The most unique place you have been thanks to the military?

2015-04-04T19:48:47-04:00

Where has the military taken you? I have been to some pretty neat places and still go to some. This is from my latest trip out.

Post some pictures and some stories of where you have been?

Just so you know I didn't find the Ark.

Response by CPT Bruce Rodgers made Apr 4 at 2015 7:56 PM

2015-04-04T19:56:16-04:00

The presidential palace in Bagdad Iraq

Response by Sgt David G Duchesneau made Apr 4 at 2015 9:12 PM

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Thanks to the Military, I saw the World through the eyes of Ho Chi Minh! Dong Ha Valley Route 1 leading towards the DMZ. USMC B1/3 SF! By the way, we humped that entire area. no choppers except for medivacs, all just boots on the ground, good old shoe leather express. From the top of Dang Ha Mountain to the DMZ and beyond!

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Apr 4 at 2015 9:41 PM

2015-04-04T21:41:40-04:00

No where awesome, like pictured, but I did get to liberate the heck out of the nation where the Tigris and Euphrates meets in early 2003. Mesopotamia, the cradle of civilization, the breadbasket of life......I'd rather been fishing in PA.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Apr 4 at 2015 9:55 PM

2015-04-04T21:55:34-04:00

Too many to count. Panmunjom, Lithiuania, Dushanbe, Stavanger, Cheju do, one of a kind labs at Picatinny and Natick, Stonehenge, Lille, Gothenberg, the Pak border (Wildest of the Wild West), Berlin, Rome.....

Response by PO2 Alana Nielson made Apr 4 at 2015 10:35 PM

2015-04-04T22:35:56-04:00

The royal palace in Fez. And various other places across Morocco, but this was by far my favorite. Living with a native family for a month was the most amazing cultural experience I've ever had!

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Apr 4 at 2015 10:42 PM

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The tactical T-shirt and lack of body armor does give it away as a non-military op, tee-hee-hee-hee!!

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Apr 4 at 2015 10:45 PM

2015-04-04T22:45:12-04:00

While out at Huachuca, I got to go to Tombstone, AZ. While at Bliss I got to visit Carlsbad Caverns, NM. Both side trips were totally awesome.

While in Somalia we took R&R in Kenya. Went on a safari, got chased by an elephant, bitten by red ants and most interestingly, got to see the Air Force guys in their natural habitat - hotel rooms with room service!!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 4 at 2015 10:49 PM

2015-04-04T22:49:12-04:00

Been blessed, and lucky. Not only surviving, but have traveled prior and during my military career. As a Catholic, I have been in all the places described in the Bible, from UR, to Egypt, Syria, Israel, Palestine, many more. I also have become an expert in Space A flights. Feel free to contact me if you need advice.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Apr 4 at 2015 10:51 PM

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365 Baghdad-ian Nights

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Apr 4 at 2015 10:54 PM

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Camp Delta, GTMO

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 4 at 2015 10:55 PM

2015-04-04T22:55:25-04:00

I have been fortunate in my career so far. I have been to 29 countries since joining, ten of those I was sent by the Army (Denmark, Germany, Turkey, Iraq, Afghanistan, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, UAE, and Kyrgyzstan). My favorite places have been the Perfume palace in Baghdad, briefing a Saudi Prince, the two thousand year old caves of Capadocia Turkey, and living in the mountains of Afghanistan. I can't wait to see what the next ten years have in store.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Apr 4 at 2015 10:57 PM

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Heidelberg Germany

Response by SSgt Dan Montague made Apr 4 at 2015 11:05 PM

2015-04-04T23:05:10-04:00

I would have to say Vladivostok Russia in 96. I was a great time. I met 2 ladies that spoke great english. They took us around the local area a and showed us the sights.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 4 at 2015 11:14 PM

2015-04-04T23:14:31-04:00

Maya ruins. Copan, Honduras

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Apr 4 at 2015 11:19 PM

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CPT Private RallyPoint Member, here's the Great Pyramid of Khufu, Giza, Egypt, AUG87. The photo was taken while participating in Operation Bright Star '87. The Egyptian riding the camel wanted to be paid for being in the photograph!

Response by COL Charles Williams made Apr 4 at 2015 11:43 PM

2015-04-04T23:43:11-04:00

Aside from Mount Sinai (I have no photo's), it would be Uday and Qusay's old place... known as Site 2 at the time...

Response by MAJ Ben Williams made Apr 4 at 2015 11:44 PM

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Petra is a cool place. I also went there, as well as the city on other end of the old trade route it anchored - Hatra.

Response by SSG Christopher K. made Apr 5 at 2015 5:57 AM

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Two Annual Trainings to Germany. I got to travel two several different cities both trips and see what a different place it is compared to back home. It was an amazing experience and would have never happened if not for being in the military.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 5 at 2015 6:26 AM

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Tower of London, taken from the RMS Belfast. It was only a few hour train ride to get here.

Response by PO1 John Meyer, CPC made Apr 5 at 2015 6:55 AM

2015-04-05T06:55:08-04:00

There are several places that I could list since I did 6 total years overseas, but these two are my tops....

2. Ephesus, Turkey

Since today is Easter, I thought I'd mention this location since this is the last know place where the Virgin Mary and St. John had lived.

