Army Life 101 - There's
a special place in heaven for an Army Wife!
Army Wife 101
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Hello from the "Land of the Morning Calm." If you're reading this, your spouse has probably either received orders for Korea or is expecting them. Well, lucky for you, I have the information you need to decide for yourself whether or not to go. Coming to Korea unaccompanied has it's share of frustrations and difficulties, but I can take the guess work out of the process for you. If you decide to come, not only will you be with your spouse, but you will also find a lot of support and be able to offer support during a very challenging time in your spouse's life and career. Being here is an experience you will never forget. The key to a successful tour here in Korea is to get involved and venture out. (The shopping in Korea is fabulous!) This site has been put together by me, a spouse in Korea, containing the things you should think about before coming to live in Korea, and it has the information you need to make the best of your tour here. If you have any questions, please e-mail me, I'd love to hear from you! This was developed in the fall/winter of 1997-98. My tour in Korea ended in May '98.
The Army Community Services (ACS) Relocation
Office is a great place to start researching your next tour. There
you can order a Welcome packet, and many ACS offices have videos
about Korea and other overseas assignments.
If the time draws closer and your
spouse has still not heard from his/her sponsor in Korea, they
can contact the gaining unit and request a sponsor.
Look for travel guides in discount
bookstores. The AAFES Book Marks carry many titles, but selections
of Korean guide books can be scarce. Language translation books
are hard to come by also. The Book Marks also rarely offer discounts
on books.
With any move there are many details
to handle in advance. Here are a few of the things we have thought
of to help you with pre-move packing:
Address book - Pack this in your carry-on luggage. Don't forget to copy all the Yellow Page address you usually use at home, doctor's addresses, or former school addresses, these will come in handy. (Also, you never know if you'll be stranded in an airport for a few hours, and you'll have all the addresses you need to send off postcards.)
Employment Records - If you plan to find employment you will need your employment records and a resume. There are a few employment opportunities. (See "Employment" later in the packet.)
Eye Exam - If you wear glasses or contact lenses bring your prescription with you! If you wear contacts get your eye exam before you leave the States! The eye doctors here can not fit the lenses for you. They can update your prescription, but can not fit the lenses. You may also have to buy the lenses on the Korean economy. Many people who wear the disposable type leave a copy of their prescription with family in the States and have them mail the new lenses to Korea for them. Many long-term wears of contacts find that due to the high level of air pollution they are unable to wear their lenses. Regular eye glasses are very inexpensive in Seoul, so a good prescription can get you what ever you like.
Immunizations - It is not required for adult family member to get any shots prior to arriving in country, however check with your immunization clinic for a list of recommend shots. Start early, the Hepatitis B shots take six months to complete the series. The immunizations clinic can give you a list of the recommended shots.
Insurance - Check with your insurance companies to make sure they cover you living abroad. Proper insurance of your household goods (renter's policy) and for your automobile while you are in Korea is essential and will make for less headaches when you return or if something happens.
Legal Documents - Make sure you had carry these items with you to ensure they are not misplaced. Bring documents such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, wills, divorce decrees, adoption papers, etc. If you choose not to bring some of these, make sure they are in a safe place, where someone in the States can get to them; maybe left with a parent and not in storage with your household goods.
Mail - Be sure you fill out a change of address form before you leave. The mail system here takes a little longer to go through.
Medical Records - Make sure your records are up to date. Have your International Certificate of Vaccination (you can get this from Immunizations if you do not have one) with you when you go through Customs and Immigration.
Orders - Always have copies of your spouse's orders. You will need these at Korean Immigration in Kimpo Airport. You will not see your spouse until after you clear immigration and customs so have these with you before you leave the States.
Passport/Visa - These are clearly vital items. The government will only provide free passports to command sponsored dependents, otherwise you need to pay for it your self. You must have an A-3 Visa or a 9-3 Visa. (see Passports/Visas later in this packet for more information.)
