USAG Yongsan-Casey

USAG Yongsan-Casey

Yongsan Ready – Casey Strong

MISSION - Provide and integrate base operations support in Areas I & II in support of Eighth U. S. Army

VISION  - Committed team of professionals dedicated to excellence as we support the Warfighter, Civilians, and Families to sustain readiness and improve quality of life

COVID Information for Arrivals

• Currently, the Republic of Korea has no COVID-19 testing, proof of vaccination, or quarantine requirements for entry to Korea. 
• Travelers should check with Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (https://www.kdca.go.kr/index.es?sid=a3) directly for updates.  
• If travelers are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, a PCR test shall be conducted at a Military Treatment Facility. More information can be found by visiting United States Forces Korea (https://www.usfk.mil/Media/Newsroom/News/Article/3178387/usfk-aligns-with-rok-for-covid-19-arrival-policy). 

Please contact your chain of command, supervisor or sponsor for additional details regarding your arrival to USFK. To learn more, visit USFK's Traveling to Korea  page.

Please see the following link to fully understand South Korea’s updated guidance for off-peninsula arrivals to the peninsula: https://overseas.mofa.go.kr/us-en/brd/m_4500/view.do?seq=761034&page=1

Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA)

Starting Sept. 1, 2021, the Korean Government will implement a new requirement for non-Korean citizens entering Korea. The Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) is a document granting permission to non-Korean citizens to travel to the Republic of Korea. The K-ETA applies to non-Korean citizens of countries eligible for visa-free entry to the Republic of Korea.

U.S. service members traveling to Korea on PCS or TDY orders, those who already have a visa issued by the Korean government, and those who apply via the website and receive an exception to policy letter from the Korean government do not have to comply with this requirement. However, all others traveling to the Republic of Korea must comply, including family members visiting the Republic of Korea. New GS (general schedule) civilian hires and dependents listed on a service member’s PCS orders who do not have an approved K-ETA exemption memorandum issued by the Korean government must also comply with the requirement.

Obtaining a K-ETA must be done online via the K-ETA website prior to starting travel. Registration costs 10,000 Korean won (about $10 USD) per person. Successful registration will result in generation of a printable certificate for each person that will be received via an email provided by the requestor. Each certificate comes with a unique number and is good for two years. The website does not differentiate between adult, adolescent, or infant travelers. Those who fail to obtain a K-ETA prior to landing in Korea may be denied entry and may be subsequently told to re-board a plane back to their point of origin.

Personnel may claim the registration fee as a travel-related cost. PCS travel is claimed via forms submitted to the servicing finance office and TDY claims are processed through the Defense Travel System online. For questions about claiming expenses incurred during travel, visit your servicing directorate of human resources or finance office.

When filling out the information online, the following may be helpful:

• Nationality is organized by continent. For U.S. citizens, select “Americas,” then “United States of America.”
• Digital photos are needed to complete the online application. Photos must be 700x700 pixels or less, file size less than 100kb, in .jpeg format, with one’s face clearly visible.
• Korea zip codes can be used:
  • Camp Humphreys: 17977
  • Camp Walker (Daegu): 42505
  • Osan Air Base: 17760
  • Camp Carroll (Waegwan): 39890
  • Camp Casey: 11311
• Be sure to note the application number for your records at the end of the application process.

For more information or to register, visit https://www.k-eta.go.kr/.

Active duty Service Members ARE NOT REQUIRED to obtain passports for entrance into Korea for their duty assignment because of an existing Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA). Family members who accompany the service member ARE REQUIRED to have a government no-fee passport and an A-3 VISA prior to entering Korea. Family members visiting Korea must enter on a US passport and can stay up to 90 days without any additional visa requirements. The current SOFA states that "Members of civilian component, their dependents and the dependents of members of the US Armed Forces shall be in possession of appropriate documentation issued by appropriate US authorities so that their status may be verified by the authorities of the Republic of Korea." Contact your local passport or legal office prior to departure to determine how to obtain a US Official Travel Passport, and an A-3, and Re-entry status VISA.  After arrival/in-processing stop by Army Community Service, Building 2451 to receive the proper documentation needed to take to the local Korean Immigration Office. The SOFA stamp is required to verify the special status of civilians, contractors, and dependents under SOFA.

Service members will need several copies of PCS order and DA31 leave form to travel between the US and Korea. To travel to other foreign countries, service members will need to obtain a tourist passport. Law effective 2 July, 2001 requires signatures of both parents to obtain passports for children under the age of 13. If one parent is not available to sign the passport application, parental consent can be documented with a signed, notarized letter or statement from the absent parent providing permission to take the child or children overseas.

