Hi all! I'm still a ways out from getting to Osan, but have been trying to get as much info as possible before hand. When I was stationed in Naples, Italy I was eligible for Environmental Morale Leave (EML). I noticed a number of posters discussing costs to fly home for the mid tour leave but was curious if EML is even an option. I'm assuming that if it was an option, they would brief that since it basically covers the cost of flying from Korea to the port in the states and back. All the member would have to cover is the cost from the port to their home and back. Anyone have any knowledge of this program?

Also, I appreciate the help this site gives me as well. Great idea! Although I'm dreading leaving my family behind for my tour, it's good to know I can get the latest and greatest info from this site.

OJ

Someone else will answer about AF leave policy.
I see you are in WV. Probably the safest place to leave a family. Everyone has a gun and a dog, women can shoot as well as the men, and strangers know better than to come around at night!
I'm from near Charleston; A friend from Gauley Bridge is teaching English near Seoul. We'll see you when you come to Seoul.
When I was at Osan, about 40 years ago, we had R&R leave, (Rest and Recuperation). I went to Hong Kong for 5 days on a C-41. Had my twenty -first birthday there! Osan is not really remote anymore. It is a lot like rural WV. There is a Big E-Mart, which used to be a Walmart! You will be right at home. Biggest problem is they don't allow guns; no shooting deer out your bedroom window. Bass fishing is available, though, and no license fee! Bring a light bass pole and a Jitterbug, Hula Popper,a Mepps, and a Rapal. As Kermit the Frog says, "Time is fun when you are eating flies".

that's a big negative ghost rider.. we are fullyl responsible for ALL travel costs when going on leave from here. there is some kind of policy about if you do consecutive short tours then they will pay for a ticket home but that's the only case.

That's what I figured, but thought I'd ask the question anyway. It still doesn't make much sense given that it is an unaccompanied tour (for most). My Italy tour was considered a short tour eventually and I was accompanied too. My wife could have flown back using EML if she wanted. Oh well, guess I'll need to start saving now then...I'm guessing a trip to the east coast would be quite costly. Thanks for the input!

Actually, my wife and I are considered transplants by the "locals." Fortunately, it's relatively quiet where we live and we've made a few friends in the neighborhood who will look after the family in my absence. I commute to northern VA every day but it's nice to go home to a place far away from the busy DC area. Not allowing guns is a big problem. I'd like to be able to relax at the range occasionally. Not being the party/drinking type, I plan on keeping busy with school, trips, and computer games...although school will be the priority. Gotta have that degree before I come back to the states to retire!

Two things.
1. There is an indoor handgun range at Yongsan. It is a hassle to bring your own weapon, and I would recommend studying for the Degree taking precedent.
2. With careful planning and some luck, you can get a hop to and from Travis or McChord. Maybe even Dover or Charleston. You do have some priority being active duty.

Thanks Mr. Joe!

I don't suppose they have any weapons to sign out at the range eh? I agree, my studies are priority 1 for my off duty time. I'm close to finishing, but want to make sure I'm done before I return to the states. I'd rather focus on getting my retirement things in order when I return instead of dealing with classes.

As far as hops go, I've never taken one. I've been too paranoid about being stranded and burning up leave trying to get home. I'll just err on the (expensive) side of caution and just buy the tickets. I hear you can start paying on them shortly after you arrive on station.