Pets - Many people choose to bring their pets with them to Korea, however there are VERY specific rules and restrictions that must be followed. For current information contact your local veterinarian, or US Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) in your state. A federal certificates of examination is required. Along with the necessary paperwork to get your animal to Korea, you must also arrange for transportation. This can be very expensive, as much as $500 for airfare. (Call and ask detailed questions ahead of time from the airline and have the pets weight and size of carrier on hand when you call) If you plan to have the animal fly on the same aircraft as you, be sure to plan ahead and make arrangements with the airline at the time your flight plans are made. I strongly recommend you to check with your Stateside veterinarian about an immunization for "Kennel Cough" before you leave the States. The Republic of Korea does have a 10 day quarantine for all animals arriving by air freight. The per day cost of this depends on the size of your pet, up to $30 per day. You will need 1. a Certificate of Excess Baggage or Bill of Lading for animals arriving by air freight, 2. a copy of the Health Certificate no more than 10 days old, 3. a copy of the owner's military orders, 4. proof of identification, and 5. a Power of Attorney if you are acting as the owner's representative. After clearing customs at Kimpo Airport, the animal will be transported, at the owner's expense to the National Quarantine Facility for up to 24 hours. From there it will be moved, at the owner's expense to the Yongsan Quarantine Facility. There is a per day charge for this boarding included with the cost of the quarantine. In order to have it moved to the on-post quarantine facility at Yongsan you must go to the Yongsan Pet Care Facility within 24 hours of arriving and fill out the necessary paperwork. You can go and visit your pet during visitation hours at the Yongsan Pet Care Facility.
Power of Attorney - You will be an expensive 17 hour flight from the East coast. Remember to leave someone you trust a Power of Attorney to handle your affairs while you are away. It is also recommended that you have a power of attorney for your spouse. They will be in the field often and you will need it.
Apartments off post require converters
to change the Korean 220 volts to the American 110 volts. Generally,
you will need large converters (about shoebox size) for most appliances
- the small voltage converter kits sold in luggage stores and
Wal-Mart type stores will only work with small appliances. The
large converters can be bought from other spouses or on the Korean
economy, and cost about $40 new. Most people are able to buy
used converters from leaving spouses. Sometimes the local ACS
(Army Community Services) Lending Closet has converters you can
borrow.
The good news is that some posts have
a Pear Blossom Cottage for spouses and families
to use. They all have washers and dryers, and other creature comforts
(see below).
Again, the main commissary for the
area is at Camp Casey. Some of the other installations have very
small commissaries, which can order items for you from the larger
store. The commissary in Yongsan is huge and carries just about
everything. At Camp Stanley the commissary is small and has only
three isles, but it has most of the necessities. Some of the smaller
posts do not even have a commissary, they must travel to Stanley,
Casey or Yongsan for one.
Non-command sponsored spouses bringing
their children to Korea have three basic schooling options:
Finding a job in Korea is not easy,
and takes preparation and persistence. It is especially difficult
to find good-paying jobs, and many people must settle for lower-paying
jobs than they would normally accept. The best way to get a good
job is to do research before coming over, and possibly apply for
jobs from the States.
There are several contracting jobs
available for dependents in Korea. Army Community Services (ACS)
often has positions available, including Pear Blossom Cottage
manager jobs. CCK is separate from CPO and requires a slightly
different application. The process is a lot faster, so you can
usually be hired in a few weeks. Once you get to Korea, you can
call the CCK and request job listings, or go to any ACS office
for the listings.
There are several companies in Korea
that hire Americans. It is best to research these before coming
over; there are many good books in the library that can help.
You can also look up Korean branches of American companies on
the Internet.
BANKING/ CHECK CASHING: NationsBank (operating under the name Community Bank) operates the banking facilities on all military posts and bases in Korea. They offer full service banking, to include an automatic teller and won conversion. Many people who open checking accounts here may also elect to keep their checking accounts at a US bank or credit union since cashing checks is really not a problem. You can cash a check for up to $500 on a US account, or more with the manager's approval.
