Would anyone suggest a PCS to Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland as a 14G or just in general?

2020-04-13T07:52:07-04:00

Currently coming up on my second reenlistment and am currently deciding between trying to go to Maryland at APG or to Italy in Vincenza

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 13 at 2020 7:55 AM

2020-04-13T07:55:02-04:00

APG was my favorite duty station. There is a lot to do and a lot to see.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 13 at 2020 8:39 AM

2020-04-13T08:39:28-04:00

It's tough to beat Europe for at least one tour if you like to travel

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 13 at 2020 8:46 AM

2020-04-13T08:46:08-04:00

It’s been 7 yrs since I was at APG. Based on when I was there not sure what 14G10 would be doing and unless things have changed you also would most likely not have the opportunity to lead troops.

Response by SFC Richard Williamson made Apr 13 at 2020 9:50 AM

2020-04-13T09:50:25-04:00

I think I'd take Italy over the states for assignment. I spent 6 years in Germany and loved every minute of it. Italy is rich in history. I wouldn't say much about the people, but the country is beautiful. I also spent 17 weeks in Aberdeen for AIT. It was bitter cold because I was there from October to February. I don't think we saw the sun more than a half dozen times that winter.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 13 at 2020 10:06 AM

2020-04-13T10:06:43-04:00

Yes. In fact I’m taking your slot. You can go to Bliss. :)

Response by SSG Gregg Kemp made Apr 13 at 2020 1:04 PM

2020-04-13T13:04:27-04:00

I did a tour there - at Edgewood Arsenal just own the road - from '04 to '05. We secured the old CASY Site (Chemical Area Storage Yard) from evil do'ers with bad intent. APG and Edgewood are awesome places to work in. The community is rather small, compared to Ft. Bliss anyway, but pretty tight.
There are and always will be "No-Go" areas on both bases. There are areas there that are contaminated with all sorts of very nasty stuff from years gone by. You will be thoroughly and completely briefed about that during your in-processing. The local deer population suffer from birth defects from it, things like 5 legs and occasionally you'll hear of one being seen with mustard agent blisters.
True story. One very cold night one of my guys called me in a near panic saying they needed my help ASAP. I hop in my HUMVEE and arrive at guard shack and see two guys standing there with the "We Phucked Up" look. You know the look. We all do.
Anyway, it seems that a very large cup of orange juice got spilled, all over everything. The guys took anything that wasn't literally nailed down and set it outside the door while they cleaned up the mess.
Meanwhile, a deer got thought that orange juice tasted pretty good, especially when they lick it from a cold M-16. It was so cold, that the deer's tongue stuck to the barrel of the rifle, the deer freaked out and started running and trying to shake loose the M-16. The deer was tired out at that time, laying down about 30 or 40 yards away. Every time we approached it, it would take off, and lay down again. I seriously thought about shooting it myself - we were locked and loaded - and taking the hit for it. As a last ditch effort we started throwing crap at it, and purely by luck we nailed it right in the head with a full water bottle and that was enough to cause the rifle to release.
Yeah.
Anyway, you will be telling your Grandchildren own stories of your time there, and I think you'll enjoy it.

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Apr 13 at 2020 1:28 PM

2020-04-13T13:28:10-04:00

Had been to Aberdeen for a 6 week TDY. Not horrible, but I have to believe--sight unseen however--Italy would be far more interesting!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 13 at 2020 2:38 PM

2020-04-13T14:38:31-04:00

I'm not aware of any ADA units in either APG or Vicenza. Vicenza only has the 173rd and an MI battalion. APG is testing directorates and laboratories. There are no 14G at APG, and there are no E5 positions at Vicenza.

Hawaii is a good choice for a 14G

Response by TSgt George Austin made Apr 16 at 2020 3:12 PM

2020-04-16T15:12:12-04:00

are you single?? I went to Naples for a 1 year tour and stayed 4 1/2. Every Italian has a cousin/uncle in the US and they love Amis. Do you ride. Take a large CC motorcycle and just go with the MC club. Every stop in a small town is a party as there will still be people that remember liberation. You can visit APG when you retire with a fine Italian wife and 3 kids!! Take Italy and have an adventure.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2020 1:42 PM

2020-04-20T13:42:59-04:00

Go to Italy in Vincenza. Airborne!

Response by SFC Dan Sorrow, M.S. made Aug 13 at 2020 8:43 PM

2020-08-13T20:43:32-04:00

I don’t know what’s there anymore. The Ordnance School left. I retired from there in 2000.

Response by SSG James Knopp made Nov 18 at 2022 11:34 PM

2022-11-18T23:34:15-05:00

I’ve never been to Italy, although I would like to.
As far as a move to Aberdeen Proving Grounds what I can tell you is this.
I grew up in the shadows of APG as a kid and after the military, I retired from APG. If you like the outdoors, you wouldn’t find a better duty station.
You can fish, or water ski, in the Chesapeake or go deep sea fishing in the Atlantic. Snow ski in the mountains during the winter and camp in the summer. If you want to visit NYC, three hour drive. Philadelphia and Washington D.C. an hour and a half. If you like the beaches, Ocean City, Atlantic City and the Jersey Shore are just a few hours away.
To recap, if you like swimming, going to the beach , fishing, skiing, camping or just going to any of the big cities, then the Mid Atlantic region is the top spot for people in the know.