Would anyone recommend to be stationed in Alaska?

SPC(P) James Baldwin — Sun, 23 Aug 2020 22:04:41 -0400

I’m looking at trying to get stationed in Alaska just curious as to how it is there

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 23 at 2020 10:17 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 23 Aug 2020 22:17:23 -0400

Everyone I know who has been stationed at JBER loved it and wanted to return. Wainwright was about 50/50 on people who liked it.

Response by CW4 Craig Urban made Aug 24 at 2020 4:59 AM

CW4 Craig Urban — Mon, 24 Aug 2020 04:59:19 -0400

Beautiful state. Cold in the winter but so is Fort Drum. Summer is great and not so hot.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 24 at 2020 8:26 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Aug 2020 08:26:59 -0400

Ft Greeley sucks big time.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Aug 24 at 2020 8:49 AM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Mon, 24 Aug 2020 08:49:26 -0400

Lived in AK 4 yrs at Elmendorf AFB. My son has lived there over 25 years. Loved it. Best assignment of my 22 year career. Weather at Ft Rich much like Northern US states. Ft Wainwright is colder in winter and hotter in summer than Anchorage area. Army in AK goes to field all year long so cold weather war fighting skills are a must. Sports and recreation opportunities are plentiful. Beautiful scenery. Go!

Response by SFC Marc W. made Aug 24 at 2020 9:55 AM

SFC Marc W. — Mon, 24 Aug 2020 09:55:27 -0400

I loved my time at JBER. It's like living in a post card. But you have to want to be outside, even in the winter. Winters you get about 4 hours of sun at solstice, in summer about 20. Anchorage had tons to do and see. I visited Wainwright once and it seemed less interesting, but if you're willing to travel and get out, it can still be fun.

I tell everyone that Alaska is a destination you need to see before you die; even better if you can get stationed there.

Response by SSG Dennis R. made Aug 25 at 2020 3:04 AM

SSG Dennis R. — Tue, 25 Aug 2020 03:04:31 -0400

During my years, Alaska seemed to be the one place nobody complained about. Germany was about 50/50, Korea more like 20/80 favorable/unfavorable.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Aug 25 at 2020 1:06 PM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Tue, 25 Aug 2020 13:06:13 -0400

If you get the opportunity gor an overseas assignment, take it. Period. Even Korea. Seeing new sights, new cultures, new people is one of those things that just makes life more interesting. Navy used to run ads "join the Navy, see the world." One of those unwritten benefits. Take advantage.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Aug 27 at 2020 1:40 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Thu, 27 Aug 2020 13:40:25 -0400

SPC(P) James Baldwin Adak wasn't that bad although it is Closed Now.

Response by SPC Anthony Jones made Aug 27 at 2020 2:07 PM

SPC Anthony Jones — Thu, 27 Aug 2020 14:07:13 -0400

I was stationed there.. Love it

Response by MSgt Don VandeBogert made Aug 28 at 2020 12:00 AM

MSgt Don VandeBogert — Fri, 28 Aug 2020 00:00:06 -0400

7 years on 2 separate tours in the interior (Fairbanks AK, Eielson AFB). Loved it. Would have retired there.is I wasn't overruled by family. Ft. Wainwright is nice, but not as nice as JBER. -40° is actually pretty easy to get used to, but -20° is more common...that's almost t-shirt weather when a chinook wind blows through. Most folks that dislike the interior do so because its colder, farther from everything (no big chain restraunts, no mall although there is a "hall"), and aren't big year round fans of the outdoors. If you like outdoor activities and aren't afraid of the cold it's a great place to be assigned. If you need warmer weather, more "modern" amenities and a better selection of eateries Anchorage is better. I had Airman literally drive from Eielson AFB to Anchorage just to get Arbys or DQ. That's a 400 mile trip...one way.

Oh...and don't buy a new vehicle in AK if you get there. Pricey. You can get better deals in WA and drive one up for less $.

V/R
Bogie