Checks can also be cashed at the PX
($150) and at the various clubs if you are a member.
HAND OVER HEART:
When the National Anthem
is played outdoors and the flag is displayed, place your rights
hand over your heart and face the flag. Indoors, it is not necessary
to put your hand over your heart. When the American flag passes
in front of you at a parade or review, you may place your hand
over your heart. During Reveille and Retreat you should
also stand quietly, facing the flag, with your hand over your
heart.
JUDGE ADVOCATE GENERAL:
Get a Power of Attorney
and draw up your will as soon as possible. This service is free
and very helpful.
MILITARY ID CARDS:
Always carry your ID card with you in a secure place. You will
need it for almost every service on post, and to re-enter post.
NEO PACKET:
Noncombatant Evacuation
Operation (NEO) is the very important save-your-life evacuation
program for dependents. You will need to fill out some forms in
your NEO Packet and register with your spouse's unit NEO warden
within two weeks of your arrival. This is your responsibility
to do. It is your responsibility to remain in contact
with the NEO warden, be sure the NEO warden has current information,
know the locations of assembly points and to participate in the
NEO drills. Participation in NEO exercises is mandatory.
PASSPORT:
If you do not already have
one, you need to get a passport before coming to Korea. It can
take up to two months for a passport application to be processed,
so plan ahead. You can go the Post Office to receive an application.
The cost is $65 for an adult passport valid for ten years. If
you get into a rush and need to get your passport soon, you can
pay an extra fee, around $60 extra, and have it expressed to you.
You will also need a visa and a SOFA stamp (see below).
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION:
Public transportation in
Korea is very good. Buses run often and are cheap (under $1).
The subway system is clean, safe and easily accessible. Military
buses run from every post, but most do not run very often. Most
military buses are free, but the longer routes cost from $3-$5.
Usually you can get anywhere you need to by using the Korean bus
and subway system.
RATION CONTROL PLATE (RCP):
In Korea, dependents need
a ration control plate to get into and make a purchases at the
PX, commissary, and other AAFES facilities. You will need to visit
the RCP office on your post and bring a copy of your marriage
certificate and your husband's orders. Your spouse will also have
to sign the form they give you. It is a very easy process. The
RCP office will give you a temporary card until your permanent
one arrives. You must turn your card in before you leave Korea.
You should also know that NCS dependents have limits on what they
can buy. Dependents cannot buy alcohol and are restricted from
a few ration-controlled items. There is also a limit on the amount
of goods a family can buy at the commissary in a month. Currently
the limit is $350 for a family of one. Some posts do not increase
the ration amount for non-command sponsored families. Major purchases
(i.e., stereos, TVs, VCRs) made at the PX are tracked to make
sure you take the item with you when you leave. Black marketing
is a large problem in Korea, and steps are continuously being
taken to reduce the problem.
SOFA (Status of Forces Agreement):
This is a stamp on your
passport that is required of all military dependents. Again, your
local ACS can assist you with receiving this. Make sure you have
it done as soon as you arrive. You should also get
a SOFA card from your spouse's unit. Keep this card with your
passport; it can be used in case you get in trouble while in Korea.
It requires the Korean authorities to turn you over to the US
military. If you do not receive this stamp after arrival, you
can be deported; so be punctual.
SPONSOR'S SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER:
This information will be asked for constantly. "Last four"
refers to the last four digits in your sponsor's social security
number.
VEHICLES:
NCS spouses in 2ID are generally
not allowed to have cars. Soldiers in this area cannot have cars
either. Some jobs allow dependents to get cars. To get a driver's
license, you can visit the appropriate agent on your post or at
Yongsan or Casey, or you can get a Korean license. In some places,
it is difficult and time-consuming to get a license. If you are
thinking about getting a license, remember that in Korea all individuals
operating motor vehicles are subject to Korean traffic laws (American
laws while driving on post). This can mean that even if you are
not at fault in an accident, you can end up paying a lot of money.
