The Overseas Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) is a non-taxable allowance designed to offset the higher overseas prices of non-housing goods and services. Overseas COLA is intended to equalize purchasing power so that Service members can purchase the same level of goods and services overseas as they could if they were stationed in CONUS. It is calculated by comparing the prices of goods and services overseas with average prices for equivalent goods and services in CONUS. The result of this comparison is an index that reflects a cost of living. If prices in CONUS are rising at a greater rate than those overseas, COLA will decrease. If prices overseas are rising at a greater rate than those in CONUS, COLA will increase. Similarly, if overseas prices rise or fall at the same rate as CONUS prices, COLA will stay the same.
Overseas COLA is not a fixed amount. COLA adjustments are either immediate or made incrementally, depending on whether the payment will increase or decrease, as well as whether the change is based on currency or data. For COLA changes based on data, increases are made immediately, but COLA reductions based on data are phased in at six points per month to help minimize the impact. COLA changes based on currency are effective immediately for both increases and decreases to COLA. COLA reductions become final following review and approval by the Military Advisory Panel (MAP).
Two surveys determine the relative cost of living overseas compared with CONUS. The Living Pattern Survey (LPS), conducted every three years, captures input from Service members and their families to establish where and how they purchase goods and services. The Retail Price Schedule (RPS), conducted every year, collects prices for a market basket of approximately 120 goods and services. Service members play a critical role by participating in the surveys.
Passports
Service members are not required to secure passports for entrance into Korea for their duty assignment because of an existing Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA). Family members who accompany or visit the service member are required to have a government no-fee passport upon entering Korea. Service members will need copies of PCS and/or leave orders to travel into or out of Korea. For Leisure travel Soldiers, Family members, Civilians and Contractors are required to have a U.S. Tourist Passport.
Defense Service Network (DSN) Dialing Instructions
The DSN is the provider of long-distance communications service for the Department of Defense (DoD). Every installation has a special DSN number and the numbers vary by world-wide location. In order to place a call using DSN, the caller must be using a military phone on an installation. Cell phones cannot dial DSN numbers. When dialing a DSN number from a United States installation to another United States installation, it is unnecessary to dial the DSN 312 area code. When dialing a DSN number to/from overseas locations, the DSN area code must be included.
Passports -- Service members are not required to secure passports for entrance into Korea for their duty assignment because of an existing Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA). Family members who accompany or visit the service member are required to have a government no-fee passport and obtain an A-3 VISA within 90 days of entering Korea. Service members will need copies of PCS and/or leave orders to travel between the US and Korea.
Check-In Procedures -- There are new requirements for VISA entry into Korea. This will effect DOD Civilians, Contractors and Military Family Members so please read over the Check-in Procedures carefully to understand what is needed. If not prepared, individuals listed above could be sent home on next returning flight.
U.S. Army Garrison Daegu Area IV provides essential community service, facilities, and infrastructure for Soldiers, Civilians, Contractors and their Families, while enabling the "Fight Tonight" capability. Support Noncombatant Evacuation Operations and provide Army fixed base command and control.
On July 1, 1950, a small force of American Soldiers known as Task Force Smith landed at Busan on the southern coast of the Republic of Korea. There they began a dramatic march north to meet an invading Army in a land that, at that time, could not be more remote in the minds of the American people. In the years that have followed, U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) Soldiers have stood in combat and vigilance with the forces of the Republic of Korea to protect the homes, lives, and freedom of the Korean people.
Camp Henry was originally built by the Japanese Army in 1921, and served as the headquarters for General Minami and Japanese Forces located in the Daegu Area. During the Korean War, the camp saw little action as it was on the northern edge of what is known today as the Busan Perimeter. After the war, the post was named after Medal-of-Honor winner Lt. Frederick Henry. Camp Walker is named after Lieutenant General Walton A. Walker, Commander of American Ground Forces until he was killed in a jeep accident in 1950. Camp George was named after PFC Charles George, who received the Medal-of-Honor during the Korean War. Camp Carroll was named after SFC Charles Carroll, a posthumous recipient of the Distinguished Service Cross for his acts of heroism during the Korean War.
The Daegu enclave (Camp Henry and Camp Walker) has a population of about 5,000. There are about 1,100 U.S. Army Soldiers, which comprise the largest single segment of the population. Other members of the community include Department of the Army civilian employees, contractors, Korean national employees, Korean Augmentation to the U.S. Army, or KATUSA, Soldiers, and family members. The total population of Camp Carroll is about 4,200.
The City of Daegu is currently the 4th largest city in Korea with 2.5 million people as of July 2023.
With a population of over 2.5 million, Daegu is the fourth largest city in South Korea after Seoul, Busan and Incheon.
Waegwan (population 34,000) is home to Camp Carroll.
USAG Daegu is home to units such as the 19th ESC, 403rd AFSB, 36th Signal Battalion, 25th Transportation Battalion, DLA Pacific, 2-1 Air Defense Artillery Battalion, 6th Ordinance Battalion and MSC-K. The residents represent the full profile of United States Forces Korea. They include Army, Navy, Marines (III MEF, G4, Logistics Det) , Air Force (607 SS, K2 AB), Family members, Retirees, invited U.S. Contractors and Department of Defense civilian employees.
