Commentary - Kunsan Top 10: Information for newcomers

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jessica Hines
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  It's never easy being the new guy, especially when it's overseas.

Whether it's an Airman's first tour overseas, or 100th, no place is quite like the Wolf Pack. Airmen navigating through a sea of cellphone plans, baggage and Hangul probably have more questions about Kunsan Air Base than their state taxes.

We understand.

So we thought back to when we were young cubs in the pack, asked around and did a little digging to come up with Kunsan's Top 10 recommendations, tips or advice newcomers should know (or we wish we had known).

1. Not all cellphone plans are created equal. We know just how much you love that brand-new smart phone, but adopting the international phone plan that goes with it is probably more hassle (and money) than it's worth. South Korea has a buffet of cellphone plans and carriers, many of which cater to military members' one-year tours or less. Whether you want the full spectrum 3G service, or a simple pay-as-you go, rest assured you'll find a plan that fits your lifestyle. (Personal tip: to save even more money, check the Airman's Attic for turned-in cellphones)

2. There's more than one way to call home. The internet is a marvelous thing, between email, social media, video or voice calling, you can keep in contact with family and friends back home more than ever before. Just make sure your mom, dad, spouse and kids know how to access it before you leave.

3. You don't have to say goodbye to all your favorite sites. Yes, not all American website are available in South Korea, but that doesn't mean you can't get to them or find alternatives. Search around for similar sites, and if all else fails, an internet protocol scrambler may be your solution. Be advised, such services do slow down overall internet speeds.

4. Size matters. Consider stocking up on a few more pairs of your favorite jeans, undergarments or other clothing items if you tend to have hard-to-find sizes.

5. A legal affair. Realizing you never got a passport or designated a power of attorney before you left home isn't something you want to tackle once you're out of the country. Yes, if need be, anything is possible and those items can be procured once you're on station. However, the last thing you probably want to do on your weekend off is take a trip to the U.S. Embassy to obtain a passport for that mid tour trip to China. So before you leave, ask yourself if there are any loose legal ends that may need to be addressed, better to be safe than sorry.

6. Sleeping on a bare mattress is as about exciting as sleeping on the floor. Unless you're flying commercial, chances are you will be arriving at nighttime on the rotator and will checking into your dormitory late at night (unless you are in lodging). Check with your sponsor to see if they can get you some bed sheets and a pillow for your room before your arrival. Another option is to pack a sheet set with you in your checked baggage.

7. Don't be that guy. We're talking about the guy who packed important documents and uniforms in their personal property shipment, which won't reach Kunsan Air Base for at least a month. All servicemembers are authorized two free checked baggage items on their flight over - pack wisely.

8. Baby, it's cold outside. It's South Korea, not Hawaii; it can get both very cold and very hot here. If you have cold weather gear, bring it.

9. Self improvement. Two of the greatest opportunities servicemembers have while stationed in Korea are education and travel - take advantage of both. You can accomplish a lot in one year, consider this your year to set the bar a little higher and go after that associate's or bachelor's degree. Also, your chances to travel Asia are unparalleled; consider what's available and start a savings plan to help get you there.

10. Never can say goodbye. For those with a spouse, fiancé or boyfriend/girlfriend, the hardest part of an unaccompanied tour can be separation. Mid tours give servicemembers a couple options for reuniting with loved ones while stationed in Korea. Many choose to go home, while others choose to have their significant other visit them. Start monitoring airline prices and once you're here be sure to check with your unit to see when mid tour dates are available.

Hit the ground running! Get ready for a fast-paced, challenging and rewarding experience. Any assignment is what you make it. Expect the unexpected and prepare for what you know.