Also, traffic in Korea can be bad and driving can be dangerous,
especially in Seoul. Most spouses and soldier in 2ID do not have
cars.
VISA:
Everyone who comes to Korea
needs a visa. You can get a visa before you leave the US, or you
can get one once you arrive in Korea. If you have time while you
are in the US, get one through the Korean Embassy - there is no
cost if you give them a copy of your spouse's orders. This
kind of visa (A-3) is good for five years and is a multiple re-entry
visa. Meaning you can leave and return to Korea as much as you
want within the five years without renewing your visa. You can
get a 90-day tourist visa from any Korean Embassy in the US. If
you arrive in Korea without a visa, you will be given a 15-day
visa at the airport. You then need to go to ACS and apply for
a longer visa; usually valid until your spouse leaves Korea. Make
sure that you apply for the multiple re-entry visa.
ON POST
Shuttle Bus
- Some of the larger posts have a free shuttle bus provided primarily
for the convenience o active duty personnel.
AAFES Taxis - A few of the posts have AAFES taxi service available. This is available to ID card holders. AAFES taxis are the only taxis permitted on post. Most of the drivers speak some English and US dollars are accepted. The cost of these taxis is determined by mileage and time, a meter is used.
Military Buses
- A bus system referred to as the Myung Jin offers shuttle service
between the posts. There is a fare for some of the locations.
OFF POST
Local Taxis - These are medium sized cabs, usually gray or white in color and recognizable by a blue sign on the roof. Hold on and use your seat belt. These drivers tend to dart in and out of traffic at high rates of speed. They are usually quite reliable though, as long as you know where you are going, and knowing it in Korean (or having someone write it out in Han-gul) is helpful. Be advised that Koreans typically do not use a meter for fares, so find out in advance the cost. Usually cab drivers only accept Won. As a Westerner it can be difficult to hail a taxi after dark, so give yourself plenty of time.
Deluxe Taxis - The somewhat larger taxis, seen in the city that are black with a yellow sign on the roof , are more expensive. Make sure you decide on a price before you get into the taxi.
Tips for traveling by taxi - Tipping cab drivers is not necessary, unless they help with bags, groceries, luggage, etc. Local taxis are not permitted on post. As of 1993, it is necessary to add a word of caution for foreigners, especially women, about potential problems with local taxi drivers. It is recommended to travel with a companion, and not to travel late at night. If you feel you are not traveling in the right direction or you feel uncomfortable with the driver, make him stop and GET OUT OF THE CAB!
City Buses - Korea is served by an excellent bus system. The buses are plainly numbered and run frequently. The fare is cheap, but the buses are often very crowded.
Subway
- Korea has an extensive subway system connecting most of the
peninsula easily. The fare is reasonable, as low as 400 Won (about
50 cents) for a ticket. You simply go to the ticket window and
state you destination and pay the given amount. Be aware, Koreans
do not know the meaning of waiting in line. They will push and
shove and step in front of you if you do not pay attention. After
you go through the turnstile save you ticket. DO NOT DESTROY OR
LOSE YOUR TICKET BECAUSE YOU WILL TURN IT IN AT THE TURNSTILE
AT YOUR DESTINATION. Carry a map with you so you do not miss your
stop. The stops are all identified in both Han-gul and English,
and some trains have an announcer to tell you where you are.
2ID SPOUSES GROUP:
The third Wednesday of each
month the spouses of 2ID meet at 1900 in Yongasan. This meeting
is a great way to meet people from other areas of 2ID and receive
valuable information.
AMERICAN RED CROSS:
Volunteers are always need to staff hospital positions; CPR classes,
and caseworker positions. The Red Cross also offers classes in
CPR, First Aid, disaster training and more!