1. Iwo Jima, Japan

While I wasn't a tourist there, I did get to go twice. Besides, no one is allowed on the island without express permission from the Japanese government. That's because Iwo Jima is a Japanese military base. I was able to go up Mount Suribachi; I saw both places where Old Glory had been planted. I also went cave exploring. Believe it or not, I was there in the early 1990s and even then, there were a lot of caves that hadn't been even opened, let alone explored. There were several places on the island that were off limits because they had just opened a cave and they hadn't been able to make it safe. There's still a lot of live WW II ammo on that island. I know of a few people that were able to get said ammo off Iwo Jima. To this day, I still think they're idiots since you never know how stable that old ammo is. I had a bottle of the black sands, but I'm not sure where that went after all those PCS moves.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 5 at 2015 7:25 AM

2015-04-05T07:25:02-04:00

Pammunjon, South Korea; Verona, Italy; Prague, Plisen/Pilsen and Kavlovy Vary, Czech Republic.

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made Apr 5 at 2015 7:52 AM

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U.S.S.R.

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made Apr 5 at 2015 8:06 AM

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SWITZERLAND

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made Apr 5 at 2015 8:15 AM

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LEBANON

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made Apr 5 at 2015 8:16 AM

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SOUTH AFRICA

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Apr 5 at 2015 9:05 AM

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Quan Loi - AKA Rocket City

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 5 at 2015 9:18 AM

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Right up to the Russian Border in Estonia.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 5 at 2015 10:12 AM

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During a site survey for Bear Hunt back in the fall of 1987 a few of us took a tour to Panmunjom. We were able to enter one of the buildings and walk to the North Korean side.

Response by MSgt Garrick Hill made Apr 5 at 2015 2:38 PM

2015-04-05T14:38:39-04:00

I cannot narrow it down to a single moment or place, however...I was able to reenlist on the USS Constitution, I have been to Saudi Arabia (Twice), Cuba, Kyrgyzstan (Twice), South Korea, Kuwait, Iraq (Twice, both wars), England, France, Bahrain, Quatar.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 5 at 2015 4:06 PM

2015-04-05T16:06:09-04:00

Since today it is the day of resurrection I thought that this picture would be in order. (Entrance to the church of Holy Sepulchre

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Apr 5 at 2015 4:42 PM

2015-04-05T16:42:37-04:00

Antarctica by far. Made 3 deployments and always marveled at the sheer size, scenery, and climate. The work was strenuous and exciting, but hey, I was 21-23 at the time so didn't need all that sleep.

Other places get unique when we are "not there".

Response by SSG Adam Reed made Apr 5 at 2015 5:26 PM

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All over Ethiopia Africa, but Awassa was the best. From pictures you would never know it was Ethiopia.

All over Germany but Dachau Concentration Camp was the most moving for me.

Austria, skiing the Alps.

Hawaii, twice and the Arizona Memorial was very humbling.

Switzerland, Just drove through and stopped for lunch. Those mountains are amazing.

Kenya Africa, playing golf with my buddies in Nairobi was too much fun.

All over Djibouti Africa, nothing but dirt, rocks and poverty. Humanity at its worst.

Every corner of the US mainland multiple times. -20 at Camp Ripley MN still one of the best.

Response by Col Kyle Taylor made Apr 5 at 2015 6:05 PM

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Stalin's Bunker.

Response by LTC Donell Kelly made Apr 5 at 2015 6:07 PM

2015-04-05T18:07:31-04:00

The island of Tarawa in the then Republic of Kiribati (pronounced Kir-i-bis) in the early 90's. First ANC to serve as the "doc" for an Engineer team out of FT Wainwright, AK. Prior to that 18D's were the docs for engineer teams. We were building school houses. Tarawa was the site of a huge battle with entrenched Japanese in WWII.

Response by PV2 Violet Case made Apr 5 at 2015 6:29 PM

2015-04-05T18:29:08-04:00

Wow that would be so great to be able to go like that, I am happy for you. I guess the overseas to Germany even tho I didn't get to site see a while lot. But did see a lot from my truck , I drove the 2000D International Harvester on the road a lot. So many things I drove by tho and wanted to go see. I did get one pass for a few days in a row. So I went to the Hitler underground head Quarters and was supposed to see one of the Castles but the night before some of the kind German people had some of us on the tour drinking and I was not used to that and overslept and missed my only chance at a castle tour while I was there.

Response by SPC David S. made Apr 5 at 2015 7:36 PM

2015-04-05T19:36:27-04:00

Pretty cool CPT Private RallyPoint Member Petra in Jordan. Not really cool places but cool experiences. As a brat I got to meet Presidents Nixon and Carter.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2015 2:32 AM

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Petra, Jordan was pretty awesome for me as well

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2015 2:58 AM

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Don't have the picture scanned in to the computer, but I have a shot of me standing on a bridge over the river in Sarajevo, in the background is the bridge where Archduke Franz Ferdinand was killed leading to to the beginning of World War I.

