst to least worse.
1. MCRD San Diego, although it was necessary to become a Marine, I would not want to be stationed there.
2. Camp Hanson, Okinawa.
3. 29 Palms CA.

Response by SGT Mitch McKinley made Jun 11 at 2014 1:05 PM

2014-06-11T13:05:02-04:00

I was stationed in some really good places, but one was by far the worst.

1. Polk
2. Camp Kyle, Korea
3. NATO Communications School, Latina, Italy (TDY)

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Feb 23 at 2015 8:44 PM

2015-02-23T20:44:06-05:00

It is all in the eye of the beholder. What is a bad assignment for one person is another's dream assignment.

It is also what you make of it. Any assignment can be good, if you want it to be.

I have shared this in other posts about similar topics, but the analogy I always use is that my wife and I have never been assigned to a place she wanted to go, even though we have been assigned to Germany, Hawaii, Colorado, Florida, Italy, and other nice places. However, we have never left a place that she wanted to leave. It became "home" and was hard to leave.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2015 9:31 AM

2015-04-10T09:31:20-04:00

I do not think there are any bad units per say, but there are a few locations I would avoid because of the area not the commands. Not sure why but I have found that the NOSCs are typically located in the rougher/seedier part of town.

1) Naples, Italy
2) Norfolk, VA
3) Los Angelos, CA

On the flip side three locations I would LOVE to be stationed at before I retire is:

1) Ireland
2) Australia
3) Hawaii

Response by SGT Hector Rojas, AIGA, SHA made Apr 10 at 2015 12:24 PM

2015-04-10T12:24:16-04:00

1. Fort Drum. PT in subzero temps? 3-4 ft overnight snow dumps? 6 ft snow drifts? Blizzard conditions? Local citizens actually don't want you there? Then this is the place for you. I'm glad I'm not there anymore.
2. Fort Polk. Humid. Damp. Small. Nowhere near a big city. So many OPFOR people that you actually feel like in a FOB.
3. I'll tell you when I get there.

Response by SPC Thomas Moore made Apr 10 at 2015 1:19 PM

2015-04-10T13:19:09-04:00

I was at Ft. Polk from '81 -'84, when I left the army. My unit, 539th Maintenance, was not in the 5th Infantry division and we were on the north part of the base. We had Vietnam era barracks, open bays, little privacy. My shop didn't have 220 volt power, so the equipment that I was trained on sat idle. Aside from that, the climate is hunid, hot, lots of mosquo bites. I live within 70 miles of Ft Hood and thought of transferring, Bn ut never tried.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 2 at 2015 10:51 PM

2015-12-02T22:51:00-05:00

Fort Bliss
Fort Lee
Fort Irwin

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2016 5:45 PM

2016-04-20T17:45:52-04:00

Fort Irwin

Response by SSG Bruce True made Jul 3 at 2018 6:39 PM

2018-07-03T18:39:54-04:00

My Worst 3 would be this.
1. Dugway Proving Grounds
2. Fort Polk, LA
3. Ft. Riley, KS

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2018 2:42 PM

2018-08-19T14:42:11-04:00

Fort Polk, LA
All of them in Iraq / Afghanistan
Ft. Jackson, SC

In order ....

Response by Samantha Wick made Aug 23 at 2018 7:13 PM

2018-08-23T19:13:41-04:00

So far my husband has only had 2 duty stations in 9 years. First was Fort Irwin and we both liked it. It is central to a lot of awesome places, you get a lot of 4 days and 2 block leaves during the year. Downside was he was gone a lot but you get used to it. 2nd is Fort Bliss we've been here 6 years now and hate it. We are moving on to fort campbell in December and cant wait. His unit here at Bliss is horrendous. The city of el paso isnt too bad though, lots of hiking, camping, and you can find pretty much anything. Biggest downside is that it is ALWAYS hot.

Response by SSG Kasius McCall made Mar 25 at 2019 3:36 PM

2019-03-25T15:36:59-04:00

1. KOREA (Any place there)
2. Fort Polk, LA
3. Fort Drum, NY

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 2 at 2019 4:22 AM

2019-04-02T04:22:17-04:00

I like Camp Casey.... Here's my three

Fort Riley, Kansas

Fort Polk, LA

Fort Irwin, CA

Response by SPC David S. made Jul 9 at 2019 1:38 PM

2019-07-09T13:38:20-04:00

1) I'll second your second and raise Ft Polk to the number one slot. The only place on earth where the term "cool breeze" has no meaning - call sign "Swamp Ass"
2) Ft Drum - just cold dark and lonely. Its the closet you can get to absolute zero on earth - call sign "Frozen Vodka"
3) Ft Bliss - with its very misleading name its just like Aladdin sand storms and all except Genie is an STD infested stripper making it happen on the other side of the border in Juarez - call sign "Sandy Crack"

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2020 10:26 PM

2020-06-18T22:26:46-04:00

Yup

Response by SPC Luther Wooten made Aug 24 at 2020 3:23 AM

2020-08-24T03:23:48-04:00

Walter Reed was good but DC sucked bad. Traffic to and from was insane. The barracks were small and overcrowded. Once you obtained E-4 you were asked strongly to get out. We all worked 2 jobs to afford a sh*thole apartment. I lived in Laurel Md. I worded at the Dash-in convenience store. It sucked hard.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 24 at 2020 10:21 AM

2020-08-24T10:21:23-04:00

1. Al Udied AB, Qatar
2. Norfolk, VA
3. Gulfport, MS

Response by SFC Maria George made Sep 30 at 2022 2:32 PM

2022-09-30T14:32:51-04:00

I actually enjoyed my tour to Korea.. I would love to visit someday in the future.. I was at Camp Stanley