AMERICAN WOMEN'S CLUB (AWC):
Regular membership is open
to all US citizens and associate membership to all other persons.
Annual dues are currently $25. Monthly coffees are held each month
at the Seoul Club, which is off post near Yongsan Garrison. AWC
provides many social and cultural activities and also operates
The Thrift Shop (Bldg. 4289, Tel. 738-5181) on Camp Coiner. The
proceeds are used to support AWC charities in both the American
and Korean communities. AWC also publishes ARIRANG, an outstanding
quarterly magazine containing articles on Korea and other Asian
countries. For more information call the American Embassy: 397-4114
or check the English speaking newspapers.
ARMY COMMUNITY SERVICES (ACS):
Army Community Services
has something for everyone. Among the programs offered are the
lending closet, a Newcomer's Welcome Packet, Army Emergency Relief,
financial management classes, information and referral services,
employment information, family advocacy, and assistance in obtaining
a SOFA stamp. Volunteers are always welcome.
ARTS & CRAFTS CENTER:
Various posts offers Arts & Crafts Centers whose services
include a ceramic shop, where you pour, paint and fire
your own pieces. The woodworking shops have a variety of
equipment to complete your projects. The photography shop
lets you develop your own pictures and learn to take better snapshots.
The Moyer Arts & Crafts Center in Yongsan also offers painting,
matting and framing, and "fantasy fotoes" -- fabric
art drawing, leather crafts, flea markets, helium balloon services
for special occasions, flower arranging classes, calligraphy and
a variety of other classes.
ENLISTED WIVES' CLUB:
Located in Yongsan, the EWC is open to all military branches.
E-1 through E-9. This group meets monthly in Building 1682 on
Main Post, Yongsan for business and social functions. For more
information contact the Yongsan ACS, Tel. 725-5022.
FOCUS (Foreigners' Community Service):
A non-profit community service
organization founded to assist foreign residents living in Korea
and to offer a professional counseling service. Services include
monthly forums on life in Korea, printed materials, and a referral
service. FOCUS currently operates out of the International Lutheran
Church in Hannam-Dong, 798-7529.
RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES:
There are many activities
that take place on post, from worship services to Bible studies,
counseling and special classes.
SEOUL AREA AMERICAN OFFICERS' WIVES
CLUB (SAAOWC): Located
in Yongson, the SAAOWC luncheons are held on Tuesdays (Sept. through
May), normally at the Dragon Hill Lodge. A welcome coffee is held
in early Fall, but new members are welcome throughout the year.
SAAOWC volunteers operate and staff the CHOSUN GIFT SHOP. The
Chosun proceeds fund the club's Korean and American Welfare Projects.
The CHOSUN CHATTER is a monthly publication of SAAOWC. Membership
forms are available at the monthly socials and at the Chosun Gift
Shop (738-5058). The SAAOWC office is in Building 1535, Tel. 138-5630.
SEOUL INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S CLUB
(SIWA): Meetings
are held monthly to provide opportunities for international exchange
of cultural and social activities for women residing in Korea.
A wide variety of special interest groups are offered. SIWA sponsors
a large pre-Christmas bazaar with proceeds going to welfare assistance
programs. Meetings are published in the local papers.
USO:
The USO has been in Korea
since 1954. It has locations in Seoul, beside Camp Kim; and at
Camp Casey. It provides a lounge, snack bar, gift shop, inter-cultural
understanding program, language classes, and information/referral/outreach
services. It is an excellent source for wonderful tours not only
around Seoul, but also overnight package tours to many popular
areas in and out of Korea. The USO usually has a comprehensive
group of helpful guide books and maps. Camp Casey 730-4813, Seoul,
724-3301 on post, 795-3063 off post.
REVEILLE
Reveille comes from the French and
is the signal for the soldiers to rise and begin their workday.