Response by SSG Stan Morrison Jr made Apr 6 at 2015 5:05 AM

2015-04-06T05:05:47-04:00

We went to Panama Canal to work on Barracks at JOTC and a rappelling tower at Ft Kobbe. Interesting AT. Believe it was in '92 or 93.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2015 6:17 AM

2015-04-06T06:17:50-04:00

Berlin Germany

Response by SSG Buddy Kemper made Apr 6 at 2015 8:17 AM

2015-04-06T08:17:31-04:00

KKMC& the Queen's palace

Response by MSgt Michael Durkee made Apr 6 at 2015 8:28 AM

2015-04-06T08:28:06-04:00

The most unique and enjoyable place that I was at was Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. I worked on a Mobile Training Team that taught the Emirates Air Force how to maximize maintenance and supply chain functions.

We worked hard, but the times we were off and exploring the country were incredible.

Response by SGT Rick Ash made Apr 6 at 2015 9:15 AM

2015-04-06T09:15:22-04:00

I got to go North of the DMZ between N. & S. Korea one night in a jeep with one headlight (as instructed) on a "technology swap". I was stationed in a tiny little camp about 70 miles south of Seoul.

It was uneventful but I got to see some of the huge stone arches across the road that could be blown up in the event the South ever tried to invade the North. They were rude and very short but we expected that.

Let's just say I was glad to see the lights of Seoul approaching and then about 2 hours later our little ville and the main gates of the DSP.

I have always wondered who in the world in N. Korea could interpret the HUGE manual that accompanied the module. That, and I was stunned that they apparently had some of the same technology we employed and deployed around the world.

My driver was an E-2 I had never seen before and he didn't even know what the DMZ is. That was as amazing as the "mission"!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2015 10:39 AM

2015-04-06T10:39:53-04:00

Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto Japan. I was stationed outside of Hiroshima for a while and got many opportunities to explore the country while on leave. The size and beauty of the place was amazing. There are over 10,000 torri gates that line the miles of paths and the shrine was first constructed in the year 711. Walking the paths alone at dusk and visiting the hundreds of mini shrines along the way to the top of the mountain is pretty cool. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fushimi_Inari-taisha

Fushimi Inari-taisha - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Fushimi Inari Taisha (伏見稲荷大社?) is the head shrine of Inari, located in Fushimi-ku, Kyoto, Japan. The shrine sits at the base of a mountain also named Inari which is 233 metres above sea level, and includes trails up the mountain to many smaller shrines which span 4 kilometers and takes approximately 2 hours to walk up.[1]

Response by GySgt George Vukovich made Apr 6 at 2015 1:03 PM

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I'll have to go with the following and in this order:

1. Iwo Jima
2. The top of Mt Fuji
3. Jerusalem
4. Northern Norway
5. Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center, Pickle Meadows.

I've intentionally left the 'arm-pits' I've been to from this list...even if a few of the places were interesting!

Response by Cpl Peter Martuneac made Apr 6 at 2015 2:28 PM

2015-04-06T14:28:12-04:00

Nowhere. Stationed in a California desert, deployed to an Afghanistan desert.

Response by MSG Floyd Williams made Apr 6 at 2015 3:49 PM

2015-04-06T15:49:16-04:00

Berlin, Germany and Budapest, Hungary for me!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2015 4:29 PM

2015-04-06T16:29:55-04:00

I've been to a couple of cool places with and for the military. In my Navy days, got to spend some time in Seychelles out in the middle of the Indian Ocean. Did some sight seeing, para-sailing, and drinking with the Soviets. Sadly, no pictures.

After 9/11 I worked up at Thule AB as a civilian contractor. Despite the extreme weather conditions, the scenery was breathtaking.

Response by SGT William Howell made Apr 6 at 2015 5:17 PM

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I lived in Babylon. Out my front door it was believed was where David was thrown to the lions.

Response by 1SG David Lopez made Apr 6 at 2015 7:30 PM

2015-04-06T19:30:07-04:00

While stationed in Hawaii, the 25th Infantry Division Light, I was blessed to represent our Nation to attend the British Jungle Warfare Instructor Course in Brunei, which is a small country on the Island of Borneo. Most of the students were from the British Army's Gloster Regiment, had a few from different British Units, and about a quarter of the students were from the Ghurka Regiment, Queen Mary's Own 1st Ghurka Rifles Regiment, and I was one of two Americans. The other American was actually from my platoon in the 25th ID. It was awesome, similar to Ranger School, but all in the Jungle. I hope to visit that country sometime later whenever I retire, and revisit the Camp, I do not recall the Camp name at this time, I would have to look up my Certificate of Training. Anyhow, Brunei was a wonderful country.

Also, I'd have to admit that as an Enlisted Soldier, spending the Summer of 96 in USMA West Point was also a high note in the many places the military took me.

Response by SPC Todd Hanson made Apr 6 at 2015 7:35 PM

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The arctic circle

Response by SPC Angel Guma made Apr 6 at 2015 7:40 PM

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Fort Benning. Hands down the most unique place I've ever been too. Especially the DFAC.

Response by MSG Brian Schaeffer made Apr 6 at 2015 9:40 PM

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Peru...Awesome experience. Went to see the catacombs under the Old Catholic church built in the 17th century. Flew over the Andes. Landed on air stripes the size of a postage stamp...Spent time at the US Embassy.

