Eighth Army

Mission

The United States is a Pacific nation, with our country's political, economic and security interests ever connected to this dynamic region. On duty in the Asia-Pacific since 1944, Eighth Army's enduring presence has long signaled U.S. resolve to support our regional allies and deterrence to potential adversaries.
Readiness is a top priority in Eighth Army. We must not forget that Korea is not at peace, and Eighth Army remains prepared to "Fight Tonight.” This means we train while maintaining our equipment readiness to the high standards of the U.S. Army. We enhance our Readiness through rotational forces, new capabilities, and innovative ways to fight in this complex environment.

Critical to the success of our mission is the strength of the Alliance. Eighth Army works with our ROK counterparts at an unprecedented level, sharing lessons learned, and combining our formations to achieve a truly lethal partnership. However, it is our relationship with the Korean people that serves as the foundation of the ROK-U.S. Alliance. Our units, Soldiers, and Families ensure this bond grows stronger every day through their behavior and interactions both on and off duty. Their activities directly support the success of our mission on the peninsula. The Good Neighbor Program is one venue that provides every Soldier, Civilian employee and Family member an opportunity to nurture the Alliance.

"Eighth Army is America's Pacific Guardians of Freedom" - Eighth Army today stands ready to defend our national interests and those of our allies whenever called upon. We are the embodiment of our Army's military professionalism and ready to "Fight Tonight."

Mission - Hangul [PDF - 223.8 KB]

How We Fight [PDF - 3.2 MB]
Organization

2ND INFANTRY DIVISION (ROK-US COMBINED DIVISION)

The 2nd Infantry Division is the major U.S. ground combat unit in Korea. The Division's headquarters is located at USAG Humphreys, and its primary mission is to deter war on the Korean Peninsula by maintaining a high state of combat readiness and vigilance. 2nd ID units "Second to None" stand shoulder-to-shoulder with first-echelon Korean units immediately south of the DMZ.

https://www.2id.korea.army.mil/

19TH EXPEDITIONARY SUSTAINMENT COMMAND

The 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command is the logistic support arm of Eighth Army with the mission of sustaining combat power throughout the peninsula. Its headquarters is on Camp Henry in Daegu, with subordinate commands located in each of the Army's four areas of operation on the peninsula.

https://www.army.mil/19thesc

1ST SIGNAL BRIGADE

The 1st Signal Brigade is headquartered at USAG Humphreys with units throughout Korea. 1st Signal Brigade provides strategic and tactical communications and information management to USFK and component command headquarters in the ROK. They provide mobile tactical communications, fixed tactical voice and wide area networking, message center and tactical data communications, satellite communications and contingency restoral of Defense Communications System circuits, long-haul, inter-nodal connectivity between geographically dispersed sites. 1st Signal Brigade operates and maintains all AFKN TV, FM and AM radio transmission facilities.

https://8tharmy.korea.army.mil/1sig/

35TH AIR DEFENSE ARTILLERY BRIGADE

The 35th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, headquartered at Osan Air Base, stands "Ready In Defense" of Commander UNC/CFC designated assets. 35th ADA Brigade employs the Patriot and the Avenger Air and Missile Defense Systems. The Brigade has units located in Camp Casey, Suwon, Osan, Kunsan and Gwangju.

https://8tharmy.korea.army.mil/35ada/

65TH MEDICAL BRIGADE

The 65th Medical Brigade's primary mission is to serve as the strategic link to the CONUS medical base and plan/coordinate U.S. Army medical support at the operational and tactical levels through the early stages of conflict. The secondary mission is to provide theater level command and control of assigned and attached medical units conducting combat health support within the Korean theater.

https://8tharmy.korea.army.mil/65thmedbde/

501ST MILITARY INTELLIGENCE BRIGADE

The 501st MI Brigade is subordinate to the U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command and provides intelligence and security support to headquarters, Eighth Army. The brigade’s mission is to provide combat information and multi-discipline intelligence to joint and combined warfighters. It is comprised of the brigade staff elements and four battalions with remote elements throughout Korea.

https://8tharmy.korea.army.mil/501mi/

2501ST DIGITAL LIAISON DETACHMENT

2501st Digital Liaison Detachment is headquartered at Camp Yongin. 2501st DLD integrates Joint Force and Eighth Army ARFOR-K responsibilities while embedded in the Republic of Korea’s Ground Operations Command (ROK four-star HQs that transitions to the Combined Ground Component Command (CGCC) under Combined Forces Command (CFC) during contingency). During daily operations, 2501st DLD facilitates interoperability, integration, and synchronization between GOC, US Forces – Korea and Eighth Army to ensure mutual understanding and unity of action in armistice and contingency operations. 2501st DLD is a vital partner to the Combined Ground Component Command’s leadership and staff providing an unmatched level of expertise and proficiency in each warfighting function while achieving the highest standards in the training and care of Soldiers, KATUSAs, Civilians, and their Families.

2502ND DIGITAL LIAISON DETACHMENT

The 2502nd DLD is headquartered at Camp Henry, Daegu, with the majority of its personnel operating at the Headquarters of 2nd Operational Command (2OC) in Daegu. Their mission is to provide liaison, coordination, and synchronization with 2OC, USFK, and 8A, including their subordinate headquarters. This allows for mutual understanding and unity of effort in the Combined Rear Area during armistice, crisis, and contingency operations.

