What Nobody Tells You About OCONUS Assignments in Germany, Japan and Korea

For many service members, an OCONUS (Outside Continental United States) assignment represents both a significant career opportunity and a major life change. Whether you’re headed to Germany, Japan, or Korea, understanding what to actually expect can make the difference between a challenging tour and an enriching experience.

Germany: The European Gateway

Germany remains one of the most sought-after OCONUS assignments, and for good reason. Major installations include Ramstein Air Base, USAG Stuttgart, USAG Wiesbaden, and Grafenwoehr Training Area. The infrastructure is well-established, with robust military communities dating back decades.

Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) in Germany fluctuates with the dollar-euro exchange rate, typically ranging from 10-25% of base pay. While housing costs in cities like Stuttgart can be high, the COLA generally compensates well. Off-post housing is popular, offering authentic German living experiences in traditional villages.

The lifestyle benefits are substantial. Weekend trips to Paris, Amsterdam, Vienna, or Prague are realistic with the extensive Autobahn system and affordable European flights. Many families use their Germany tour to visit 10-15 countries. School-age children attend DoDEA schools, which maintain American curriculum standards while offering European travel opportunities.

Japan: Pacific Assignment Excellence

Japan offers a unique cultural immersion that few other assignments can match. Primary installations include Yokota Air Base near Tokyo, Camp Zama, MCAS Iwakuni, and the extensive Okinawa bases including Kadena and Camp Foster.

COLA rates in Japan are among the highest in the military, often exceeding 40-50% in expensive areas like Tokyo. This reflects the genuinely high cost of living, particularly for housing and imported goods. However, living on the economy teaches adaptability and provides cultural experiences unavailable on base.

Cultural adjustment in Japan requires patience. The language barrier is real, though many Japanese speak some English in major cities. Base services are comprehensive, but venturing off-base rewards those who learn basic Japanese phrases. The food, temples, festivals, and natural beauty make Japan tours memorable for families willing to embrace the experience.

Korea: The Hardship Tour Reality

Korea assignments come with a different calculus. Most accompanied tours are 24 months, while unaccompanied (Command Sponsored) tours run 12 months. Camp Humphreys has emerged as the primary hub following the consolidation of forces south of Seoul.

Hardship duty pay and other incentives partially compensate for the separation challenges of unaccompanied tours. The operational tempo remains high given the proximity to North Korea, making this assignment professionally valuable but personally demanding.

For those who can bring families, Korea offers excellent travel opportunities throughout Asia. Weekend trips to Seoul, historic sites, and nearby beaches are accessible. The KTX high-speed rail makes the country surprisingly easy to explore.

SOFA Status and Benefits

Status of Forces Agreements govern your legal status in host nations. SOFA provides important protections including tax exemptions on vehicles, reduced customs restrictions, and access to military facilities. Understanding your SOFA privileges prevents problems with host nation authorities.

All three countries offer APO/FPO mail, eliminating international shipping costs. Military banking, commissary, and exchange privileges continue, though local markets often offer unique products worth exploring.

Bringing Family vs. Unaccompanied Tours

The decision to bring family depends on tour length, school considerations, and spouse employment. Command Sponsored tours include full moving allowances, dependent housing, and school enrollment. Non-Command Sponsored situations require careful financial planning as families may stay stateside while the service member serves abroad.

DoDEA schools serve military children at all major OCONUS installations, maintaining accreditation and American standards. Many families report their children benefit from international exposure and develop adaptability that serves them throughout life.

Housing and Schools

Government quarters are available at most installations, though waitlists can extend months. Off-post housing offers more space and local integration but requires learning local rental practices. Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA) differs from stateside BAH, paying actual rental costs up to locality caps.

Schools vary by installation size. Large bases offer comprehensive K-12 education, while smaller posts may only cover elementary grades with middle and high schoolers commuting or using distance learning options.

Career Implications

OCONUS assignments strengthen promotion packets, particularly in joint environments. International experience demonstrates adaptability, a valued leadership trait. However, some career fields have limited OCONUS billets, making these assignments competitive.

Networking opportunities abroad differ from stateside. The tighter military communities often create lasting professional relationships. Language skills and cultural competency developed overseas increasingly matter as the military operates globally.

Bottom line: OCONUS tours require flexibility and open-mindedness but offer professional growth and life experiences unavailable elsewhere. Research your specific installation, talk to those who’ve served there recently, and approach the assignment as an opportunity rather than an obligation.