Response by COL Jon Thompson made Apr 6 at 2015 10:43 PM

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Thorang Himal, Nepal. While assigned to the Northern Warfare Training Center in Fort Greely, Alaska, I got to travel to Nepal with one my NCOs. We flew into Katmandu and then trekked through the Himalayas to their Mountain School. We did their final mountain climb to the summit of Thorang Himal at about 22,000 feet. After the climb was done, we flew back in Russian made helicopters to Katmandu, which was probably the most dangerous part of it all.

Response by PO1 Cleve Ikaika Waiwaiole made Apr 6 at 2015 11:56 PM

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Winning hearts and minds, Secret, Philippines

Response by SSG Arnie Jones made Apr 7 at 2015 12:16 AM

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Desert Storm, relaxing after 100 Hours. Approx 30 km from Basra.

Response by SGT John Beardsley made Apr 7 at 2015 1:24 AM

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Guatemala was probably the most "unique", especially driving fuel trucks up and down what they called "mountain roads" . . . been almost 20 years and I still dream about that.

What I cherished most was visiting the Eagle's Nest in Germany. I was there in the early morning, before the sun burned the fog off . . . when it did, god what beauty.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Apr 7 at 2015 4:55 AM

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Fiji. Unfortunately I didn't take any pictures.

Response by LT Garth Young (Ret) made Apr 7 at 2015 9:50 AM

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Been around the world with Uncle Sam & loved many places. One of my favorites was Iceland. A great time, awesome people, super sights....all good.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2015 11:05 AM

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The one I am leaving, then where I am going...Gotta keep morale up...lol

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2015 11:13 AM

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The most unique place I've been is probably Doha in the country of Qatar. The Air Force provided a moral trip into the city to watch a soccer game when I was deployed over there. I also had a chance to walk around the city and markets etc. The architecture and culture is very different there. Great experience overall!

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2015 12:09 PM

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I did all the bases in San Antonio, TX; does that count? Lackland-basic training, Randolph- 1st durty station, Kelly-2nd duty station. I did the IH 35 Loop.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2015 12:49 PM

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Lajes Field, Azores. Loved this 2 year assignment and hoping I get to go back. This is a tiny farming island in the middle of the Atlantic ocean. Beautiful place filled with friendly people. Can drive the entire perimeter in an hour and a 1/2, but tons of stuff to do and see there. They even have multiple wineries on the island! I have no pictures of it on this computer, but feel free to google it.

Response by PO2 Steven Erickson made Apr 7 at 2015 1:06 PM

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This is the mountain range at Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky.

I may - or may not - have seen something like this out of a periscope.

The biggest problem with being a submarine vet - no pictures of ANYWHERE we were, and no pictures of us "at work".

Response by SFC Terry Murphy made Apr 7 at 2015 2:07 PM

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I think the last count was about 28 different countries. So to pick one is hard to say. Panama was my favorite. I spent 38 months there, humping through the jungle with the greatest company of Airborne Infantry the world has ever known!

Response by MAJ Matthew Arnold made Apr 7 at 2015 5:50 PM

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During my career in the Army I was stationed in Europe for a couple years. While in Europe, my father, a WWII veteran, came to visit. He wanted to retrace his steps during WWII, so we hopped in the car and drove around Italy to follow the route of the 87th Mountain Infantry Regiment, 10th Mt. Div. It was not one place, but a route. We toured the route from South of Mt. Bellvedere, to crossing the Po, to Lake Garda, to the place where Dad met with the Germans and they said, as long as you stay over there, we don't shoot. Dad would comment on what happened in various places. It was the most amazing tour I've had the privilege of taking. And, of course, Italy is a very beautiful country.

Response by SSgt Kenneth Douglas made Apr 7 at 2015 6:32 PM

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Leticia, Colombia

Response by LCDR Jeffery Dixon made Apr 7 at 2015 7:30 PM

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The bottom of the ocean.

Response by Cpl Justin Sowell made Apr 7 at 2015 7:35 PM

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Guam, Oman, Jordan, Djibouti, Thailand, Hong Kong, Kyrgyzstan, and Afghanistan as far as outside of the U.S.

Response by PO1 Donald Hammond made Apr 7 at 2015 7:55 PM

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Been a lot of places. Others I wish I had gotten to. The Caledonian Games in Scotland. Throwing telephone poles! Thailand. Very interesting if you get away from all the sex trafficking sites. Boat tour of Bangkok was very fun.
South Korea. Another interesting country. I was LPO of E-Division and we were told we couldn't shut down the reactor so all nukes would basically get no liberty. I said "BULL PUCKY!" I was able to strip the switch boards of unnecessary loads and go on liberty. Okay okay so we had to shut off air conditioning to fire up an oven and flat top. But we were the first submarine to shut down in port in South Korea. Had a blast there. Many others.

But I think the one place I visited in the Navy that had the biggest impact on me was the Peace Park in Japan. The museum with all the pictures of the atom bomb aftermath should give everyone pause when talking about nuke weapons in the hands of anyone, much less terrorists.

Response by SFC Walter Mack made Apr 7 at 2015 7:59 PM

2015-04-07T19:59:25-04:00

I got to visit what the Iraqis claim to be the tower of Babel, which was really neat. I don't have a picture handy, sadly.

