Choose Korea
Soldiers, Civilians and Families stationed in the Republic of Korea enjoy a dynamic, family-friendly assignment that is personally and professionally rewarding.
This is an exciting time to be a Pacific Victor as Eighth Army moves to a future that ensures we are postured to continue our enduring legacy of service in the Republic of Korea. As part of this transition, Eighth Army is undergoing the most sweeping transformation in our organization’s history to consolidate the bulk of our operations at two enduring hubs south of Seoul.
Approximately $10.7 billion has been invested to expand U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys near Pyeongtaek from 1,200 to over 3,500 acres. Once construction is complete, Soldiers, Civilians and Families stationed here will live and work in one of the Army’s flagship garrison communities with access to a wide array of services and amenities.
In addition to state-of-the-art facilities, a duty assignment to South Korea offers Soldiers a great opportunity to excel in the profession of arms preparing to defend against both conventional and unconventional threats through combined training with our Korean counterparts. Just last year Eighth Army and the Third ROK Army established the first ever ROK-U.S. Combined Division. The 2nd Infantry Division serves as the core of the division, with ROK and U.S. Army officers functioning as an integrated command team. The Combined Division is an evolutionary step for our Alliance and provides Army officers with a unique training experience.
As the Department of Defense continues its rebalance to the Asia-Pacific region, Eighth Army will be one of the primary destinations for the latest in warfighting equipment. During a 2015 visit to South Korea, Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter explained why it is important to equip Soldiers stationed here with cutting edge technology.
“This is the place where we ask our forces to be the most ready all the time,” Carter said. “We know ‘Fight Tonight’ is not just a slogan, it’s the real deal. One thing it means is that a lot of our newer capabilities, the ones that we’re making investments in, are going to be flowing into this theater because of the importance we attach to it.”
With one of the Army’s premier garrison environments and a vibrant cultural experience just outside the gate, South Korea is quickly becoming one of the Army’s best duty stations for military families. The DoDEA School System on the Korean Peninsula provides students with an exciting blend of academic, social, cultural and extracurricular experiences that prepare them for success later on in life. Outside of duty hours, families have the opportunity to explore a modern nation, renowned for its rich cultural history and aesthetic beauty.
With all of the benefits that Soldiers, Civilians and Family Members serving in Eighth Army have at their disposal it is easy to see why the “Land of the Morning Calm” is quickly becoming one of the Army’s most popular destinations. To learn more about why South Korea is the Army’s best kept secret take time to explore some of the related links on this page or ask your career counselor for more information.