Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Medic]

Anybody know what that means. I know it's the title of the Korean soldiers who are lucky enough to do their two year stint with the U.S forces.

Have been talking to my good English speaking students about the programe, and many have expressed the desire to be a KATUSA. I have done my best to encourage them, but I am at a loss as to how one gets to become one. Anyone out there got any information.

[schwa]

Type 'katusa' into any search engine & tons of stuff comes up.

[HardyandTiny]

yeah
do a search
Korean Augmented To the United States Army.
KATUSA's are Korean men who serve their involuntary two-year military service as soldiers working within US Army units.

[Joe Thanks]

accidental double post

[Joe Thanks]

Isn't the Katusa like the "batusi?"





BTW- NOBODY got the reference when Uma Thurman and Travolta did a bit of it in their big dance scene in PULP FICTION.

Only Joe. WEIRD.


Joe

[lush72]

There is a special test to become a Katusa. Or, the common way, they just pony up a nice fat bribe. When you see small, weak, non-English speaking Katusas, now you know how they got in. These katusas are always sent to the 2ID to work crap jobs. Anyway, why do these guys want to rake leaves and cut grass so badly? Katusa = abusa! When I was in Katusas got all the crapo jobs because:

A- They cant get U.S. security clearances
B- They cant operate U.S. vehicles
C- They get rank based on time in service- not merit.
The last point is a real killer. Why would you respect a katusa NCO who doesn�t know jack shit about soldiering? Who got his E-5 just because he has managed to last that long? It�s a joke.

[Bulsajo]

But there must be some perks Katusas get that your average ROK conscript doesn't have for it to be desired....

Status? ("I was a Katusa during my military service, sweetness.")

Better accomodations? From the little I've seen I'd take living on a US post over a Korean one.

Better pay? Your regular ROK gets next to nothing- are Katusas on a pay scale more in-line with US counterparts, or no?

A chance to better their English? (Granted, you don't get much of that mowing the grass...)

Access to PX and other post facilities?

I'm not sure how to word the last one I'm thinking of... A slightly more relaxed regimen, maybe? I'm not saying US forces don't train as hard, but maybe your average Katusa has it somewhat less rougher (physically and mentally) than your average ROK conscript?


Anyone got any insights?

[lastat06513]

I was a soldier here for about 2 1/2 years. Being a KATUSA is like an angel going to heaven. Why, ol' chap, you might ask:

1. Free person hygeine products that the American soldiers have to buy for on average of $15 or so a month (keep in mind, they only get paid 20,000 won a month [new ROK army pay scale *go figure*)

2. Free movies. They get free movie passes to the latest movies on post. (But that seems like a useless benefit since I've heard that all ID card holders can go for free now) But when I was a soldier in Uijongbu, it would cost about $3.50 a pop to see "Jerry Mcquire", what an investment

3. Free haircuts, although it is only one style. But who cares when you don't have to pay for it.

4. Weekends off. Thats the biggest perk! unlike their ROK counterparts, They are allowed to go home on the weekends if they live in the immediate area (excluding 2ID, which required a pass, but, they didn't worry because the Senior KATUSA would make sure all other KATUSAs got passes and $%#%ed the americans out of getting them because of the limited number on hand).

5. They were able to bring their girlfriends to the base for a fantastic feast of "Taco Bell" or real "Burger king".

6. There is on average of 2 to 4 people to a room, compared to the usually 30 in the usual Korean army barracks.