Response by SGT Mark Sullivan made Apr 7 at 2015 9:58 PM

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JSA in Korea, tension is so thick you can cut it, amazing place.

Response by SSG David Ursini made Apr 7 at 2015 9:58 PM

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Haifa, Israel as a midshipman...summer of '79 on my 3rd class/youngster cruise while on the USS Independence. I met quite a few Israeli soldiers and traded hats, etc. It was interesting how during the day, the beaches were like any other....but after sundown, they rolled out the tank traps, concertina wire, etc. in preparation for an attack. At dawn, they took it all down and began their day again! I gained a huge amount of respect for the Israelis...they take nothing for granted! (Also had enough time to visit Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and Tel Aviv)

Response by SFC Rollie Hubbard made Apr 8 at 2015 2:00 AM

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Viet Nam and then 4 tours in Germany. That's enough for me.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2015 6:36 AM

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I gotta say Guam. While it is a US territory, it feels like being in a foreign country at the same.

Response by SFC Vernon McNabb made Apr 8 at 2015 6:48 AM

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I was TDY for four months in the Bahamas in support of OPBAT (Operations Bahamas, Turks and Caicos)..Flying around with U.S. DEA and Bahamian DEU agents.

Response by Lt Col Rick Francona made Apr 8 at 2015 3:22 PM

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Palmyra, Syria - I was the air attache at the Embassy in Damascus 1992-1995

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2015 5:48 PM

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Kwajalein Atoll which is part of the Marshall Islands

Response by MAJ Keira Brennan made Apr 9 at 2015 4:19 PM

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(Cutting and pasting photos from web - since I am at work).

Working on Patch Barracks from '10-'12 in an old Wehrmacht Kaserne (rifle racks still visible in hallways).
Visiting Cairo and Luxor, Egypt with spouse and kids in 2010
Ten days R&R in Sophia, Bulgaria during KFOR 3A

I've visited 31 countries all together!!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2015 8:37 PM

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Hong Kong, China

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2015 8:51 PM

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Hong Kong, China

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2015 7:04 AM

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At the top of a mountain outside Brasov, Romania. Yeah, days like that make the rest worth it.

Response by SrA Daniel Hunter made Apr 10 at 2015 10:18 AM

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"Heaven and Hell" South Central Turkey. Sorry, Costco lost my photos. The picture is from a google search. The site was a very old village with a church at the center. A sink hole opened up and the church descended. Now the church which is still standing, is at the opening of a cavern. When you get to the bottom of the cavern and look to the opening you see the silhouette of the old church.

Response by 1SG David Lopez made Apr 12 at 2015 12:08 AM

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Camp Frank D. Merrill, Dahlonega, Georgia. Home of the Mountain Phase of the Ranger Course (Mountain Ranger Camp), the 5th Ranger Training Battalion. It's property consists of beautiful mountain range of the North Georgia Mountains, the Tennessee Valley Divide and the Apalachian Trail. Most Rangers assigned there attend North Georgia College and State University, which is a "Military" University, similar to an Academy. Many of Rangers love Dahlonega and the North Georgia Mountains so much that they Retire from the Army to stay there. Very unique in its mission of training Ranger Students in Mountaineering and Patrolling, including Mt. Yonah near Helen, GA.

Response by PO2 Barry Baker made Apr 12 at 2015 2:04 PM

2015-04-12T14:04:02-04:00

The most unique place was Camp General Basilio Navarro in Zamboanga City in the very south of the Philippines. Being a sailor in the late 90's I listened to a couple of LPO's who were stationed in Subic Bay and Clark AFB in the 80's and early 90's. They made the Philippines sound like the best duty in the world. I spent about 3 weeks though in Zamboanga and tensions were very high, but one weekend we were taken to a resort somewhere and I had one of the best weekends out of my whole enlistment.

While not a whole lot happened during my stay it was part of my connection to the Philippines where I eventually moved to Metro Manila. So about 8 years after I spent 3 weeks at a highly secure military compound in SE Asia I took the gamble of my life and moved to that country to explore. It ended up being a important moment of my life that led me to seek out my little piece of the world.

Now I know enough to never go to the south islands in the Philippines and stay in Luzon. I think that weekend led me to later make such a huge decision in my life.

Secondly I got to see Angkor Wat in Cambodia, which is the largest religious temple in the world. What made it even more special was that I went there with a Cambodian-American US Sailor who was my roommate at the time and taught me about the history of his culture and the significance of Angkor to the Khmer people.

Response by TSgt David L. made Apr 23 at 2015 9:18 AM

2015-04-23T09:18:28-04:00

I've been a bunch of cool places. Most have been trips providing EOD support to the Secret Service and State Department. Richard Gere's house and all over New York City, the American Embassy in Paris France and the usual sights, Athens Greece and all the sights there, Dick Cheney's place in Jackson WY, training and tours of two actual Space Shuttles, and 20 years of others, especially election years. I can't possibly relate it to someone who's never been there.

Hands down for me however has to be the White House. I did 3 rotations there. Cool to see the behind the scenes goings on. Going through security like you know what you're doing on to the 18 acres is pretty awesome too. Tons of things to comment on, but a picture is worth a thousand words. Question?!

