I have been here in Dongduchon (Camp Casey) for over 3 years. As a spouse of a DOD civilian. I frequent the post quite regularly and the one thing that has NOT changed is the foul language used by the soldiers on post. It is pretty embarrassing if you ask me, to hear American soldiers in the PX, commissary, bowling alley, etc..constantly use the "F" word, not to mention a lot of others expletives , and they do it with no regard with who they are around, be it Koreans, children, spouses, etc. I have been in the PX many a time and have been blasted with it...soldiers talking very loudly to the point where I have on a couple of occasions..given them a dirty look and then they look at me and say.."Oh sorry Ma'am"..so they are conscience of what they did. But it continues.

I spent 20 yrs in the military, so I do not have "virgin" ears, but here we are
in Korea..our host country, and it does not surprise me in the least why some of the Koreans have such a low opinion of soldiers. Grant you, I'm not categorizing all as doing this, but let me tell you, there are A LOT!
The offensive language is degrading to a person as an individual, and actions like this does not put the US soldier in a favorable light at all. There seems to be no concern for common courtesies towards others and it's quite sad.

I also think that these soldiers learn it/hear it from their superiors as well, so I guess that justifies it?

Just my observation on a continuing problem at Casey..enuff said

I do agree with what you say, but then again when was the last time you were at Wal-Mart, Krogers or anything like that?

I don't think it is Soldiers in general, it is "TODAYS GENERATION" kids.

While stationed at Ft. Rucker I worked at Wal-Mart and it seemed like every young kid was useing foul language, F this, or F that. Among the nicer words they used.

Next time walk up to them and tell them about it, just don't give them a dirty look. Thats what I do anyway.....Espically when I have my son with me and they are doing that.....

__________________
CH-47 SI

They must find it difficult...

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

B4Real53- I agree it is very offensive. I will mention it in an ICE message to the upper eschelons.
You may want to use the computer at the PX or other facility marked ICE, and do the same.
It is, indeed, common among the younger generation to loudly proclaim their profane existence, but that does not make it right, nor suitable for supposed adult soldiers and airmen serving as ambassadors overseas!

It is common for uneducated people to use the gutter language of their peers, and I'm told that makes them feel accepted by the other morons they associate with. It used to be a mark of solidarity among certain ethnic groups. Just this week I saw a female NCO supposedly gaining solidarity with her lower ranking troops in formation by using filthy words that would have, believe me, caused my mother to roll over in her grave. Using profanity is not the mark of an adult servicemember who cares about his or her own image. It can not be tolerated.
I believe we can cause some corrective action that will reverberate throughout USFK very soon. Let's give it a try!

I agree with you. Even here in Philippines it is unussual to hear people say the F*** or S*** word , but now a days you will hear teenagers on the street using these words even when they were just telling a funny story. as if it means nothing. Just like what Mr. Joe and Chucksnee says ,they thougth by using these words, they feel they are "in" meaning, they are accepted by their peers since it is how famous people talk and act.

I think one big reason here in PI is the influence of television specialy the music industry. Most raps songs contained foul language that even small kids follow and use those nasty words and singing them without feeling bad , coz they hearing them again and again they thought it's just ok, because older people do.
They think they are "cool" coz the people who sing this songs are so famous, rich and even getting the awards. So getting used in hearing these foul languages, made their consience numb, even they know it is not good. To think this rappers are so famous kids idolizes them and wanna be like them so they follow their way or talking. I hope they will pay attention with these artist and their songs and watch the language they are using. sad...so sad.

Hey,

I disagree if you dont like what you hear, walk away. Here in TDC, it is mostly combat arms. Last time I checked we been fighting the War on Terror since 2001. So if a few adjectives or adverbs offend you, I suggest you go shop at Yongsan, or some other Area II and below Disneyland. People are going to say what they are going to say. On another note if you care about your image or other peoples', then you should have been a model. We are in Korea to do a job. If you want to win the hearts and minds of people I suggest you go SF. There is a briefing every month. The Age of Decency is dead and long gone.

Manchu

You are kidding, right? This is a gimmick reply. It has to be.

I wasn't aware that we had active combat campaigns in Korea. War is hell, huh buddy?

Your mother must be so very proud of you. Any mother would beam with joy to hear her son say "The Age of Decency is dead".

Exactly what unit are you with?

I was expecting more from you...What a shame...Point being what I say is my right, something which I had to go to many places..I doubt it if you are even in my branch of service. Another self-empowered dependit...