3RD BATTLEFIELD COORDINATION DETACHMENT

The 3rd Battlefield Coordination Detachment, headquartered at Osan Air Base, represents the Commander, Ground Component Command and the Commander, US Army Forces to the Commander, Air Component Command in the Korean Air Operations Center in order to synchronize air power with the Army’s scheme of fires and maneuver within the Korean Theater of Operations. 3rd BCD also provides direct support to the two Fighter Wings in the KTO through detachments located at Osan and Kunsan.

https://8tharmy.korea.army.mil/3bcd/

UNC SECURITY BATTALION-JOINT SECURITY AREA

The UNC Security Battalion-Joint Security Area is composed of both ROK and U.S. military personnel. The unit's mission includes providing security in the JSA, manning Observation Post Ouellette in the Demilitarized Zone and running the Panmunjom tour program. The unit is also responsible for the security and civil affairs of Tae Song Dong, the only Korean village within the Demilitarized Zone.

https://8tharmy.korea.army.mil/uncsb/

KOREA FIELD OFFICE

The Korea Field Office supports commanders extending from the International Date Line to the Indian sub-continent by conducting Army, Joint and Combined criminal investigations of serious, sensitive or special interest matters, and criminal intelligence, logistics security, counter-drug, anti-terrorism, force protection and protective services operations in support of U.S. Forces Korea, Eighth Army and U.S. Army Japan.

EIGHTH ARMY NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICERS ACADEMY

To provide quality training to prospective and newly promoted Sergeants in basic leadership skills, NCO duties, responsibility and authority as per the program of instruction for the Basic Leader Course; to receive, train and integrate newly assigned Republic of Korea Army soldiers to serve as Korean Augmentation Troops to the U.S. Army (KATUSA) as per the program of instruction of the KATUSA Training Academy; and to train U.S. Army and DA Civilian leaders to present quality instruction in a training session as per the program of instruction for the Foundation Instructor Facilitator Course.

https://8tharmy.korea.army.mil/NCOA/

EIGHTH ARMY BAND

The Eighth Army Band is assigned to the Korean Peninsula to provide music in support of the thousands of service members of Eighth Army, United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command, and United States Forces Korea. The Band frequently leaves its home base to travel throughout the Korean peninsula and Asia, serving as musical ambassadors to the people of the region on behalf of the U.S. Army and the United States.

https://8tharmy.korea.army.mil/site/about/eighth-army-band.asp

HEADQUARTERS AND HEADQUARTERS BATTALION, EIGHTH ARMY

Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, Eighth Army provides administrative and logistical support to the Eighth Army Headquarters in order to enable the effective mission command of the Eighth Army Commander and Staff. The Battalion consists of four subordinate companies: Headquarters Support Company, Operations Company, Intelligence and Sustainment Company and the Eighth Army Band.

https://8tharmy.korea.army.mil/EighthArmyHHB/

ARMY SPECIAL OPERATIONS FORCES LIAISON ELEMENT-KOREA (ALE-K)

The ALE-K is a forward deployed logistics planning and coordination element for U.S. Army Special Operations Support Command, Fort Bragg, NC. The ALE-K ensures logistic support is planned and executed for U.S. Army Special Operations Forces deploying into the Korean Theater of Operations. The ALE-K is headquartered at Camp Coiner, Seoul.

TRAINING SUPPORT ACTIVITY KOREA

The Training Support Activity Korea headquarters is located on Camp Coiner and TSAK is under Eighth Army G-37 Training Readiness Exercise Division. TSAK's mission is to provide Eighth Army and its subordinate units the full spectrum of Training Support System Enablers. TSAK, on order, establishes a Deployable Operations Group that provides TSS to units conducting Reception, Staging, Onward Movement and Integration and as directed conducts other TSS missions in support of the USARPAC Theater Engagement Strategy.

Organization - Hangul [PDF - 139.3 KB]
History

Eighth Army was officially activated at Memphis, Tennessee, on June 10, 1944 and soon thereafter, it deployed to the Southwest Pacific. Under the command of LTG Robert L. Eichelberger, Eighth Army methodically eliminated the last fanatical enemy resistance remaining on New Guinea and New Britain. From December 26, 1944 until August 15, 1945, Eighth Army was actively engaged in the reconquest of the Philippines – the largest joint campaign of the War in the Pacific. Collectively, the five “Victor” operations launched by Eighth Army would result in the liberation of the southern and central portions of the Philippine Archipelago – fully two-thirds of the land area of the Philippines. From February 19, to April 3, 1945, Eighth Army units (ranging from company-size teams to division-level task forces) conducted fourteen major amphibious assaults and twenty-four minor landings. During this 44-day period, Eighth Army averaged an assault landing every day and a half. Subsequently, it earned the nickname “Amphibious Eighth” – alluding to its participation in more than sixty amphibious assaults during World War II.

While combat operations were still on-going in the Philippines, Eighth Army simultaneously began preparations for Operation Downfall – the invasion of Japan. However, with the sudden surrender of the Japanese Empire on August 15, 1945, Eighth Army’s mission transitioned from one of conquest to one of occupation and it was the “Amphibious Eighth” that led the Army of Occupation into Japan. On December 31, 1945, Sixth Army was relieved of occupation duties and Eighth Army assumed an expanded role in the occupation, which encompassed the formidable tasks of disarmament, demilitarization, and democratization. These missions were flawlessly executed at the operational level by Eighth Army and it was the military occupation of Japan that ensured the economic recovery and political democratization of that island nation. With the outbreak of hostilities in Korea on June 25, 1950, Eighth Army would face another major challenge.

Due to the tactical situation that existed during the first six weeks of the Korean War, Republic of Korea and US ground forces were compelled to conduct an economy of force mission. Inherently risky and difficult to execute under the best of circumstances, a series of delays and withdrawals defined the ROK-US effort in the early stages of the Korean War. Running out of space to trade for time, Lieutenant General Walton H. Walker (Commanding General, Eighth Army) ordered his command to withdraw behind the Naktong River and establish a defensive posture oriented on terrain retention. On August 1, 1950, a defensive perimeter (labeled by journalists as the “Pusan Perimeter”) was organized. The successful defense of the Pusan Perimeter represented a defining moment in the Korean War; it set the stage for the UN Offensive.