Response by Sgt David G Duchesneau made Apr 23 at 2015 11:13 AM

2015-04-23T11:13:12-04:00

The only place that I've been, thanks to the Military, is Vietnam. I was able to see the World through the eyes of Ho Chi Minh . The attached photo was taken in August , 1969 , Dong Ha Valley, Quang Tri Province, Route 1 leading North to the DMZ and into North Vietnam and we humped that entire area. Seen and experienced it all via "shoe leather express."

Response by SSgt John Carter made Apr 23 at 2015 3:07 PM

2015-04-23T15:07:31-04:00

Made it to Sri Lanka, Maldive Islands, Iran ( just prior to the fall of the Shah) and much of Asia, I would say that it's a toss up between Bandar Abbas Iran and Male, Maldive Islands.

Response by SGT William Biello made Apr 23 at 2015 3:37 PM

2015-04-23T15:37:21-04:00

Yes I visited those too I served 2 tours in
the MFO

Response by PO2 John Tobias made Apr 23 at 2015 3:50 PM

2015-04-23T15:50:59-04:00

In 1974, my brother-in-law and sister were stationed in Yokosuka, Japan while I was in the San Diego., CA area at Naval Air Station Miramar serving with an F-4 R. A. G. Squadron, and an opportunity arose for me to fly to a Christian military conference in Seoul, South Korea. I cut my own orders to go to the conference, flying space available from Travis Air Force Base to Seoul via Okinawa (where my best friend from high school was stationed as an Hospital Corpsman with an USMC platoon) and after most of a week in Korea, I flew on to Yokohama to meet up with my sister (whose husband was at sea) to have some brother/sister time and from there, back to San Bernardino, CA on a space available commercial flight with a gang of my "jarhead" compadres cycling home. One of the best treks I ever had!

Response by COL Jerold Wood made Apr 23 at 2015 4:13 PM

2015-04-23T16:13:16-04:00

As a member of a Reinforced Infantry Battalion defending the White House and grounds, I spent three days inside the Old Executive Office Building, on two separate occasions, and a three day stay inside the U. S. Treasury building on another occasion, during the Anti War protests of 1969 and 1970.

Response by Cpl David Schaffer made Apr 23 at 2015 4:49 PM

2015-04-23T16:49:28-04:00

The Ancient City of Babylon!Today known as Hillah. It was really cool to walk through the remain of King Neebuchadnezzar's palace at the foot of one of the three "stairways to heaven," in which Saddam built his palace. Going through the remains you could sense that some of the rooms we entered were where he kept prisoners; the walls had to of been around 20 feet high with a small window at the top, and only about 4 feet deep and maybe 6 feet wide.
As a Christian it was a really cool place to experience.

Response by SrA Marc Haynes made Apr 23 at 2015 4:55 PM

2015-04-23T16:55:28-04:00

We had a kegger Frankenstein's Castle in Darmstadt, Germany.

Response by SFC Ryan Stephenson made Apr 23 at 2015 5:02 PM

2015-04-23T17:02:08-04:00

Belize Helping to build a bridge on the costal road

Response by CDR Nicole Hatch made Apr 23 at 2015 5:20 PM

2015-04-23T17:20:05-04:00

Diego Garcia! A tropical paradise (well, paradise with military architecture and dining facilities) that you can only get to on orders.

Response by SGT David Hazi made Apr 23 at 2015 5:54 PM

2015-04-23T17:54:24-04:00

A 5 star hotel in Manila with 5 gorgeous hookers.

Response by SSG Sean Knudsen made Apr 23 at 2015 9:49 PM

2015-04-23T21:49:03-04:00

Mortaritaville aka FOB Danger face down into the dirt. I'd share a picture if I had one but I'm confident not many were ever taken during the often too memorable moments of incoming fire.

Response by SGT Jet West made Apr 23 at 2015 10:04 PM

2015-04-23T22:04:27-04:00

I was in the Operating Room six times so far, but they won't allow pictures.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 23 at 2015 10:09 PM

2015-04-23T22:09:27-04:00

I was just there last year and that place would be sooooo much nicer if they got rid of all the dam beggers as you walk down the hill and back up again.

Response by SPC Michael Frugoli made Apr 23 at 2015 10:43 PM

2015-04-23T22:43:43-04:00

You guys have amazing pictures! Iraq and other US states is as far as my travels had taken me. im not counting flights and layovers :D

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 23 at 2015 11:48 PM

2015-04-23T23:48:11-04:00

Masada, 2004.

Response by Cpl Mike Muirhead made Apr 24 at 2015 12:50 AM

2015-04-24T00:50:14-04:00

Got to fly in a CH-53 about as close to the Korean DMZ as you can get without getting shot at.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2015 4:29 AM

2015-04-24T04:29:06-04:00

So far . . . on top of a control tower. Someone has to tag the antennas.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2015 5:54 AM

2015-04-24T05:54:17-04:00

Baffin Island, Nunavut CA

Response by PO1 Robert Gasser made Apr 24 at 2015 7:16 AM

2015-04-24T07:16:26-04:00

Deserted costa rican island that had miniature deer and wild pigs. Most beautiful place I have ever seen in my entire life other than Alaska

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2015 9:52 AM

2015-04-24T09:52:26-04:00

I would have to say either Thailand or South Korea.