Airline Policy on Security Checks. All members of the U.S. Armed Forces, including those serving in the Reserves and National Guard can benefit from TSA PreCheck expedited screening at select airports when flying on participating airlines.  Use your Department of Defense identification number when making flight reservations.  Accompanying family members ages 12 and under can be processed through expedited screening as well. Enter the 10-digit DoD ID number located on the back of the common access card (CAC) as your known traveler number when making flight reservations or when updating your Defense Travel System (DTS) profile for official travel. 

1. Exception For Service Members. The FAA in late December granted an exemption to the random security checks for active duty military members traveling on official travel or leave. You may need to remind the person checking you in about the rule change. Your local JAG office should be able to supply you with a copy of the FAA citation for you to carry during your travels. Government civilians and family members are not addressed in this rule, but suggest you have the same documentation available and mention the rule change when checking in.
2. Required Documentation. You must have your orders and leave form when you check in. Other recommended documentation: FAA Security Regulation 108-01-10E, 20 Nov 2001 Section 2, Para B1, Selected Exemptions. USFK Command Policy Letter #44, 4 Aug 06, applies to all US military members assigned to USFK. USFK personnel are prohibited from wearing daily utility uniform at the Incheon International Airport. All personnel are to wear either Class A/B uniform, or service equivalent. Appropriate civilian attire is also authorized.
3. Soldiers must hand-carry the following documents to Korea:

• USFK 350-2 Theater Specific Required Training Certificate
• PCS Orders
• Leave Form (Department of the Army Form 31)
• Medical and dental records (unless the servicing MTF sends them via certified mail)
• Military Personnel file with record or emergency data, SGLV Form 8268-E, and security clearance (DA form 873)
• Promotion Packet for those in promotable status
• Approved MOS/medical/dental retention board proceedings or medical evaluation board proceedings

Before arriving in Korea, soldier must complete mandatory USFK training requirements and present valid training certificates during in-processing. Go to the USFK Training website.  In addition, incoming soldiers must log on to the Soldier Management System website and complete the Newcomer Needs Assessment Checklist at least 90 days before their report date.

Household Goods

Most Military members assigned to USAG-Yongsan on an accompanied tour are only allowed one-half of their household goods allowance. If you obtain quarters on base, the Housing Office will provide the basic household items, (i.e. washer/dryer, beds, dresser, night stands, wardrobe, dining room table and chairs and other furniture). If you live off post, the Housing Office will still provide the same service, but the apartments are much smaller than most Americans have experienced.  Military members assigned to USAG Camp Casey are on an unaccompanied tour and will be assigned to barracks housing.

Driver's License

It is beneficial to PCS overseas with a stateside driver's license that will not expire soon. Those entitled to have an USFK Motor Vehicle Operator Permit will need a current state driver's license before testing. Driver Testing is now online.  USFK's online driver's training and test on JKO are now mandatory. This change allows sponsors to assist authorized troops and families and set them up for success before they arrive. You may not go straight to the test and skip training.  You must take the training first before you will be allowed to take the test.  A passing score on the test is required to receive a POV license and/or a military/GOV license. Service members will need to establish JKO accounts for dependents who will be taking the training and test.

The USFK Driver Licensing Training course is available on JKO, course number USFK-US002 here.The USFK Driver License Test is available on JKO, course number USFK-US002-B  here.

To find out about your State’s process to renew a driver’s license while stationed in Korea, contact your local State’s DMV before departing.

Other Important Information

Personnel moving to USAG Yongsan-Casey should make sure that creditors, membership affiliations, magazine publications, and of course family and friends have your new address. All addresses at USAG Yongsan-Casey have an APO, AP in the last line of the address, your sponsor can assist you in setting up a P. O. Box. Make sure that the APO is used as the city and the AP as the state. It will assist computerized printed addresses in accepting this type of address. 

You have several options in making overseas phone calls. The major telephone companies, i.e. AT&T, MCI, and SPRINT, have dial-direct service to the USA second option is to use a Korean prepaid phone card which are very well priced and can be purchased through AAFES concessionaires for rates to the U.S. as low as 6-10 cents a minute. Thirdly, many military members and families opt for a VOIP service connected to barracks or home line running via the internet. Many services are available after arrival in Korea.

If you have pets, be aware of pet restrictions. Know that many airlines have imposed flight restrictions for animal travel during the hot summer months of Korea as well as within the continental United States. Regulations and requirements can change and Soldiers planning to relocate with pets should review related documents from the 8th Army Website on "Traveling with Pets" and Camp Humphreys Veterinary Service Support website at Camp Humphreys VTF (health.mil)

For a lot of information on the exciting history and culture of Korea, visit the Korean tourism organization.

