I've been in Korea for a while and almost every incident in which a G.I. commits a crime towards Koreans involves alcohol. A few jackasses have created a bad name for us all. I can not understand someone that goes to another country and does not respect that countries customs/laws/etc. Why doesn't USFK have some sort of indoctrination on what to expect in Korea and what to do and what not to do? Koreans have been kind to me for the most part since I've been here. It may be because I learned as much of the language as I can, and they appreciate that. It's the guys that come here with a superiority complex because they're from America(and people that don't accept different cultures) that can't seem to adjust to the ways of Koreans. I am proud of where I'm from but at the same time I respect the ways of the place I am stationed at. I came here with an open mind and I'm still enjoying it here. I recommend learning some Korean and just taking the "strange" things you see or experience in Korea lightly. Sure a Korean dude might smack or grab your ass....it's a sign of friendship here. Sure Koreans get buckwild on Saturday night drinking soju. Join em and behave yourself!!!! hang out with some Koreans. Mix it up. Don't go out with 10 American buddies to drink expecting to avoid trouble. Throw some Koreans in the mix with your posse......

This has been beat to death......

Their is a policy in place when an Army person get's here. Also they are "NOT" suposed to go down town for the 1st 30 days. They also have Korean culture classes that are MANDATORY, the class here at Humphryes is 2 days long. Not to mention ALL the other classes that are given (about what not to do) when we first get in country.

__________________
CH-47 SI

They must find it difficult...

Those who have taken authority as the truth, rather than truth as the authority. --Gerald Massey

Cool...they didn't have that in place when I first got here. People need that so they at least have something to go by...

When did this happen? I know when I got here my unit didn't say anything to me. I know that if your with the Honor Guard you can't go out for 30 days, but that's it.

I'll look at the memo....

This could be just a 2 ID thing not an 8th army thing?

__________________
CH-47 SI

They must find it difficult...

Those who have taken authority as the truth, rather than truth as the authority. --Gerald Massey

Biff- You have the perfect attitude to make the best of your tour here!
Keep encouraging others to follow your example.
The Military Law is sort of codified, like California Law. So much is written down that it would eat up half your tour in Korea to know it all! The Army is so big, and spends so much time on training and having meetings and formations and jogging that a lot of important things fall through the cracks. The upper leadership is truly very, very concerned, but in the the many years I have been associated with the military, they have not been successful in legislating morality. In the long run, your career, your health, your attitude is up to YOU. It is not only the kid who has never been away from home who gets in trouble for acting stupid, but senior officers and senior NCO's can get the fever, too. So set some useful goals for yourself, and legislate your own morality, or suffer the consequences. My mother used to say, "If I've told you once, I've told you 1000 times"! I finally did get it right, though. Never been in jail and retired AF after 23 years. Try it yourself; and you don't need alcohol or cigarettes to enjoy life.

Cool thanks Joe. I've had mostly good experiences here. I think learning Korean and keeping an open mind helps...

Once again, you have to look at the new recruits coming in. Some of them have like 3-4 morale waivers. In my unit alone, we are seeing a lot of garbage soldiers coming thru. So far, my company has chaptered out like 4-5 people. They just didnt want to conform, one guy didnt show up to work until noon for a whole week straight. Regardless of all of the classes and training, soldiers are going to do what they want to do. That is just the basic fact, the only way to 100% prevent international incidents is to completely lock down the whole entire division for their whole time here. That will not happen, because the army has a major retention problem. Most of the NCOs that I know are not re-enlisting due to the fact their family life is suffering because of their commitment.

From my experience it is mostly the combat arms doing most of the crazy stuff. One time I was in a college district, I witnessed a 15 man brawl on the streets. They were all combat arms soldiers, I know because most of them are in my battalion. I blame the Army's quantity over quality policy for most of the lewd behavior. I suggest that if someone is involved in an alcohol related incident on/off post the person should be locked down their company footprint, and if they have to go anywhere else they have to have a NCO escort. If the soldier violates that policy, confinement or hard labor.

My 2 cents worth

Sad but true, Ironsider. Thanks for your inputs. Haven't heard from you in a while! I was beginning to worry! I'll be up your way after the ex.