SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member 3794 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>So my entire perspective has been warped by how the Army functions here in Korea, and quite frankly it has discouraged me to reenlist for fear of the same drama and babysitting I've had to endure here. Is this how the Army is? I was told in AIT, "Big Army" is much better, but them Im told here that Korea is beast of its own. Well, which is it? 2013-11-06T07:04:13-05:00 SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member 3794

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>So my entire perspective has been warped by how the Army functions here in Korea, and quite frankly it has discouraged me to reenlist for fear of the same drama and babysitting I've had to endure here. Is this how the Army is? I was told in AIT, "Big Army" is much better, but them Im told here that Korea is beast of its own. Well, which is it?

2013-11-06T07:04:13-05:00 2013-11-06T07:04:13-05:00 SSG (ret) William Martin 3796

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Please describe the &amp;nbsp;problems you are experiencing.

2013-11-06T07:06:49-05:00 2013-11-06T07:06:49-05:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 3809

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div><p>PFC Toombes,</p><p> </p><p>I have been in your shoes!  I have been in units where things happened and there seemed to be no good reason behind it other than "just because" and it gets annoying.  Just remember, as a private, you don't really see everything that is going on.  Granted you are in Korea and I have never been stationed there, I cannot speak for it.  However, in my previous units things like this seemed to happen quite often.  As MSG Cunningham stated, every unit is different.  I can assure you that he is 100% correct on that.  It is really good that you have an outlet and social network like this because not only can you talk to those who have been in your situation, but you can also meet others who are in locations that may be better suited for you when your time to reenlist comes.  </p><p> </p><p>Judging by your MOS, there are a host of locations and duty stations you can become assigned to.  Just reach out to your fellow servicemen and women within your MOS and inquire about possible future duty stations for you.  I did this when I was stationed in Fort Hood four years ago and on the verge of head-butting a brick wall.  Next thing, I requested my current duty station with branch and got it.  I can promise you it is not all bad everywhere.  The army is not consumed of everything bad you have experienced in your current unit.  Honestly, some units will suck and some will be a dream.  Its all in what you make of it really.</p>

2013-11-06T07:37:35-05:00 2013-11-06T07:37:35-05:00 SGT Private RallyPoint Member 3815

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>My brother's first duty station was Korea, at your duty station actually.  He hated every second of it.  He let it dictate his feelings towards the Army, decided not to reenlist.  He ended up going to Ft. Irwin next and loved it.  But by the time he realized that he would want to stay in, it was too late.  <div><br></div><div>The great thing about the Army is it's always changing.  Just can't get along with an NCO/Officer? Don't worry, if you're single you'll be gone in 2 years anyways.  They'll probably PCS before you do.  Troops get moved around.  The unit I'm in is DRASTICALLY different than it was when I got here 2 years ago thanks to new Brigade, Battalion, and Co. level command teams.  I wasn't a fan of the constant BS, soldier mistakes, etc when I first got here, but now my company hasn't had an alcohol related incident in over 18 months.  </div><div><br></div><div>It's always changing, give it a chance.  I would say shoot for that reenlistment regardless. With the recent retention changes, competition is going to be fierce for initial term soldiers, as well as mid and career.  There aren't many slots and you shouldn't pass one by, just to figure out later you want to stay in but the Army has no room.</div><div><br></div><div>Good luck!</div>

2013-11-06T07:51:48-05:00 2013-11-06T07:51:48-05:00 SFC Michael Hasbun 3820

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div><p>Something I've noticed is, no matter where you go, no matter where you're stationed, you'll always hear "this isn't the real Army". There seems to be some mythological perfect Army somewhere, but I can't tell you where it is, and everyone will claim it's elsewhere.</p><p> </p><p>I hate to say it, but I think the honest answer to your question is yes, that IS how the Army is, to use your phrase, but everywhere you go will be so drastically different that you'll always find yourself asking that same question over again.</p>

2013-11-06T08:00:40-05:00 2013-11-06T08:00:40-05:00 SSgt Private RallyPoint Member 3822

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Read up on the history of the Korean War/Conflict and you get a sense of the cluster that it was and is.   Just the distinction of war v. conflict is an indicator of the politics and those politics that cost men their lives.   And as far as babysitting,  that is part of it all.  <br>

2013-11-06T08:05:28-05:00 2013-11-06T08:05:28-05:00 MSG Private RallyPoint Member 4015