USAG Daegu is home to Camp Walker, Camp Henry, Camp George and Camp Carroll (Waegwan). A free shuttle links these posts. The city of Daegu, which is located in the Gyeongbuk Province, is the Fourth largest city in Korea with a population of over 2.5 million. It is located approximately 200 miles south of Seoul. It is famous for deliciously crunchy and juicy apples and the textile industries that produce fabrics mainly for export. Camp Carroll is located in the city of Waegwan (45mins drive). The surrounding area is comprised mainly of service businesses (e.g. dry cleaners, barber shops), and caters to American Soldiers. For official information about all installations in the Republic of Korea, visit the official USFK website.
Airports servicing USAG Daegu are Incheon International Airport, Daegu International Airport and Gimhae (Busan) International Airport.
Within Incheon International Airport located in Seoul, the best way to travel from Incheon to USAG Daegu is by Limousine Bus (Purple). This is an Express bus that runs from Incheon to Daegu but you must be careful because there are several Express Limousine Buses that travel all throughout Korea so check to make sure that the Soldier and/or Family member is on the right bus. Standard fee for transportation on this bus is W33,000 Won or approximately $30.00 dollars.
The same with Gimhae (Busan) International Airport which is located in the city of Busan. Though a lot closer to USAG Daegu than Incheon International Airport the cost will be almost the same at W20,000 Won or approximately $18.00 dollars.
There are several ways to travel from Daegu International Airport to USAG Daegu. Soldiers have the option of either Taxi’s, City Buses or even a battle buddy to transport to and from the Daegu International Airport. Taxi fares from the Airport is about W15,000 Won or approximately $10.00 dollars. City Bus fares are slightly cheaper at about W1,500 Won or approximately $1.25 dollars.
The only Military shuttle available is from Incheon International Airport to USAG Humphreys and first priority for seating on these buses are in-coming Soldiers and their Families. A Soldier or DA Civilian returning from TDY or Mid-tour vacation will be allowed to travel on the bus on space available only.
Pets having to travel in cargo can be picked up at the Pet Quarantine area at Incheon Airport. Depending on when a pet received its Rabies Vaccination, it might be required to stay in Quarantine. If a pet does not meet Quarantine requirements, the Soldier will be forced to leave the pet at Incheon International Airport for approximately 10 days and will have to pay for transportation for the pet from the airport to the Soldier's location. The cost of this can be about W50,000 Won or $45.00 depending on size of pet. See pet travel link
There is a USO located at Incheon International Airport on the third floor (Arrivals). After exiting the inspection area, turn right and go down to the end of the building. Hours of operation are from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Service Members will need your DA-31, at least 10 copies of your PCS orders with any amendments, Immunization/ Medical/Dental records, marriage/divorce/birth certificates (if applicable), current civilian (stateside) driver’s license, and POV/VPC shipping documents (if applicable). Family members must have a no-fee passport (provided from your losing installation during out-processing) for entry into the country. You will arrive to Korea either by Patriot Express, a Military Contract Flight out of Seattle to Osan Air Base or commercial air to Incheon International Airport. Either way, there will be a representative from 19th HR Company that you will need to link up with upon arrival.
If Arriving in Osan, you will be guided through customs by the 138th MCT. Once completed, you will be met by the 19th HRC representatives, who will sign your DA-31, get your baggage, and take the bus to USAG-Humphreys.
Arriving in Incheon, you will either land in Terminal 1 (the old part of the airport) or Terminal 2 (new part of the airport that is 15km from Terminal 1). At Terminal 1 near Exit 1 of the Arrivals floor, 19th HRC mans a USFK desk from 8 a.m. to midnight daily. At Terminal 2, there are Korean employees and Soldiers from the 19th HRC posted at gate 6 on the first floor from 8 a.m. to midnight daily. At either the USFK desk at Terminal 1 or at gate 6 at Terminal 2, 19th HRC personnel will gain accountability of inbound personnel, sign your DA-31, and get you onto a bus to USAG-Humphreys (approximately 1.5 hour drive). NOTE: Buses run several times a day, but be prepared to wait for up to two hours if you miss the most recent bus. If you expect to arrive to USAG-H late in the evening, you might want to pick up snacks and drinks at the airport, since the PX and Expresses will closed by 10 p.m.
Once at USAG-Humphreys, you will need two forms of picture ID to get into the installation. The bus will take you to the One Stop (bldg. 6400) where 19th HRC personnel will provide a quick welcome brief
An on-post shuttle bus runs between Camps Henry, Walker and George. There is also a shuttle bus connecting Camp Walker to Camp Carroll and to Osan AB and Camp Humphrey (daily). All bus stops have the shuttle bus time frames but can also find them on Facebook under "USAG Daegu".
Commercial Transportation (off-post)
Release 2024.03.06.1