Deployment to South Korea - United States Marine Corps

Though I am knowingly aware that specific individuals will experience different results, I have provided my own personal experiences while serving in the United States military overseas. The fourth article associated with the respective military branch consists of my own opinionated review and brief description of what to expect while being stationed in South Korea. Of course, this may vary in depth from similar occurrences depending on the location, command unit, etc.

My first deployment while serving in the United States Marine Corps insisted that I support a small expeditionary camp in Pohang, South Korea. Minimal details were provided; however, my command advised me to participate in such to further my career and reputation as a distinguished Marine. Of course, I was hesitant. Supposedly, the camp lacked paved roads and formal living quarters. I, however, would deploy for six months to establish a respective barracks, offices, and chow hall. Luckily, I had recently been promoted to Corporal, which deemed me 4^th in the chain of command; among the 16 permanent Camp Mujuk personnel. Though a curfew was still intact, I was afforded the luxury of venturing into town solo. As I was only 20 years old, and refusing to trust associated personnel, I could act secretly while consuming alcohol, etc.

As previously stated, Pohang lacked American culture. With a mere 16 American service members in the vicinity, the city of 150K+ residents were not accustomed to American culture, nor language. Unfortunately, my prior two years in Japan limited my foreign language skills to Japanese. After all, how conversant could I become in 6 months? Regardless, I embraced the culture and continued to seek out bar girls interested in the English language. Korean Friend Finder also proved very beneficial by introducing company. Though the numbers were minimal, I was encouraging relief from depressive tendencies that originated on the ever lonely camp. The only company camp offered was 16 other deprived souls awaiting reinforcements and a prolonged escape. Exploration swiftly became my #1 priority.

Of course, working conditions were not always deprived and desolate. Twice a year, deployments of hundreds of Marines would arrive and conduct training exercises on our camp. Though the solitude was replaced with repulsive, burdensome Marines, the weather eventually provided sunshine and a beautiful, spring blossom. If I have to recall the most abstract provision while living in Pohang, it is definitely not one to forget. I will attempt to refrain from conceit and personal self-admiration as aptly as possible; however, I can honestly admit that due to the lack of American presence in the location, locals were constantly admiring my American attributes, etc. Without exaggeration, local school girls would request my autograph and picture as if they assumed I was Tom Cruise or someone of equivalence. As comical as it may conceive, girls walking hand in hand with their boyfriends would stop to glance and admire my American presence. Of course, I was not blessed with ugly nor beautiful qualities; only average. Or maybe not....apparently, I wasn't considered average to them....