Non-Combatant Evacuation Operation (NEO) Exercises are designed to prepare Military Family Members, non-essential Civilian employees and their Family Members for evacuation from the Republic of Korea. Courageous Channel exercises take place twice a year. All non-combatants must participate in these exercises. Each unit/organization has a designated NEO Warden to help families prepare appropriate NEO packets including required documents, 3 days worth of provisions (water, food, toiletries, diapers, etc.) and NBC Mask assembly. Mask should be requested through unit supply upon arrival in country. Do not break the seal on Infant and Children's masks. Video instruction on mask assembly and hands-on masks assembly training is available through Unit NEO Wardens. Due to the possibility of evacuation from the ROK, families should use careful consideration when determining what household items, jewelry or family heirlooms to ship to Korea. Items that cannot be replaced due to sentimental value should not be brought.

Installation Photos

Due to Operation Security Measures, many pictures of buildings and locations onpost cannot be shown. USAG Yongsan-Casey invites you to view thousands of photos representing "life in Korea" by becoming a “fan” and like the USAG Yongsan-Casey Facebook, Eighth Army-Korea Facebook  and  U S Army Garrison Yongsan - flickr accounts and interact with community members and agency Points of Contact.

For more information, you can visit https://www.usfk.mil/Newcomers/Traveling-to-Korea/

Please see the following link on South Korea’s updated guidance for off-peninsula arrivals to the peninsula: https://overseas.mofa.go.kr/us-en/brd/m_4500/view.do?seq=761052&page=1

Additional COVID information in regards to USFK-affiliated personnel is available on the USFK COVID page.

Government Travel Charge Card Program

The Government Travel Charge Card Program (GTCC) provides travelers with a safe, effective, convenient, and commercially available method to pay for expenses associated with official travel. The GTCC includes Individually Billed Accounts (IBAs) and Centrally Billed Accounts (CBAs). The GTCC is a VISA credit card that may be used at any location that accepts VISA including OCONUS locations. Personal use of the travel card or using the travel card to pay for someone else's travel expenses is prohibited. The use of the travel card for non-official expenses may result in disciplinary actions.

All Soldiers on official government travel will be issued a GTCC through their losing unit or installation Agency Program Coordinator (APC). APCs are responsible for managing the DOD GTCC program for permissible expenses (see Appendix G of JTR Manual) while on official travel orders. Use of the Government Travel Charge Card is mandatory when on official business travel, unless an exemption has been granted. The mandatory GTCC training provides guidance covering the authorized use of the GTCC.

Army Community Service: 

Camp Casey DSN 722-1568/1569/1578 https://casey.armymwr.com/programs/army-community-services

Yongsan/K16 DSN 722-5471

ACS facilitates the commander's ability to provide comprehensive, coordinated and responsive services that support readiness of Soldiers, civilians employees and their families. We maximize technology and resources, help our community adapt to unique challenges that they may face, and facilitate supportive services that promote self-reliance, resilience and stability during war and peace. We invite you to our world class facility to learn about great program offerings such as:

• Financial Education
• Job Seeking Assistance
• Resume Writing
• Deployment Supportive Services
• Information and Referral
• Lending Closet
• New Parent Support
• Anger Management
• Stress Management
• Military Family Life Counselors
• Victim Advocacy Services
• Marriage Enrichment Workshops
• Parenting Strategies
• Deployment Support
• Family Readiness Group Training
• Troop Training
• And much more.

Housing:

Camp Casey and K-16 are unaccompanied tours. There is no family housing at USAG-Casey. You can contact the Housing office in Maude Hall at (315)722-4798 for assistance with off-post housing.

Post Services: 

• MWR Facilities offers numerous indoor and outdoor recreational facilities and clubs, including bowling, gym, library, swimming, and auto skill center.
• Commissaries 1 on post 
• Exchange System: Main exchange, 3 mini-malls, new car sales
• Financial Institutions on post: Community Bank and Navy Federal Credit Union has an ATM only.

School: No school available on base in area I and area II 

Medical Services: Brian D. Allgood Army Community Hospital -- Located on Camp Humphreys, the 65th Medical Brigade provides medical care for USFK beneficiaries stationed throughout Korea. The hospital has a 61 bed capacity with four inpatient wards that includes: an Intensive Care Unit, Multi-care Unit, Women/Infant Care Unit and the Inpatient Psychiatric Unit.

Areas I and II are non-command sponsored areas with only clinics at K-16 and Casey for Soldiers.