Korean Job Discussion Forums

[fermentation]

Well, after what seemed like an eternity, I have less than three months of service left. I am now a sergeant and have my own squad to command, which isn't really cool as it sounds. I have no more senior conscripts giving me crap and whatever seniors I have left are soon to be discharged. What once felt like hell is now somewhat tolerable and even at times comfortable. I now have the time to reflect on all the crap thats been thrown at me (and my comrades) throughout my ROK military experience. My thoughts are more organized and perhaps I am now more objective on what I think about the Korean Army and the society that supports this system.

Anyways, a lot of people (both Korean and foreign) seem to have some misconceptions and curiousity regarding the Korean conscription. Feel free to shoot me some questions.

[Drew10]

You probably already answered this, but I'm not real familiar with your situation.

Are you a KATUSA? If not...Why not?

[Captain Corea]

Have the recent changes about lower rankings guys giving orders come down the pipe yet? And in a related question, what do you think is the big stress causing factor that seems to push a number of these young people over the edge?


((thanks for posting up this thread))

[Swampfox10mm]

Is it true that men are "initiated" by a trip to the red light districts?

[samd]

Do you get to feast on copious amounts of bbqed meat daily, or is the food garbage?

[lalartu]

does ROK really...ROCK?

[fezmond]

what do you do all day? play cards, train, sleep?

i honestly have no idea

[DIsbell]

Did you ever experience/witness any bullying or sexual abuse?

Also, similar to the previous poster's questions, could you describe a typical day for you?

You hinted that you've come to a conclusion about the Army and the society supportive of it, so I'm also curious as to what your thoughts are.

Thanks for doing this topic.

[schwa]

I've been teaching on a small base a couple evenings a week for the last few months. Small, like 20 conscripts, primarily a reserve training unit.
They're a really mixed bunch, a cross-section of early 20-somethings from all corners of the country. Nice guys, I've grown quite attached to them.

Their service is no way easy.

Socially, they're uprooted from family & friends (homesickness runs strong) & they're thrust into this random group they're obliged to get along with.

Physically, they are pushed hard. Hard training, long overnight marches, digging bunkers, lugging stuff, obligatory sports. They're kept busy. Sometimes they have easier but boring duties. Free time is rare & coveted.

Commander on this base is steely-eyed & stern. But kudos to him for arranging for me to come teach his soldiers. Our classes are relaxed (no officers) & the guys do like to vent & laugh!

From my limited outsider perspective, I've observed some benefits to these guys' service. Soft guys shaping up physically. Sullen & shy types drawn out of themselves. New friendships.

But from some I sense a simmering resentment that two years are being stolen from them. They're all counting down the days.

Today I went to a big local dragon boat competition to cheer my guys on. They really put their hearts into it & had fun. Their "boss" though will be angry at their second-place finish.

I also would like to hear the OP's inside insights.

[jvalmer]

I think the experience depends what you get drafted into and your personality. I've met people that just delivered mail for 2 years, or drive some truck around, or watched for fires in the forest, and other who had to be on the DMZ. Some absolutely hated it, some liked it and most just felt neutral about it (something they just have to do).

My guess is it all comes down to personality on how those 2 years go for your average Korean male.

[andrewchon]

How often the newbies cry?

[marsavalanche]

you got any advice for the ladies brah?

[carleverson]

will you ever answer any of these questions?

[fermentation]

[fermentation]