The breakout from the Pusan Perimeter, in concert with the amphibious assault at Inchon on September 15, 1950, resulted in the collapse of the entire North Korean People’s Army. For all practical purposes, the NKPA had been defeated and any hope of continuing the war with North Korean forces alone was a concept wholly without merit. By October 1, 1950, Eighth Army reached the 38th parallel and on October 9, it began its main advance across this border – spearheaded by the 1st Cavalry Division and the 1st ROK Division. On October 19, these two divisions captured the North Korean capital of Pyongyang and on November 24, 1950, Eighth Army began its so-called “end-of-the-war offensive.” Final victory seemed imminent, but the situation would change with devastating suddenness.

On November 25, the full-scale intervention of the Chinese People’s Volunteer Army changed the entire complexity of the war and forced Eighth Army and X Corps (which were operating independently of each other at that time) to transition to the defense. With the advantage of surprise and numerical superiority, the CPVA launched multiple synchronized attacks that ultimately expelled friendly forces from North Korea and on January 4, 1951, Seoul would change hands for the third time within a six-month period. Before it could organize an effective line of defense, Eighth Army had withdrawn a total of 275 miles (which qualifies as the longest retreat in US military history). Subsequently, the “myth of the millions of Chinese in Korea” was widely circulated among the rank and file and rumors of vacating the peninsula were rampant.

By mid-January 1951, Eighth Army (now under the command of Lieutenant General Matthew B. Ridgway) launched a series of highly successful limited objective attacks. With emphasis on lateral security, these operations were “force oriented” as opposed to “terrain oriented.” Any ground that was taken was incidental to closing with and destroying the enemy. On March 15, 1951, Seoul was recaptured for the fourth and last time during the course of the war. By the end of the month, Eighth Army reached the 38th parallel and three weeks later, established strong defensive positions twenty miles beyond (in most sectors of the main line of resistance). By the spring of 1951, both opposing forces had concluded that the issue of achieving a decisive military victory was no longer a viable option as neither side wanted to expand the scope and scale of the conflict.

However, the Chinese Communists were determined to launch one last major effort to capture Seoul. Once this was achieved, they would advocate a cease-fire. With the capital of South Korea in their hands, the Communists would be in an enviable position to negotiate an armistice favorable to their own terms. The Fifth Phase Chinese Offensive (April 22 - July 8, 1951) qualified as the largest ground action of the Korean War. During this two-phased campaign, the Chinese People’s Volunteer Army failed miserably to achieve its primary objective and sustained catastrophic losses in the process. By the summer of 1951, the situation on the ground had developed into a holding action. Thus, it seemed mutually advantageous for the belligerents to initiate negotiations and to transfer a stalemated military situation to the conference table.

The history of the Korean War truce talks began on July 10, 1951 and after two years of intricate, verbose and exasperating dialogue, an armistice was finally consummated on July 27, 1953 – formally suspending full-scale hostilities on the peninsula. As the post-Armistice period began, Eighth Army assisted the Republic of Korea in relief and rehabilitation efforts and it continues to play a significant role in the common defense of South Korea. Today, there is no evidence to suggest that North Korea has abandoned its option of unifying the peninsula by force of arms.

To enhance and sustain mission accomplishment, the force structure of Eighth Army has transformed multiple times since its establishment. During World War II, it fought in the Pacific Theater of Operations as a field army. In the immediate post-World War II era, Eighth Army served in Japan as an Army of Occupation. During the Korea War, Eighth army served as both a field army and theater army and throughout the preponderance of the Cold War, it remained primarily a theater army. On November 20, 1954, it was merged with US Army Forces Far East (AFFE) as the major Army command in the region. On July 1, 1957, AFFE was discontinued and United States Forces Korea was officially activated; thus, Eighth Army was consolidated with USFK and the United Nations Command with headquarters in Seoul. This tri-command headquarters was commanded by General George H. Decker.

On November 7, 1978, General John W. Vessey, Jr. assumed command of the newly established ROK-US Combined Forces Command, while serving concurrently as the Commander of UNC and USFK and as the Commanding General, Eighth Army. On 1 December 1992, Eighth Army reverted to a three-star command billet and was separated from UNC/USFK/CFC. On March 13, 1998, Eighth Army was designated as the Army Service Component Command for USFK. This status was discontinued on January 23, 2012 when Eighth Army was redesignated as an operational-level Field Army Headquarters. Eighth Army relocated its headquarters from Yongsan to Camp Humphreys in the summer of 2017.

History - Hangul [PDF - 270.3 KB]
Policy Letters
- POLICY LETTER NO.01 Operating Guidance [PDF - 114.6 KB]
- POLICY LETTER NO.02 Open Door Policy [PDF - 126.2 KB]
- POLICY LETTER No.03, Eighth Army Harassment Prevention and Response Program [PDF - 219 KB]
- POLICY LETTER No.04, Military Equal Opportunity (MEO) Harassment Prevention and Response [PDF - 189.8 KB]
- POLICY LETTER NO.05 Military Equal Opportunity, and Harassment 24 Hour Hotline [PDF - 152.1 KB]
- POLICY LETTER NO.06 Rights of Soldiers to Present Complaints or Requests for Assistance from the Ins [PDF - 162.7 KB]
- POLICY LETTER NO.07 Rights of Civilians to Present Complaints or Request Assistance from the Inspect [PDF - 809.5 KB]
- POLICY LETTER NO.08 Equal Employment Opportunity Discrimination Complaint Process [PDF - 31.5KB]
- POLICY LETTER NO.09 Single Enlisted Soldiers' Living Standards for the Barracks [PDF - 360.2 KB]
- POLICY LETTER NO.10 Prevention of Unlawful Harassment in the Workplace [PDF - 36.6 KB]
- POLICY LETTER NO.11 Value of Life Army Health and Wellbeing Promotion Ready and Resiliency, Risk Red [PDF - 336.7 KB]
- POLICY LETTER NO.12 Sexual Harassment Assault Response and Prevention Program [PDF - 428 KB]
- POLICY LETTER NO.13 Army Substance Abuse Program (ASAP) Policy [PDF - 238.1 KB]
- POLICY LETTER NO.14 Command Sponsorship Program [PDF - 249.7 KB]
KATUSA Soldier Program