The Irony

I had a short a quick straight to the point reply for you, but then I decided the stupidity in your post was good enough for everyone to see how you are.

Hey we can say what we want, if you don't like it don't read it.

__________________
CH-47 SI

They must find it difficult...

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

Indeed, Ginger *is* self-empowered..and smart enough to spell "dependent".

As chuck so capably pointed out, your post says volumes about you.

I'm impressed.

Really.

[/sarcasm]


To object to one of your earlier points in specific, however, you maintained in your initial post on this subject that "winning the hearts and minds of people" isnt your job. Perhaps you should go read what your CO here in Korea, General Bell says about that...and if you, for whatever reason, can't read it, check out a few AFN commercials. One very important job of every military member in the Korean command *IS* to be a "good representative" of the U.S. Government. So, yes, by your own command's words, it *IS* your job.

As far as your assertion that "war" or "the war on terror" is a license for you to behave poorly, and an excuse for whatever degenerative behavior you wish to display, I couldn't disagree more completely, nor could the military you serve in which demands the highest standards of integrity from it's members even in wartime efforts,and situations. Those standards, are, in fact, what sets our military apart from others in the world, and what has in many instances, garnered us the respect of other countries. I doubt seriously that any of the veterans of WWII, decorated men who served with honour and valour in far more combat situations than you will no doubt ever see during your tour at Camp Casey, would ever presume to say "The Age of Decency is Dead"

Then again, not every military member is cut out to be a hero, I guess. Some just do their time and leave. It's a good thing that there *are* still some heroes around who *do* believe in "doing the right and decent thing". We'd certainly be up the creek if we had to depend on you to do such a thing,now , wouldn't we?

Now,as far as your commentary about the "self-empowered" dependents..you say that as though it's a *bad* thing. Welcome to the real world, where women who may be married to the military are strong enough and smart enough to educate themselves,and empower themselves through knowledge, and experience....and believe it or not, some of our spouses actually happen to like it that way. I personally am *VERY* proud of every woman on this board, CS or NCS, who has made contributions not only to this forum, but enriched the communities in which they have served, and who, though civilian,often serve as examples of "military values"..women, who, to turn a phrase from *your* service, have taken the challenge, educate themselves, better themselves and become "all they can be". They are examples, in my opinion of the best of human nature...through the best of times,and the worst of times, they not only endure, and survive...they *shine*.

If that's the definition of "self-empowerment"..I'll take that as a compliment.

I'm sorry you find our enlightenment and "self-empowerment" so intimidating. Insecurities can often leave us fearful, jealous and resentful, especially when they highlight our own weaknesses. I'm sure we can all understand and sympathize with your plight.


Dee :)
A very proud "self-empowered" dependent.


P.S. Ahh,the original issue..I didn't even touch on that, now did I? Oops, my bad. A few months ago, this issue was addressed in a *VERY* well-written editorial in the Osan MIG Flyer, by Major Denise McAllister, who also voiced concerns about the overwhelming foul language being spouted off especially in the presence of minors.. I think AD members who have access to the electronic issues of the paper may be able to search and see the actual text.

Ironsider! Hey buddy- looks like you struck a nerve this time! I'm sorry it turned out like this, but as a seasoned old-timer, scarred by battle, yet like General Patton, still in love with being a soldier, and putting up with all the things that goes with being a Ground Pounder, you persist.

I'm not siding with you in your rudeness, but perhaps I do understand how you feel about the way things are, compared to what they ideally should be.

I was surprised by your reply to Ginger Smurf, who chose to accompany her husband to Camp Casey. She is a rare breed, also, and also seasoned by 20 years in the service. I would have expected you to have been a bit more gentlemanly in your reply. I think you deserve what ever the forum members wish to dump on you, if for no other reason than a poor choice of words.

You and I have had some good discussions on other things, and I still look forward to meeting you one of these days on my trips up to 2 ID. I, too, look at Camp Casey as a unique spot in the universe. It is unlike any atmosphere I have seen anywhere else in the world. It appears to me the troops are treated very strictly, but perhaps there is a reason. The "Ready to fight tonight" phrase is taken very seriously up there. You are called," Second to None", and hopefully strike terror in the hearts of all North Korea.

May the 2 ID mission not overshadow the fact that we are all ambassadors representing the United States on foreign soil. We can at least be civil with each other.