Response by SFC Rodrick Carter made Apr 24 at 2015 1:45 PM

2015-04-24T13:45:04-04:00

When we deployed during the invasion of Iraq in March 2003 Tallil Airbase Iraq when it was still LSA Adder, I had the chance to visit the ziggurat in Nasiriyah, Iraq. We also visited Abraham's birthplace. Later I visited Mosel and saw where Jonah preached, which was Nineveh back in his day.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Apr 24 at 2015 2:39 PM

2015-04-24T14:39:55-04:00

Alaska--the whole state! We were assigned there 1981 to 1985. Loved it! Some of the best flying ever because of the mission and the location. Mission was real (airlifting food, supplies, people, mail, etc.) instead of just flying training. But, the training was also outstanding because we had military operating areas the size of states in the Lower 48 where we could train with the local fighter pilots (F15s out of Elmendorf and A10s from Eielson). Location was perhaps one of the most scenic on Earth. Lots of winter sports for the kids and adults. Summers were short, but full of opportunities to do things like King Salmon fishing.

Response by Capt Jeff S. made Apr 24 at 2015 2:59 PM

2015-04-24T14:59:55-04:00

1. Narvik, Norway above the Arctic Circle, seeing the Northern Lights.

2. Rome, where I toured with a former priest Father Gus DesHarnais, who was educated at The American University in Rome, knew Latin, and was completely versed in Roman history. We toured Rome and read all the inscriptions on the monuments. Saw the Pantheon, Spanish Steps, Trebbe Fountain, Hadrian's Tomb, the Circus, the Colloseum, ancient Mithraic Temple (so old it was buried beneath level of Colloseum). The most memorable part of our Roman tour was the Vatican City. I ran around the perimeter of the Vatican in about 11 min. Saw the Sistine Chapel and it had just been restored. The colors, which had gotten dull due to oxidation, were stunning and remarkably brilliant -- especially the blues, which jumped out at you. The picture of Creation where God is reaching out to Adam was smaller than I anticipated, but breathtaking nonetheless. It was but one of many paintings on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. We also toured the Vatican museum and catacombs under St. Peter's Basillica where the Popes are buried. Got an education from Father Gus that you wouldn't get in any history book!!! While in Rome, we stayed at a convent and attended mass at St. Peter's Basilica. Afterward, we met in the annex and had audience with Pope John Paul.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2015 4:06 PM

2015-04-24T16:06:48-04:00

The ruins of Babylon. Our unit had the privilege of visiting it while we were extended down in Karbala, Iraq in 2004. Growing up I remember reading stories in the Bible of Babylon, learning about the seven wonders of the ancient world (hanging gardens) in history, and then reading the Epic of Gilgamesh in college made the visit unique/special. Out of all the castles/places/palaces the Army has given me the opportunity to see -- Babylon takes the cake. How many people can say they've walked on top of the ruins of Babylon?

Pictures are on my computer at home -- will try to post a few later.

Response by Cpl Chris Warner made Apr 24 at 2015 6:32 PM

2015-04-24T18:32:44-04:00

Manas/ Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2015 11:21 PM

2015-04-24T23:21:54-04:00

Sarajevo! Deploy! Love it!

Response by SGT Lawrence Corser made Apr 25 at 2015 4:56 PM

2015-04-25T16:56:55-04:00

Baghdad western side and the south side. Or flying into Iraq we stopped over in Iceland. Beauty I could have never imagined.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2015 9:42 PM

2015-04-25T21:42:08-04:00

One of the most unique places I've been thanks to the Army is the city of Petra, Jordan. What a beautiful place! I spent six weeks in Aqaba, Jordan, in 1985, for the Bright Star Exercise. One day we were able to visit Petra. I'll try to find some pictures from the web. It's beautiful.

http://www.businessinsider.com/photos-petra-jordan-2011-08

PHOTOS: A Walking Tour Of Petra, The Ancient Rock City Of Jordan

Petra was the capital city of the Nabateans, a...

Response by LCpl Kenneth Purvis made Apr 26 at 2015 12:56 PM

2015-04-26T12:56:10-04:00

spent 3 months with this view of Mt. Fuji out my window

Response by Sgt Wayne Horton made Apr 27 at 2015 9:40 PM

2015-04-27T21:40:43-04:00

I would name three places teamwork 80 in Norway above artic circle
Beirut without the civil war
Spain...All of it

Response by SFC Ricky Fraley made Apr 28 at 2015 6:57 PM

2015-04-28T18:57:01-04:00

Stationed in Italy. From there I traveled all of Europe. Turkey was one of the best places I went

Response by SGT S Sharpless made Apr 29 at 2015 6:35 AM

2015-04-29T06:35:26-04:00

As of right now Jordan. It was amazing to see the place where Jesus was baptized.

Response by SGT S Sharpless made Apr 29 at 2015 6:40 AM

2015-04-29T06:40:56-04:00

Jordan!

Response by SSG Steven Borders made Apr 29 at 2015 8:16 AM

2015-04-29T08:16:13-04:00

I have been to so many places it is hard to keep track. LOL But some of my favorite places I have been are.

