USINKOREA-
Well said. About a year ago a Canadian teacher came on the forum and mentioned something to the effect that a lot of his college students had very little knowledge of the US presence in Korea, and suggested a representative of USFK come and speak to his class. Mike set it up, and feedback was that it was well received. We never heard more about it. I haven't taught college kids for over 25 years, so I don't really have a feel for the climate there these days either. Maybe some local teachers will write us about what he/she sees today.
As you say. time will tell.

The adults I taught for about the first 2 years were not really college students. The mean age was roughly 25-35 or probably more closely 28-35. It wasn't unusually to have a couple of 40-50 year olds in the class. Occasionally, the class would be nothing but house wives studying to help their children at home with their ages being 30-45 years old.

(They were a great source, because being alone with just members of their peer group, they would bring up topics and discuss them openly my more mixed classes usually avoided or wouldn't talk from the heart about)

There are flaws in drawing conclusions from the adults I taught over the years: they were all dedicated to learning English for one, they lived in either Wonju or the Seoul area, and they were 80% or higher college-educated.

But, I did back then, and still do today, see the thoughts they put forward echoed in the Korean media and tid bits I can pick up here and there from the pop culture.

Hopefully, when I get certified here in the US and start teaching and get settled down, I'll be able to make extended trips back to Korea and teach some adults again.

I agree but sadly enough Department of the Army doesnt see the mess they created by doubling their waivers. What happens when these kids make E-7, E-8. God help us all.

Ironsider

I'm sure the Army sees their mistake, but it takes publicity to get things fixed, like the newspaper reporter who printed how bad the housing was at the hospital in Washington. They are jumping on that with both feet. Maybe Stars and Stripes needs to visit certain Army Camps and check on morale...

I was surprised when I first to korea. There was a teenager who decieded one day to create awareness for the troops that are stationed in Korea. Prior coming to Korea, I didnt know who was even based in Korea besides 2 ID. She came out to our field excerise passing out stuff that she had recieved as a donations. She was able to organize a lot, and she was only like 15-16. I give her two thumbs up. But sad enough, Korea isnt a priority any more in the army. It is some forgotten minefield from the Korean War (1950-1953) era. It is only a matter of time before they have a skeleton crew "Supporting" the USFK alliance. Too many things are pointing in that direction.

Ironsider