Stationed at Korea

[Aquatica]

Hello, I'm a bit new and mostly lurk on this board. My H is trying to get Korea just so we can get out of where we're stationed (right now it's Korea or Bragg). We plan on command sponsor but if we don't get it we have a back up plan as well. Any tips or suggestions?

[kpol]

I lived in Korea for three years at two different bases (and am somewhat familiar with 4 of them). It was a huge adjustment but we loved it and will absolutely go back if we have the chance. Do you have an idea of what base you'd likely go to? My biggest recomendation is to travel as much as possible while you're there and don't be afraid to take risks. Obviously I have a lot of other specific suggestions but if you have any questionsI can do my best to answer.

[Aquatica]

Thank you, I'm not sure what base yet. H does Apache maintenance so I think Humphrey and one other he qualifies for. So far he has been calling branch. This is his first duty station, we've been here 3 years, and are kind of itching to traveling. I'd love to go to Korea but have a 7 month old so our traveling would be a bit limited around her schedule.

Should we apply for passports? Or does the military provide what we need? Approximately how long does it take for household goods to ship? Is there a lending closet for necessary items like a crib or should we look to purchase when we get there?

[kpol]

Sept 7, 2016 17:25:16 GMT -5 Aquatica said:

Thank you, I'm not sure what base yet. H does Apache maintenance so I think Humphrey and one other he qualifies for. So far he has been calling branch. This is his first duty station, we've been here 3 years, and are kind of itching to traveling. I'd love to go to Korea but have a 7 month old so our traveling would be a bit limited around her schedule.

Should we apply for passports? Or does the military provide what we need? Approximately how long does it take for household goods to ship? Is there a lending closet for necessary items like a crib or should we look to purchase when we get there?

For that job, I'd say it's very likely it will be Humphreys. That's where we were for 2 years. It's a growing base that will have a brand new PX and Commissary in the next few years (the date has been pushed back a billion times). The on-post housing is almost all brand new and I think they're building a few new towers soon too. There is also plenty of off post housing nearby with American amenities. We lived off post in the city nearby and loved it, but a lot of people with kids like living closer to post because you get more space and sometimes a yard.

If you get approved for CS, you will be required to apply for a No-Fee passport. The no-fee is not to be used for travel, but to be used for your visa. You are not required to have a visa on arrival but will need to get one within 90 days. Your H's unit will supply you with all the paperwork for the A3 visa and SOFA stamp. I'd would definitely still get tourist passports.

HHG delivery varies. I think ours arrived in country 6-8 weeks after we landed. Our unaccompanied baggage got there in maybe 3 weeks.  Your weight allowance will be much lower than if you were doing a CONUS move, so most people don't send their big furniture. You can get government issued couches, dining sets, desks, twin and/or Queen mattress/boxspring and frames, nightstands, etc. The lending closet has the basics to get you by until your UAB or HHG arrive. I'm not sure if they have cribs.

Amazon will be your best friend. Prime shipping is free and most stuff takes about a week to ten days to arrive. 

[Aquatica]

Thank you both and for so much info! Something we're trying to plan for is if command sponsor gets denied, how would it work if I decide to move back home? If I choose to live with family and rent from them?

[kpol]

Sept 7, 2016 20:17:06 GMT -5 Aquatica said:

Thank you both and for so much info! Something we're trying to plan for is if command sponsor gets denied, how would it work if I decide to move back home? If I choose to live with family and rent from them?

I'm not positive on how it works if CS is denied but I'm pretty sure you get BAH for wherever you will be living. There are people who get denied and still choose to come over non-command sponsored. I'd be sure to look into all aspects of that if that's the route you want to go because information changes quickly.

[Aquatica]

Sept 8, 2016 5:57:39 GMT -5 kpol said:

Sept 7, 2016 20:17:06 GMT -5 Aquatica said:

Thank you both and for so much info! Something we're trying to plan for is if command sponsor gets denied, how would it work if I decide to move back home? If I choose to live with family and rent from them?

I'm not positive on how it works if CS is denied but I'm pretty sure you get BAH for wherever you will be living. There are people who get denied and still choose to come over non-command sponsored. I'd be sure to look into all aspects of that if that's the route you want to go because information changes quickly.

Thank you, I'll check at the ACS to see if they have any info.

[G22]

If you do move overseas, don't let having a baby dissuade you from traveling. Most babies are good travelers when they are younger. We are stationed in Germany and have a 10 month old. I had him here and we've done tons of trips, both single day and multi day. It takes a bit more planning sometimes but it's definitely doable! He has been to 8 countries (soon to be 9) in his short lifespan already.