Back to Main Page MUST KNOW ITEMS Back to Osan Page
VISAS\PASSPORTS
****************************************************************
If you are going to be in Korea over 15 days you will need a visa in your
passport (excluding active duty military). Contact the Korean Consulate nearest
you or the Korean Embassy in Washington DC (202) 939-5600
****************************************************************
POST OFFICE GENERAL DELIVERY ADDRESS
****************************************************************
Rank, Name PSC #3 General Delivery APO AP 96266
****************************************************************
OSAN EAGLE
****************************************************************
A charter flight called the "Osan Eagle" will arrive and depart Osan
twice weekly beginning 1 May 98, arriving at 0700 hours and departing at 1130
hours, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Check with TMO/Relocation (Outbound Assignments)
at your losing base about this flight. If you are going to be stationed at Osan
or an Osan GSU, it is to your advantage to enter Korea via the "Osan
Eagle". It is much easier on sponsors, the units, and you to meet incoming
personnel at the Osan passenger terminal than to arrange transportation to and
from Kimpo International Airport. Kimpo can be a one to three hour bus ride (one
way) to Osan. If you must travel commercial air to Kimpo, please keep your
sponsor informed of all travel arrangements/times. Due to the mission at Osan,
sponsors may not be able to meet incoming personnel at Kimpo. Be sure to read
the information below regarding bus service to Osan.
****************************************************************
51st SERVICES SQUADRON TRANSPORTATION FROM KIMPO AIRPORT TO OSAN AIR BASE
****************************************************************
If you happen to come into Korea thru Kimpo Airport be sure to check in at the
USO counter (located at International Terminal 1) after clearing customs. The
USO will advise you of bus service. If you happen to arrive thru International
Terminal #2, take the free Airport Shuttle to International Terminal #1. Once at
International Terminal #1 check in at the USO counter for further information.
There is an 51st SVS bus that provides non-stop transportation to Osan Air Base
from International Terminal #1. The cost is $15.00 per person. There are 3 buses
that depart Kimpo for Osan Air Base. One leaves at 0900 for Osan, one departs at
1800 and the third one waits for the last plane of the night to land. It departs
Kimpo for Osan Air Base at approximately 2200 HRS. The 51st SVS buses run 7 days
a week. The USO operating hours are: Mon - Fri 1400-2200, Sat - Sun 1500-2200 (DSN
723-8621 or Commercial 011-82-2-662-0076).
Taxi's are generally available if you should happen to arrive after a bus has
departed. The cost varies. Be prepared to spend up to $100.00 (you will be
reimbursed via travel voucher). Usually, there are several people trying to find
transportation to Osan. Share a taxi. The cost will be lower per person and you
will have company for a long taxi ride.
****************************************************************
INPROCESSING INFORMATION
****************************************************************
Upon arrival, or the first duty day after your arrival, you will need to report
to the Military Personnel Flight (MPF) in building 936 and your unit orderly
room. During your initial inprocessing, you will complete the Combat INTRO
program. This program is designed to complete all inprocessing appointments and
briefings within two weeks of arrival. If you arrive at Osan by means other than
the "Osan Eagle" and your sponsor does not meet you, report to the
Osan Billeting Office. Osan Billeting has been designated as the 24 hour
reception center. Each squadron is required to have a representative at the AMC
Terminal on "Osan Eagle" days to meet incoming personnel.
***************************
OSAN'S BASIC ALLOWANCE for SUBSISTENCE (BAS) POLICY
***************************
TSgts and below serving an unaccompanied tour here at Osan should be prepared to
lose their BAS. They will be issued a meal card. Some units have exceptions, so
check with your individual unit to see what the policy regarding BAS is.
****************************************************************
RATION CONTROL
****************************************************************
The US government is authorized to import items sold in the exchange,
commissary, and Class Six facilities without paying customs duties on them. This
provision of the SOFA allows US servicemembers to purchase American goods at
stateside prices. Along with that provision is the requirement to control the
purchase of these goods. To discourage the flow of US goods into the black
market, a rationing system has been established. Retirees, civilians, command
and non-command sponsored spouses and children at least 10 years old will be
issued a ration control plate and must show both their ID card and ration
control plate (RCP) to enter the exchange, commissary and class six facilities;
military members need only their ID cards. To purchase rationed items, such as
cigarettes and alcohol, everyone who purchase rationed purchases must sign
control sheet.