As Reveille is played, the National Flag is raised briskly. At
0600 each day Monday through Friday, Reveille is observed. If
you are outdoors, you should stop and stand quietly with your
hands at your sides. Face the flag or stand in the direction of
the music if the flag is not visible.
RETREAT
At 1700 each day Monday through Sunday,
Retreat is observed. This signals the retiring of the colors and
the close of the official work day. When the cannon is fired you
should face in the direction of the cannon and when the music
starts, place your hand over your heart. This is to show respect
of the flag.
From time to time, all military families
need assistance, whether it be a family crisis, emergency financial
assistance, the loan of household items, or just to get a welcome
packet for a new assignment.
There are several agencies on post
available to help military families. Each of these agencies are
not available at every post, so you may have to travel to some
of the larger posts to use them, but it is not difficult to do.
They include, but are not limited to:
ARMY COMMUNITY SERVICES (ACS):
Bi-cultural services, emergency food locker, information and referral
program, loan closet program, budget classes, and volunteer program.
CONSUMER AFFAIRS/FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
PROGRAM: Debt
liquidation, budget preparation, checkbook maintenance classes,
financial counseling, consumer education and complaints. (Camp
Casey 730-3108)
EXCEPTIONAL FAMILY MEMBER PROGRAM
(EFMP): Information,
referral and placement services for sponsors with exceptional
family members (EFM). EFMs are children or adults having special
emotional, physical or mental needs. Conducts family-find activities
and advocacy services in support of eligible family members with
special needs. (Camp Casey 730-3142)
FAMILY ADVOCACY:
Education and training for
the prevention of child and spouse abuse. Offers workshops in
parenting and child safety. (Camp Casey 730-3142)
FAMILY MEMBER EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE
PROGRAM:
Assistance to family members seeking employment by providing job
information and listings and application forms. Referral to the
One Stop Job Information Center at the CS office in Yongson, Bldg.
4100 -- 738-5628
PEAR BLOSSOM COTTAGES:
There are currently PBCs
at Camp Casey, Camp Howze, Camp Gary Owen, Camp Stanley and Camp
Page. The cottages are similar small houses with stoves, laundry
facilities, showers, TVs and other amenities. They are located
on post. They are for dependents only, although some allow soldier-spouses
to visit at lunch-time. A cottage manager, who is usually a dependent,
runs each cottage. The cottages have toys and facilities for children.
They sponsor educational activities and social events, including
Army Family Team Building (AFTB) classes, Holiday Open Houses
and more! AFTB reaches out to spouses
to teach the fundamentals of military life, coping with separation,
and useful management skills like leadership, team-building, public
speaking, organization and more! We highly recommend that you
seek out AFTB classes at your current post or when you arrive
in Korea!
RELOCATION PROGRAM:
Provides personnel with
information about 2ID and its posts, and about posts world wide;
Welcome Packets; Standard Installation Topic Exchange Service
(SITES), a computerized relocation program with printout available;
Newcomer's Orientation; Bi-cultural family support; Sponsorship
assistance; and Passport/Visa/SOFA stamp services.
A
CHECKLIST FOR MILITARY
SPOUSES
During your time in Korea, you will
find that your spouse is often away on Temporary Duty (TDY) or
Field Training Exercises (FTX), and you will need to be able to
handle the family affairs. The following checklist may be helpful
in getting you organized to handle any situation:
One word of advice: UNDERPACK!
There are so many things to buy on the local economy that most
everyone goes home with more than they brought.
Clothes:
It is hot and humid in the
summer and cold in the winter. You will be walking everywhere
so bring comfortable shoes. You probably will not have to dress
up very often, unless you get a job that requires dressing up.
Clothing is inexpensive in Korea, but sometimes sizes are hard
to find, especially if you are larger that the average Korean
woman (who looks to wear a size 1) or taller than the average
Korean man (and most of the American women are!).