History

The Korean Augmentation to the United States Army (KATUSA) Soldier Program was initiated on 15 July 1950 by an informal agreement between the Honorable Syngman Rhee, President of the ROK, and General of the Army Douglas MacArthur, Commander in Chief, United Nations Command (UNC). The concept of this program originally was to augment the U.S. fighting forces just after the outbreak of the Korean War. After the armistice, KATUSA Soldiers remained with Army in Korea units to receive training that was not readily available in the ROKA and to enhance Army in Korea's mission capability. The KATUSA Soldier Program has been a continuous one since 1950 with only periodic strength adjustments dictated by requirements. Originally, KATUSA Soldiers were returned to the ROKA after serving with the U.S. Army. Since 1968, however, KATUSA Soldiers remain with the U.S. Army until their service commitments are completed. The ROKA Support Group was established on 11 May 1965 at the request of the Commander, Eighth Army, as a ROKA officer liaison group to administer the KATUSA Soldier program. Its name was changed from ROKA Liaison Group to ROKA Support Group in November 1986. On 1 November 1997, the ROKA Support Group was reorganized as a unit directly under Headquarter (HQ), ROKA G2/G3, and was later reorganized on 1 December 2009 directly under HQ, ROK Army’s Personnel Command.

The Mission and Importance of the KATUSA Soldier Program

The mission of the KATUSA Soldier Program is to augment Army in Korea with ROK Army Soldiers in order to increase the ROK/U.S. combined defense capability on the Korean peninsula. The KATUSA Soldier Program is significant not only because of the military manpower and monetary savings that it provides to the U.S. Army, but also because it represents ROK/U.S. cooperation and the combined commitment to deter war. The KATUSA Soldier Program is also symbolic of ROK/U.S. friendship and mutual support.

Responsibilities to the KATUSA Soldier Program

All theater U.S. Army and ROKA personnel have an inherent responsibility to ensure the success of the KATUSA Soldier Program by observing and implementing the policies and procedures contained in Army in Korea Reg 600-2. All personnel, U.S. Army or ROKA, are strongly encouraged to submit suggestions and recommendations that may improve the KATUSA Soldier Program.

Eighth Army is proud of our mission, our people and our Alliance. At the links below, you'll find the latest products used to tell the Eighth Army story. For media queries, please contact the Eighth Army Public Affairs Office.

Announcements

[February 25, 2025] USFK Adjusts Tour Length Policy to Enhance Stability and Readiness in the Republic of Korea

[February 11, 2025] ROK JCS and U.S. Joint Staff conduct Opening Gambit TTX

[December 4, 2024] Guidance for the Force

Press Release

[May 16, 2025] Eighth Army Recognizes Heroic Act by Soldier's Spouse Who Rescued Teen in River Emergency (English)

[May 16, 2025] Eighth Army Recognizes Heroic Act by Soldier's Spouse Who Rescued Teen in River Emergency (Korean)

[MAY 15, 2025] Eight Army leaders join Pacific Land Forces chiefs, stakeholders at LANPAC25 in Hawaii (English)

[MAY 15, 2025] Eight Army leaders join Pacific Land Forces chiefs, stakeholders at LANPAC25 in Hawaii (Korean)

[April 28, 2025] Pacific Land Forces Convene at LANPAC25 to Address Indo-Pacific Security (English)

[April 16, 2025] LaNeve relinquishes command of Eighth Army to take role at Pentagon (Korean)

[April 16, 2025] LaNeve relinquishes command of Eighth Army to take role at Pentagon (English)

[March 20, 2025] Freedom Shield 25 successfully concludes (English)

[March 10, 2025] Eighth Army begins annual exercise Freedom Shield 2025 (English)

[March 10, 2025] Eighth Army begins annual exercise Freedom Shield 2025 (Korean)

Leadership

Acting Commander, Eighth Army

Brigadier General Sean Crockett

OFFICIAL BIOGRAPHY
Command Sergeant Major, Eighth Army

Command Sergeant Major Robin M. Bolmer

OFFICIAL BIOGRAPHY
Deputy Commanding General - Sustainment, Eighth Army

Brigadier General Roderick F. Laughman

OFFICIAL BIOGRAPHY
Deputy Commanding General - ROK, Eighth Army

Brigadier General Lee, Sang Min

OFFICIAL BIOGRAPHY

The strength of our nation is our Army. The strength of our Army is our Soldiers. The strength of our Soldiers is in our families. Taking care of our Soldiers, Families, and Civilians is an enduring Army priority.

Families

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 toward a future that ensures we are postured to continue our enduring legacy of service in the Republic of Korea. Eighth Army has undergone the most sweeping transformation in our organization’s history to consolidate the bulk of our operations at two enduring hubs south of Seoul.

An investment of approximately $10.7 billion has expanded U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys near Pyeongtaek from 1,200 to over 3,500 acres. Soldiers, Civilians and Families stationed here now live and work in one of the Army’s flagship garrison communities with access to a wide array of services and amenities.

Further south, U.S. Army Garrison Daegu has the largest footprint in Korea, encompassing almost half of the country. USAG Daegu manages base operations on six U.S. Army installations and 11 sites in Area IV, stretching from Daejeon to Busan. As an enduring hub on the peninsula, USAG Daegu also provides support to the U.S. Navy at Fleet Activities Jinhae and the U.S. Marine Corps at Camp Mujuk in Pohang.