Jerusalem, Israel
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
New Delhi, India
Cape Town, South Africa

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2015 10:26 PM

2015-04-29T22:26:02-04:00

I recently returned from Auckland, New Zealand.

Response by SPC Geoffrey Jenkins made Apr 30 at 2015 11:21 PM

2015-04-30T23:21:41-04:00

My favorite place was Babylon when I was stationed at Camp Scania in 2005/2006.

Response by SrA Derek Reynolds made May 1 at 2015 10:03 PM

2015-05-01T22:03:38-04:00

holy grail btw. that temple was used in the last crusade, not raiders of the lost ark...just saying...nice pic btw

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made May 6 at 2015 11:44 AM

2015-05-06T11:44:38-04:00

Amman Jordan for sure.

Response by SGT Victoria Wolff made May 6 at 2015 6:08 PM

2015-05-06T18:08:19-04:00

the middle east

Response by TSgt Christopher D. made May 6 at 2015 6:29 PM

2015-05-06T18:29:50-04:00

CPT Private RallyPoint Member That picture is freakin' bad ass!

I spent just short of 5 total years in Italy (che bella l'italia) and 6 years to the day on the isle of Oahu in the great state of Hawaii. I cannot and will not complain. Not one bit.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2015 9:32 AM

2015-05-15T09:32:45-04:00

When I was with 4-7 CAV in Korea, I went up to the DMZ, and during some down time, a KATUSA showed me one of the tunnels leading to North Korea. I was only brave/foolish enough to go about 50 meters in. I was waiting for a NK bastard to jump out at anytime and waste me with a com-block weapon. Who knows if it was active or not, it didn't look like it had been used recently, but either way it was spooky as hell.

I also had the pleasure of mooning North Korea while I was on the DMZ for the display of force for that ICBM test in 2006. Holy crap did I do some stupid stuff as a private.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2015 9:51 AM

2015-05-15T09:51:53-04:00

I don't have pictures (combat tour), but we spent some time in the ruins of Alexander the greats castle in Qalat city, Zabul Afghanistan.

Response by SGT Justin Lamb made May 16 at 2015 4:37 AM

2015-05-16T04:37:45-04:00

Sir,

A mine field in Bagram and the Hatra Ruins (sp?) in Iraq

Response by PFC Tuan Trang made May 16 at 2015 6:21 AM

2015-05-16T06:21:54-04:00

Well the only place the army pay me to go is Ft. lost in the wood for osut. It not pretty as germany or japan, but it still count as some place.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2015 5:51 PM

2015-05-16T17:51:15-04:00

I went to the palace of SADAM HUSAIN or how ever you spell his name's in 2006 outside of Tikrit. I slept, ate, showered, deficated, and trained troops there. It was huge with elevators and chandeliers in each room with marbled everything.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2015 5:54 PM

2015-05-16T17:54:30-04:00

And how could I forget good Ole GTMO

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2015 11:40 PM

2015-05-22T23:40:36-04:00

Cappadocia, Turkey. It's quite other-worldly. Feels like you went back in time a few thousand years. People are friendly and their food is delicious. Raki... well, it's an acquired taste.

Response by SSG Ed Mikus made Jun 30 at 2015 7:38 PM

2015-06-30T19:38:19-04:00

The place where people still live in caves!
http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/357

Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia - UNESCO World Heritage Centre

UNESCO World Heritage Centre

Response by SN Jennifer M. made Jul 30 at 2015 3:53 PM

2015-07-30T15:53:32-04:00

Edinburgh, Scotland

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2015 10:26 PM

2015-08-03T22:26:28-04:00

Termiz, Uzbekistan

Response by SN Jennifer M. made Aug 23 at 2015 5:23 PM

2015-08-23T17:23:11-04:00

I'm very thankful that my family is able to travel all over Europe currently.

Response by PO3 Sherry Thornburg made Oct 19 at 2015 11:33 PM

2015-10-19T23:33:48-04:00

That picture is awesome. I'm jealous. (by the way, it was the Holy Grail that was kept there.) The Navy sent me to Illinois, New York City, Seattle Washing. I found good things in all three places. Washington more than the others. I hiked into Mount Rainier and visited Mt. Helena. Loving on GTMO Cuba was interesting as a dependent. Loved the beaches and iggiies. In the Navy, you need sea duty to go to the really cool places.

Response by TSgt Kenneth Ellis made Oct 19 at 2015 11:56 PM

2015-10-19T23:56:18-04:00

I've been retired for some time. But I took my wife to Fort McHenry and Fort Niagara. Now my wife says no more Forts.

Response by SPC Geoffrey Jenkins made Dec 11 at 2015 7:01 AM

2015-12-11T07:01:39-05:00

Babylon,

Response by SPC Dennis Smoyer made Dec 21 at 2015 12:56 PM

2015-12-21T12:56:26-05:00

Elim Alaska, just south of Nome Alaska in Norton Sound. Spent two weeks training along side the Alaska National Guards Arctic Scouts and assisted in their annual Expert Scout Badge testing. Was an experience I will never forget.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Mar 29 at 2018 4:59 PM

2018-03-29T16:59:02-04:00

First Lieutenant Eric Rosa: I went to Greece, with my then boy friend; thanks to the military.