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div><p>PFC Toombes,</p><p> </p><p>I totally agree with MSG Cunningham with regards to "functions" and will caveat on that a bit. The Army is what you make it and what you let it be. As a PFC, you might only see "A" and "Z", meaning you heard SGT "So-and-so" busted curfew (that would be A) then you don't see anything happen to him like loss of rank or UCMJ (that would Z).. "B" through "Y" might be that SGT So-and-so was helping someone that was hurt and it was verified through MP's so therefore no punishment was needed. This example ties into the rumor mill along with other things that you might not understand at your level, such as motor stables.. you might think its stupid that every Monday you have to PMCS your HMWWV when you haven't driven it since last Monday. Well this is an example of mission readiness and Korea is a specific tour that you need to be ready for anything at any given time, but you might not have put two-and-two together in that aspect. Every unit "functions" differently which is based on its own mission or METL (&lt;-- do some research on this), and what I have found out through my years in the Army is that I need to constantly educate myself and my Soldiers on the units mission while mastering my current job (whichever that might be). I wouldn't focus on this specific unit or situations in Korea to determine what your future entails, but what I would encourage you do is master the profession of being a Soldier and embrace the experiences that you are dealing with and learn from it. You won't know what you learn in your current unit until you PCS to another. If you would like some mentorship or participate in the online training program that I have my Soldiers (past and present) do, feel free to email me. [login to see] .mil</p><p> </p><p>Buffoonery- love the word choice!</p>

2013-11-06T15:44:05-05:00 2013-11-06T15:44:05-05:00 CPT Private RallyPoint Member 4230

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Just like anything, it's what you make of it, brother.<br>

2013-11-07T03:58:23-05:00 2013-11-07T03:58:23-05:00 CPT Private RallyPoint Member 4288

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Ever location, every job, every mission, and every unit will have its own challenges, advantages, pros, and cons. &amp;nbsp;I would suggest not basing the entire Army off of your first duty station. &amp;nbsp;I would recommend you taking advantage of the unique opportunities you find yourself in right now. &amp;nbsp;Travel to Japan. &amp;nbsp;See Korea. &amp;nbsp;Oh, and there is more to Korea than Soju and Juicy Girls. &amp;nbsp;Avoid them if you can. &amp;nbsp;Make the most of your time there and then move on. &amp;nbsp;Go to a new duty station. &amp;nbsp;Make the most out of your time in. &amp;nbsp;

2013-11-07T10:59:08-05:00 2013-11-07T10:59:08-05:00 SSG Zachery Mitchell 77325

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Every duty station has it's ups and downs. Goods and bads. Everywhere basically is what you make of it. I personally have never been to Korea but I have hear a lot about micromanaging going on in Korea. If you still enjoy the Army but are unhappy with where you are at reenlisting for assignment of choice might be a good idea so you can go somewhere you would like to be and try to enjoy it from there.

2014-03-17T03:03:45-04:00 2014-03-17T03:03:45-04:00 SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member 91175

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Not very encouraging for me since I'm on my way to Korea in Oct.

2014-04-01T22:24:04-04:00 2014-04-01T22:24:04-04:00 SSG Private RallyPoint Member 146697

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Having been to Korea (my first duty assignment), I can say that Korea in some ways is a beast in and of its own and in other ways is just like anywhere else in the army. (When you see other duty stations the beast part will make since. Its hard to explain)<br /><br />I found that it is best not to judge the ARMY by your fist duty station. Wait until you have a few duty stations under your belt (or at least two) before you make that decision. You will find that every unit will have its pro's and con's but all are unique. Some places are better than others because of where they are and others are better because of the command. I have had great duty stations ruined by bad leadership and down right horrible duty stations that if I could get the same command, I would go back in a heart beat.<br /><br />Hope that helps you.

2014-06-07T19:53:41-04:00 2014-06-07T19:53:41-04:00 SGT Private RallyPoint Member 1135094

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>The very same could be said about Ft Hood. When I was stationed there it seemed like the post was just their very own private army. The policies and so on were just different than what I was accustomed to. Korea is also different but that also depends on your unit assignment and duty station. I know that life in 2ID was different than 1st Signal, both had my MOS but apparently the DMZ duty had put some special constraints on their professional relationships with the Satellite Controllers in Japan.

2015-11-27T09:05:20-05:00 2015-11-27T09:05:20-05:00 SFC Richard Lee 1137074

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>As a Platoon Sergeant, I baby sitter everyday for 3 years. If you feel that having to baby sat your soldiers is not your job, you're in the wrong business, that's what you do as a leader. I baby sitted not only my soldier but all the soldiers in the company to include having another platoon sergeant tell me to mine my own business, after i stopped one of his young soldiers from making a great error in judgement and call him to give him a run down. Most leaders in Korea who only care about themselves go back to their rooms or their quarters until the next duty day unless they get that late night phone call to go to the company or MP station. I didn't, I wanted to head off issues before it got that far. Count your blessings that the day will come that one of those soldiers whom you babysitter will thank you long after you have forgotten and moved on.

2015-11-28T14:05:13-05:00 2015-11-28T14:05:13-05:00 2013-11-06T07:04:13-05:00