North of Seoul, Camp Casey remains as the Army’s main garrison close to the Demilitarized Zone. Soldiers assigned there are unaccompanied and the post mainly supports U.S. Army combat brigades on rotation from the continental United States. The camp has the normal variety of garrison facilities and amenities, and is located in Dongducheon city, which is about a 45-minute drive to Seoul. A train ride is about one hour.

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. The 2nd Infantry Division/ROK-U.S. Combined Division is the core ground force 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.

With one of the Army’s premier garrison environments and a vibrant cultural experience just outside the gate, South Korea is 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 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.

Pacific Victors!
Family Member Employment Opportunities
Welcome to Eighth Army!

Our goal is to provide some resources to family members who consider employment opportunities while living in Korea.

There are several different avenues of employment throughout Korea. These include Appropriate (APF) and Non-Appropriate (NAF) funded federal positions, invited contractor positions, Korean National positions, and other employment opportunities in the local economy.

Military Spouse Preference

You are eligible for this hiring category if you are a spouse of active members of the Military Services (including the U.S. Coast Guard and full-time Reserve or National Guard) when you apply for all positions in the commuting area of the new duty station being filled under competitive procedures within the Department of Defense (DoD).

NOTE:

Preference can be granted only once per Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move. Preference terminates when you accept OR decline a continuing permanent position without the time limitation. You must physically be at the foreign post to receive preference or 30 days prior to the report date for overseas assignment.

Required Documents:
- Copy of the sponsor’s PCS orders
- Current application or resume
- Proof of relationship if not listed on orders
Military Spouse Preference

You are eligible for this hiring category if you are a spouse, domestic partner or unmarried dependent child younger than 23 who:
- Lives with a sponsor, who is a active duty member of the U.S. Armed Forces or U.S. civilian employees of U.S. Government agencies assigned in Korea and;
- Has not accepted or declined a permanent position or a temporary position of more than one year or longer within the same commuting area of your sponsor’s new permanent duty station.
Family members with non-US citizenship who meet the requirement above may search and apply for available Korean Local National positions in accordance with USFK Reg 690-1.

Family Preference does NOT apply to:
- Employment with the Defense Intelligence Components. DoDI 1400.25-V1232, January 5, 2011
- Full performance level positions covered by mandatory mobility agreements.
- Employment of educators by the DoD Education Activity.
- Family members of locally hired Federal civilian employees.
- Family members of Korean national employees.
- DoD positions in foreign areas for which appointing authority is held by non-DoD agencies.
Required Supporting Documents for preference:
- Copy of the sponsor’s permanent change of station(PCS) orders with effective date of the PCS
- Proof of relationship if not listed on orders (i.e., Marriage license, birth cert etc.)
Veterans Preference

Special consideration is given to qualified veterans, known as Veterans’ Preference, not all veterans are entitled to it. Veterans’ preference eligibility can be based on dates of active duty service, receipt of a campaign badge, receipt of a Purple Heart, or a service-connected disability. Veterans Preference does not guarantee a job.

Special Hiring Authorities:
- Veterans’ Recruitment Appointment (VRA): An excepted authority that allows to non-competitively appoint an eligible veteran at any grade level up to a GS-11 or equivalent. Disabled veterans; or active duty during war or campaign or expedition which campaign medal was awarded; or active duty servicing in a US military operation that an Armed Forces Service Medal was awarded; or veterans separated from active duty within past 3 years AND separation under honorable conditions.
- 30% or More Disable Veteran: An authority that allow to non-competitively appoint any veteran with a 30% or more service-connected disability.
- Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA): An authority to allow veterans to compete under merit promotion procedures in competitive service. Preference eligible or veteran separated from the armed forces after 3 or more years of continuous active service AND under honorable conditions.
Vet Guide is available at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/veterans-services/vet-guide-for-hr-professionals.

Veterans Employment Information is available at https://www.fedshirevets.gov.
Employment Opportunities
Army Appropriated Funded Federal Jobs

Civilian Human Resources Agency (CHRA) - https://portal.chra.army.mil/hr_public

The Civilian Human Resources Agency (CHRA) is the organization in the Department of the Army responsible for managing all aspects of the human resources life-cycle-from recruiting to retirement.

Area III CPAC:
- Servicing Civilian personnel matters in Camp Casey, Yongsan, Camp Humphreys
- Servicing Civilian personnel matters in MEDDAC, DeCA and FED positions for all of Korea
- Camp Humphreys, Bldg P6420 2nd Floor RM 204, DSN: 315-757-2007
Area IV CPAC :
- Servicing Civilian personnel matters in Camp Henry, Camp Walker, Camp Carroll and Pusan.
- Camp Henry, Bldg 1621, DSN: 315-763-4290
USAJOBS - www.usajobs.gov :
- USAJOBS connects job seekers with federal employment opportunities across the United States and around the world. All positions with the “Department of the Army” are advertised through USAJOBS.
- Check USAJOBS Help Center page to learn helpful features and frequently Asked Questions: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/
DODEA / Air Force / Navy/ Federal positions

Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) - https://www.dodea.edu/Offices/HR/index.cfm
- Staff Vacancies: Visit the USAJobs.gov website to search all available DoDEA vacancies, not including teaching positions.
- Teaching Vacancies: Review DoDEA's Application Requirements and then submit your application thru DoDEA's Employee Application System. Please contact CHRA at Rock Island, IL at usarmy.ria.chra-nc.mbx.dodea-eas-applicant-inquiries@army.mil for all questions and inquiry for application process.
AIR FORCE- https://afciviliancareers.com/careers/

Visit the USAJobs.gov website to search all available Air Force vacancies.