Paperwork:
Bring certified copies of
your marriage certificate, your spouse's orders (you should have
at least ten copies of them reserved for yourself), medical and
dental records, shot records, school transcripts and resumes on
the plane with you. Immigration may need to see the orders and
your household good shipment may not arrive until long after you
need transcripts, marriage certificates (you will need it, trust
me!) etc. Bring all of your medical records!!
Miscellaneous:
Some items to consider shipping over are a TV, VCR, radio, and
tape or CD player. Most areas have cable TV either for free or
for a small charge. Bring any special spices (such as Cajun, Indian,
etc.) which you routinely use. These may not be available here
or they may be VERY expensive on the local economy. A sewing machine
may be worth bring if you regularly use it. It may come in handy
for making curtains, clothes, etc. There are some fabric shops
in Tongdaemun that I have heard have fantastic prices (some as
low a 1,000won per yard -that is less than $1) Small tools may
be handy to bring with you, such as a hammer, electric screwdriver,
etc. Bring your favorite catalogs, particularly those with small
appliances, linens and home furnishings because you will find
there might be several things you want to make your new home more
pleasant. Catalogs are great because there is a very limited selection
of just about everything and the PX is usually sold out of common
clothing items in popular sizes. If you wear a size 3 or 5 you
will have no problem. If you will be living off-post (and you
probably will) you may want to bring some inexpensive and light
furniture and a good toaster oven. You will probably have to get
a refrigerator when you get here, but it is much cheaper to get
a used one here than to ship one. One great thing I just found
was Wal-Mart on-line!! They will ship just about anything to
you! They can be found at http://www.wal-mart.com
AAFES Army Air Force Exchange Service
ACS Army Community Services
AER Army Emergency Relief
AFAP Army Family Action Plan
AFKN American Forces Korean Network
AFTB Army Family Team Building
ARC American Red Cross
CFC Combined Forces Command
CINCPAC Commander in Chief of the Pacific Command
COPE JADE A joint and combined Air Force Exercise
COURAGEOUS CHANNEL The bi-annual NEO exercise held in the spring and fall.
DEROS Date Eligible Return From Overseas
DMZ Demilitarized Zone
ETS Estimated Time of Separation
EUSA Eighth United States Army
FOAL EAGLE A joint and combined, two part FTX, usually held in the October or November time frame.
FREEDOM BANNER A CINCPAC fleet exercise involving US Navy and Marines and ROK Navy and Marines
FTX Field Training Exercise
JSA Joint Security Area, also know as Truce Village or Panmunjom, it is an 800 meter wide, roughly circular area that bisects the MDL.
KATUSA Korean Augmentation to the United States Army
MAC Military Armistice Committee. It was established by the armistice agreement as an agency to supervise the implementation of the truce terms.
MARS Military Affiliate Radio System
MDL Military Demarcation Line
MWR Moral, Welfare and Recreation
NCS Non-combatants
NEO Non-combatant Evacuation Operation
PBC Pear Blossom Cottage
PCS Permanent Change of Station
RAPID THUNDER A crisis action exercise
RCP Ration Control Plate
ROK Republic of Korea
RSOL Reception, Staging, Onward Movement and Integration. A joint and combined exercise held in the April/ May time frame.
SAAOWC Seoul Area American Officers' Wives Club
SAESO Seoul Area Enlisted Spouses Organization
SAHS Seoul American High School
SOFA Status of Forces Agreement
STORK'S NEST The facility provided by the hospital for out of the area mothers-to-be to stay and await their new arrivals.
TDY Temporary Duty
TEAM SPIRIT A theater wide exercise using elements of each service.
ULCHI FOCUS LENS A simulated joint and combined exercise.
USFK United States Forces in Korea
USO United Services Organization
VALIANT BLITZ An amphibious training exercise.
WAR FIGHTER A 2ID post exercise.
WAR STEED A 2ID annual combat exercise.
2ID
The Second Infantry Division
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