Dee,

Thanks, luckily the dogs are small enough to get alot of excersize inside. But our male shih-tzu loves to be outside and I think it's going to be harder on him. And as far as TMO, I think they are hopeless! I'll let you know if I find out any more info...

By the way... Does anyone know if housing is willing to provide a waiver for 3 pets instead of 2? We have the 2 shih-tzus and a hymilayan cat. I was planning on leaving him with my sister, but if I can bring him it would really make my daughters day. Here they will allow 3 pets depending on the size and type. I'm hoping that since all 3 of our pets together weigh 30lbs, they might make an exception...

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Heather

One more ?, we have a 55g fish tank, bring it or leave it??? Is there even anywhere to get tropical fish over there?

And yes I know, my husband calls me Noah, but the cat is my daughters and the dogs are mine. The fish are just so peaceful to look at. But I will leave it if need be.

Please if anyone has any info I'd appreciate it.

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Heather

Junebug - I can not recall the size limit when shipping the TV in uaccompanied baggage but this should be an easy one for TMO.

From everything I've read, concurrent travel is not automatic and needs to be approved (by MSG/CC I believe). When you get there it may change depending on the availability of housing. Currently this is where I'm stuck, my orders say its approved and my assignments team is telling me that its automatic for key billets but Osan is telling me that its not and will only proobably be waived if I have a lease already (not a chance with my limited time).

In all honesty, I don't know of anyone who has encountered that particular situation, so my only advice is to contact housing directly and ask them. Better yet, have your husband email them from his official work email, and ask the question, that way you have the answer, and who gave it to you in a printable form.

The primary complaint I've heard of in dealing with housing for cs, is that you may get an answer from someone then a few days later hear "I never told you that". There was supposedly one representative who was *very* bad about that, I'm told she's no longer working there, but I would definitely be very careful, and recommend documenting *everything*...of course, I recommend that *anyway*, in most situations.

I hope it all works out for you, I know how big a part of your family a furbaby becomes, and I know I'd hate to leave one behind.

Dee

At the moment, concurrent travel is very difficult to attain, due to the situation with the housing at Mustang Valley Village. With the difficulties and shortage of on base housing right now, several months ago, General Reynes (CC at the time) felt he couldn't justify having families come over with no where to put them (There's no TLF here at Osan), so the limitations were put in place. I was at the Town Hall meeting where this was announced and discussed, and I know that it was a difficult decision, but one that the General felt essential at the time. If you'd been there and seen the expressions on the man's face, you could see how heavily this did weigh upon him, at least that's my observation.

The situation with housing at the moment is an extraordinary one, brought about by a couple of very unpredictable factors. Due to the situation being base specific and out of the ordinary, you may be receiving contradictory information from assignments offices, etc.. it's not that they're *wrong*, under normal circumstances, that's how it would be, but unfortunately, the situation here at Osan right now is a whole new , and unexpected, ball game.

That may be why you're getting such strange and scattered info, highyellow.

-HOWEVER- that being said..a positive note for you , Junebug. By the time Junebug travels, the new Towers will be open. With the problems with available housing eased, you may encounter less difficulty with getting concurrent travel, or getting it approved.

With a little luck, there will be no more need for concern for "where families can stay" when they get over here, and the policy currently in effect can be reviewed,and changed.

Dee :)

In all honesty, while yes, I'm told that there are places here to get lovely tropical fish, even if it falls within regulations to bring the tank, I would hesitate,and store that tank if possible,and look into getting a smaller, or "temporary" tank while you're here.They are available, they even have some in the florist shop here,as well as plethora of pet stores over in Pyongtaek. Being able to drive you should be able to get there easily.

Why do I suggest leaving it behind? One reason and one reason alone.

Damages.

Just about everyone I know, and I -am- making a generalization here, so keep that in mind, it could be erroneous, experienced *LOTS* of damages to household goods on the way over. I've known people who have lost tv's, computers..we personally had a scanner arrive with the glass cover completely busted out, and shards of glass in the packaging.

And that's not even mentioning additional weight.

If you do decide to bring it over, definitely make sure that your packers pack it well...and pray for the best.

Dee :)

I'm hoping that we can bring the tank, after talking to TMO about weight limit questions I'll make my final decision... This just seems to be getting so difficult! I wish all TMO's had the same info. As for potential damages... I'm currently in Alaska, so I already expect to loose things on this move. But I have to say, we were really lucky on the move up here. Things that never should have made it with the way they were packed came through unscathed. But wether our HHG go back to the Lower 48 for storage or to Korea- they still have to be crated up and shipped somewhere. I'll let everyone know what info my hubby finds out from Osans TMO, but you are 17 hours ahead of us so it may take a couple of days for me to post. Thanks again for all the great info...

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Heather