AIR FORCE (Osan) Civilian Personnel Office: Bldg. 936, DSN: 315-784-6862

NAVY- https://www.secnav.navy.mil/donhr/Pages/Default.aspx

Visit the USAJobs.gov website to search all available Navy vacancies.

Navy (Chinhae) Civilian Personnel POC: DSN: 315-763-5316

SECO (Spouse Education & Career Opportunities)

The Spouse Education and Career Opportunities program provides expert education and career guidance to military spouses worldwide. For more information, visit https://myseco.militaryonesource.mil

Nonappropriated Fund (NAF) Employment

NAF positions include a variety of occupations paid from funds generated from sales, fees, and charges to authorized patrons. NAF employees play an important role in providing MWR services to military personnel and their family members. Army clubs, guest houses, child care centers, craft shops, bowling centers, swimming pools, gymnasiums, and many other NAF activities employ a considerable number of employees at most Army installations and contribute to the overall quality of life. This category comprises U.S. civilians; foreign nationals, usually from the local labor market; and enlisted service personnel working part-time during off-duty hours. All compete for employment on the basis of merit.

NAF positions include Human Resource Management, Physical Fitness, Child Development, Trades and Crafts, Food and Beverage Management, Golf and Bowling, Recreation, Hotels and Lodging, as well as a variety of clerical and administrative jobs. NAF positions are worldwide and provide vital support to our Soldiers, their Families and our Civilian employees.
- Army NAF Vacancy Announcements: http://www.usajobs.gov
- Air Force NAF Vacancy Announcements: http://www.usajobs.gov
- Navy NAF Vacancy Announcements: https://www.navymwr.org/careers
- AAFES Vacancy Announcements: http://caution-www.applymyexchange.com
- DHL NAF Vacancy Announcements: http://www.usajobs.gov
Currently all Army Nonappropriated Fund Vacancy Announcements are located on the USAJobs website located at: http://www.usajobs.gov
- If you are interested in applying…simply type South Korea into the “Location” box on the top right side of the USA Jobs homepage.
- If you are interested in specific vacancy announcements you may type Job Title, Agency, Series, or Occupation into the “Keywords” box or add more filters from the list of filters on the right-hand side.
- Each vacancy announcement will provide information on Position Title, Occupational Series, Grade, Location, Salary, etc.
Helpful Hints: Please ensure that if you are Military Spouse Preference (MSP) eligible you attach a copy of your Sponsor’s Orders.

Military Spouse Preference is defined as the wife or husband of an active duty military member of the Armed Forces. For purposes of this preference, the marriage must have occurred prior to the service members’ relocation to the new duty station. By law, qualified MSP applicants are placed at the top of the Referral List.

If you are a Current or Former NAF Employee, you should attach a copy of your DA 3434.

If you are a Veteran, you should attach a copy of your DD214, copy 4.

Both US Citizens and Non-citizens may apply for NAF vacancies.

NAF uses the E-Verify system to ensure all new hires are eligible to work in the US.

Are you a Former Army NAF Employee?

Was your resignation date within the last 3 years?

If you answered yes to both of these then you may be eligible for a non-competitive reinstatement into the same or equivalent position in the same grade or lower.

You would need: Resume or DA Form 3433, DA Form 3434, additional documentation to meet qualification requirements (HS Diploma, college transcript, certifications, etc.)

Contact your local CPAC or HRO Office.

Army AND AIRFORCE EXCHANGE SERVICE (AAFES)

Family members who are interested in available opportunities working with AAFES can go to the following website: www.ApplyMyExchange.com

Spouse preference offered to new applicants

Associate Transfer Program: The Exchange can help military spouses retain employment when they transition from one location to another when they PCS with a military family member. This is called the Associate Transfer program (subject to eligibility criteria). Contact the local HRO for additional information at KoreaHR@aafes.com or by phone #: 031-647-7000 (x6).

USFK Invited Contractor Employment

Invited Contractor (IC) status shall be governed by the U.S.-ROK Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) as implemented by United States Forces Korea (USFK) Reg 700-19 in order to legally work in the Republic of Korea (ROK).

USFK Regulation 700-19 contains the policies and procedures pertaining to invited contractors and describes authorized privileges and exemptions.

For forms, documents, guidance and regulations, please access the FKAQ 700-19 Tool Kit at https://www.usfk.mil/About/USFK/Organization/Special-Staff/Acquisition-Management/

For more contracted companies, please see the Job Links.

Applying for Korean National Designated Positions

USFK employs Korean Nationals (KN) in support of our mission in Korea. Their employment program is governed by USFK Reg 690-1. This regulation allows for family members (US, and third country national) to apply for external vacancy announcements under this system for positions that are not designated as Mission Essential Civilian (MEC).

If a KN position is announced both for internal applicants and external applicants and there are no qualified internal KN candidates, family member candidates will be considered before external KN applicants are considered.
- Current KN employees are in priority group 5.
- Military spouses and family members are in priority group 7.
- External KN applicants are in priority group 9.
Family members can check the following websites to look for vacancy announcements and apply for positions:
- Army KN Positions: https://portal.chra.army.mil/hr_public
- Air Force KN Positions: https://www.51fss.com/employment
- Navy KN Positions: https://www.cnic.navy.mil/regions/cnrj/om/
- Marine KN Positions: https://mcipac.usmc.afpims.mil/Staff-and-Sections/Special-Staff/Civilian-Human-Resources-Office/Korean-National-Information/
- Dragon Hill Lodge KN Positions: https://www.dragonhilllodge.com/about-dragon-hill-lodge/employment
- AAFES KN Positions: DSN 756-8500 (Option 6)/ Commercial 031 647 7000 (Option 6)
- DODEA KN Positions: (Through Air Force)
- DOD Community Bank: https://www.dodcommunitybank.com/home/careers
Outside Employment

The Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) underwent significant changes as part of extensive negotiations between the United States and the Republic of Korea (ROK). The SOFA changes went into effect on 2 April 2001, and include a one-page Memorandum of Understanding regarding preferential hiring of Koreans and employment of family members (hereinafter Memorandum of Understand (MOU) dated 18 January 2001.

There are Eight Employment Related Visa Categories: The MOU states that "any of the eight employment status categories (E-1 through E-8) may be available" to USFK family members "as long as they meet employment requirements for a position stipulated by Korean Immigration Law."
- E-1 Teaching (Professor): This is for professors of higher education. Requirements include education and experience as a professor of higher education.
- E-2 Foreign Language Instructor: This category includes English teachers. Requirements include a bachelor's degree and/or relevant college level educational and/or work experience. Individuals applying for the is permit must also be natives of a country where the language they wish to teach is the mother tongue. Proof must be provided of relevant qualifications. The ROK government recently imposed additional requirements including criminal record check by FBI or home state police, health certificate issued by a Korean public health office, and fingerprints.
- E-3 Research: This category includes those performing research in the natural sciences or in the development of industry and technology. Requirements include an invitation from a Korean public or private institution to perform work of this nature.
- E-4 Technology Instruction: A person possessing professional level knowledge in the natural sciences, or special technical skills. Requirements include an invitation from a Korean public or private institution to instruction of this nature.
- E-5 Professional Occupation: This category includes foreign attorneys, accountants, and doctors who are certified in a foreign country and are authorized under Korean law to practice in their field in Korea.
- E-6 Arts and Performance: This category includes those engaged in music, the arts, literature, modeling, or other performance activities for profit.
- E-7 Special Occupations: Include such employment as designated by the Minister of Justice, including work in translation, interpretation, cultural research, etc.
- E-8 Employed Trainee: Temporary employment for industrial training purposes.
How to Get an Employment Visa: A-3 visa holders may negotiate terms of employment with a Korean company. The employer can then initiate the paperwork with the Korean Immigration Service to obtain an employment permit for the SOFA family member, SOFA family members will likely have to visit a local Immigration office and obtain an employment permit stamp on their passports. SOFA family members with a ROK employment permit can be lawfully employed on the Korean economy.

Virtual Employment for a CONUS Company

Remote work, or telework, by SOFA dependents is both permissible and normally nontaxable IAW the US-ROK SOFA. Dependents who are permitted to telework back to their Private sector companies located in CONUS do not trigger SOFA visa issues.

SOFA Article XIV, Taxation, paragraph 2 states: "Persons in the Republic of Korea solely by reason of being members of the United States armed forces, the civilian component, or their dependents shall not be liable to pay any Korean taxes to the Government of the Republic of Korea or to any taxing agency in the Republic of Korea on income derived from sources outside of the Republic of Korea"

Additionally, according to the SOFA, SOFA members are not considered as permanent residents of the ROK. Therefore, SOFA family members providing services remotely, from Korea to employers in the U.S., are not liable to pay any Korean taxes as their earned incomes are from sources outside the ROK.

Any income from the employment on the local economy is subject to Korean taxation.

Personal Contract Jobs

Local and Worldwide Contractor Recruiter List: The Army Community Service (ACS) division maintains this listing. It includes local and world-wide contractors that are not listed on usajobs.gov.

The list is maintained weekly and is distributed through the Digital Employment Readiness Job List Data Base. Names are added to the list by request only.

Those seeking employment opportunities can be added to the list by contacting Mr. Eric Burton at: eric.d.burton.civ@army.mil

Please visit the Family and MWR Employment website to find out additional information and opportunities at https://humphreys.armymwr.com/employment

Employment opportunities through Army Community Services (ACS)

USAJOBS website: This is the primary source that list all federal employment opportunities worldwide at usajobs.gov.

Employment Readiness Job Data Base List: Sent out weekly to 600+ employment seekers (primarily to military spouses). Distributed to Employment Readiness clients that have requested service through the ACS Employment Program. Those seeking employment opportunities can be added upon request.

Military Spouse Initiative Program (MSIP): This program is for spouses who currently do not have a permanent position in the Far East Region. Spouses can meet one-on-one with a local POC to review their qualifications and receive feedback and guidance as needed. Military Spouses that are interested must email their resumes directly to (usarmy.humphreys.chra-fe.list.military-spousehiring@army.mil)

Home Based Business (HBB): The Employment Readiness Program conducts two reoccurring monthly Home Based Business seminars in a class-room or virtual setting. Spouses must complete required training with an approved HBB application. Spouses must visit the ACS front desk to complete registration.

Military Spouse Employment Partners (MSEP): MSEP creates employment connections providing companies with direct access to military spouses seeking career opportunities. Spouses also have direct access to actively recruiting employers (https://msepjobs.militaryonesource.mil/msep/)

Army Career Development Program

Army Career Development Program (ACDP) (formally Army Civilian Training, Education, and Development System (ACTEDS)):

A requirements-based program that ensures planned development of civilian members of the force through a blending of progressive and sequential work assignments, formal training, and self-development for individuals as they progress from entry level to key positions. The ACDP is a 2-year, HQDA centrally funded program available to all career program areas. Career Programs will be expected to utilize Direct Hire Authorities (DHA) to minimize time to hire and improve candidate quality: https://www.army.mil/article/231943/

Pathways Recent Graduate Program:

Provides developmental experiences in the Federal Government. It is intended to promote possible careers in the civilian service to individuals who, within the previous 2 years, graduated from a qualifying educational institutions with an associate’s bachelor’s, master’s, professional, doctorate, vocational or technical degree or certificate: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-information/students-recent-graduates/#url=intern

Volunteer Opportunities through Army community service (ACS)

Registration: Spouses wishing to volunteer may register at the Army Family Web Portal at: armyfamilywebportal.com

Can search volunteer opportunities from the same Web Portal by going to the Volunteer Management Information System (VMIS) link.

Once the volunteer has found a volunteer position, there will be a POC on the position announcement. The volunteer should contact the POC of the org directly for information on the volunteer opportunity.

Summer Hire Program

The Summer Hire Program is designed to provide young people an opportunity to gain meaningful job experience, prepare for future educational and career goals, and support the Army mission.

The program will provide jobs in general clerical and light labor work to U.S. family member dependents ages 14-22.
- Labor: may include working indoors/outdoors, light to moderate lifting, yard work, etc.
- Clerical: may include typing, computer work, filing, receptionist work, customer service and answering telephones.
Applicants for summer hire positions must be unmarried family members of active-duty service members, Department of Defense civilian employees or non-appropriated fund (Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation or Army and Air Force Exchange Service) civilian.

Persons under the age of 18 will not be employed as caregiving personnel at childcare, school-age, or youth centers. Persons aged 16 years and older may be assigned to these programs to perform clerical or labor duties. Supervisors will provide line-of-sight supervision according to DOD Instruction 1402.5 and AR 608-10.

Applicants must submit online application through USAjobs: https://www.usajobs.gov
Employment Resources
Tutorials And Tips on Applications, Resumes, and Interviews

The following links have tips and tutorials and tips on the application process for federal employment:

More information can be found at https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/

The following are tutorials and tips on applications, resumes, and interviews (Video):
Did You Know?

Did You Know? USA jobs has a search function that can automatically notify you by email of jobs in your area of interest? Save a Search (and set up email notifications)

Local Job Fairs Information

Local USFK communities regularly host post sponsored job fairs which enable employment opportunities to happen on the spot in some cases.

Employers at these job fairs normally represent a multitude of different industries and specialties. Common employers include: US Army Civilian Employment, DOD Civilian employment, NAF Employment, AAFES, Community Bank, DeCA, DODEA, Invited Contractors, local MSEP vendors.

There are normally no registration requirements and the event is free.

Participation is normally limited to CAC cardholders only.

Contact your local ACS for more information on any scheduled job fair events.
- Area I/II/III: Mr. Eric Burton at: eric.d.burton.civ@army.mil.
- Area IV: Camp Walker ACS Room 211, BLDG 330 & DSN 763-4426
- https://daegu.armymwr.com/programs/army-community-service/employment-readiness
- Osan: Airmen & Family Readiness Center - Bldg. 769, 784-5440
Job Links

Below is a listing of job links. They are divided by employment type for ease of navigation:

US Federal Jobs

Virtually all federal DOD jobs, including paid internships, are posted online through USAJobs.com. You can use USAJobs to upload your resume, browse open positions, and apply for jobs across the United States and overseas.

AAFES - www.ApplyMyExchange.com

Non-Appropriate (NAF) Jobs
- Area I/II/III/IV – The Area III CPAC facilitates hiring for Army NAF positions in these areas. Vacancies are announced through USAJobs.gov.
- Osan - https://afciviliancareers.com/careers/
- Korean National Recruitment System (KNRS) – All Korean National Positions for the Army (both NAF and AF) are announced through this automated website: https://portal.chra.army.mil/hr_public
Invited Contractor Jobs
- AECOM: https://aecom.jobs/
- BAE Systems: https://jobs.baesystems.com/global/en/home
- Booz Allen Hamilton: https://careers.boozallen.com/jobs/search
- Community Bank: https://www.dodcommunitybank.com/home/careers
- General Dynamics IT: https://www.gdit.com/careers/
- CACI International Inc: https://careers.caci.com/
- Northrop Grumman Technology: https://www.northropgrumman.com/careers/
- Jacobs: https://careers.jacobs.com/
- Barbaricum: https://jobs.lever.co/barbaricum
- CALIBRE Systems, Inc.: https://careers.calibresys.com/
- Magellan Healthcare, Inc.: https://careers.magellanhealth.com/
- Omega Work Travel, Inc.: https://us59.dayforcehcm.com/CandidatePortal/en-US/omega
- IRONBOW: https://ironbow.com/careers/
- PAE: https://pae.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/PAE_Careers
Noncombatant Evacuation Operations
NEO Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a Non Combatant Evacuation?

Non Combatant Evacuation is a standard U.S. response to hostilities and natural disasters which might endanger our citizens. One of the primary goals of NEO training is to ensure we can do this task successfully under real-world circumstances.

2. Who is my NEO Warden?

Each unit has a designated NEO Warden. Please contact your chain of command to find out who is your NEO Warden. NEO Wardens are available to update your NEO packets, demonstrate use of the ICAPS mask and answer any questions you might have about a potential evacuation.

3. Can NEO registration be completed on-line?

All potential evacuees must contact their NEO Warden to update their packets, information and items in their NEO kits. Contact your NEO warden today to ensure you are ready.

NOTE
- Your NH15 Escape Hood comes in a grey-colored package that is placed inside a black carrying case. You can open the black carrying case, but do not open the grey-colored package. Be sure to check the expiration date on the outside of the package to ensure its beyond your DEROS.
- The M52 mask comes in a brown cardboard box. The box must remain sealed. Ask your warden for M52 training opportunities.
For more information, click here (CAC-enabled)

Related Documents
- NEO 101 (English) [PDF - 712.1 KB]
- USFK PAM 600-300 [PDF - 1.1 MB]
- NEO 101 (Hangul) [PDF - 814.7 KB]
- M52 Quick Mask Training [PDF - 1.3 MB]
- NEO Binder [PDF - 1.4 MB]
- PET NEO [PDF - 312.1 KB]
- Self-filling NCE NEO Packet [PDF - 2.6 MB]
- American Red Cross Reunification Registration Form [PDF - 99.8 KB]
Related Links