The plate, which resembles a credit card, is used to record the amount and type
of rationed items purchased. Each active duty member and civilian employee is
authorized a monthly Class VI quantity limit. Current limits for unaccompanied
members are $350 groceries and 4 units alcohol. Command sponsored people with
family members are authorized quantity limits based on their command sponsored
status and age. Persons on unaccompanied tours who have noncommand sponsored
dependents in Korea are limited to purchases for themselves only. They are not
authorized increased limits for their noncommand sponsored families.
Shelf limits are placed on selected items by retail facility managers,
installation commanders, or J-1 Data Management. These limits specify the number
of items or amount which may be purchased each day. Nonconsumable items which
are not normally purchased more than once per tour per household and typically
difficult to maintain in stock (TVs, refrigerators, stereos, etc.) are
considered controlled items. Personnel must account for controlled items before
leaving Korea. Details on the ration control systems can be found in USFK
Regulation 60-1 and in USFK J-1 information paper "The USFK Ration Control
System," available from your unit or sponsor.
****************************************************************
CHANGES TO THE RATION CONTROL POLICY
****************************************************************
A new United States Forces in Korea policy to prevent blackmarketing will cause
major changes in ration control. Retirees, command and non-command sponsored
spouses, and children over 10 years of age must show both an ID card and a
ration control plate to enter ANY base exchange or commissary. At smaller AAFES
facilities, such as shoppettes, shoppers must show both cards at the checkout
counter. The new policy is being implemented because previous measures to
prevent abuse of duty-free goods purchase privileges were ineffective. The new
policy is an effort to protect member's privileges.
Ration control plates come in four categories: those with individual limits,
family limits, non-command sponsored restrictions, and children's restrictions.
Although anyone with a RCP and ID card can enter the BX and commissary, only
active duty and command sponsored family members will be allowed to purchase
ration-controlled items in the BX.
In the past, ration controlled items consisted of cigarettes, liquor, and
appliances and selected merchandise costing over $50.00. New controlled items
include liquor and goods that have been identified as highly black marketable.
These items, which can cost as little as $15.00, include stereo music systems
and
components, watches, microwaves, crockpots, small, hand-held vacuum cleaners,
toasters, rice cookers, computer hardware, golf clubs, and other merchandise as
identified by the Black Market Working Group.
There is no plan to post a list of the controlled items; however, upon
presentation of a controllable items at the checkout counter, AAFES employees
will ask customers for their RCP. Non-command sponsored members may purchase
anything that is not ration controlled.
In the past, every family, including single members, had a limit of $750 per
month. The new limits are: $350 for single members, $550 for a two person
family, $700 for three person family, $850 for four, $1,000 for five, and $1,150
for six or more. Sponsors may obtain authorization to exceed monthly dollar
limits by applying for a waiver. This waiver must be fully justified and
approved by the unit commander.
These are Korea-wide restrictions. Personnel must keep track of all purchases,
individual or family members, to avoid exceeding limits. If anyone exceeds
ration limits, they will automatically lose their privileges for one year. An
active duty service member will be subject to punishment under the UCMJ as well
as other adverse actions. If a family member's purchase causes the family's
purchasing limit to be exceeded, all members of that family will have their
ration control plates revoked. That means that no member of that family will be
permitted to enter the commissary, BX, or other outlets requiring a ration plate
for entry. These individuals will have to buy all their food, clothing,
furnishings, etc., on the local economy.
Osan is committed to stop blackmarketing. Please be aware of the policy if you
or a family member is tempted to make a few "bucks" on the black
market. It could be a very long year.
****************************************************************
HOUSEHOLD GOODS WEIGHT RESTRICTIONS-Joint Travel Regulation
****************************************************************
1. Accompanied Tour: Full JTR weight allowance. Strongly recommend that members
carefully select those items needed to establish living comfort, considering
that Government and off-base quarters are in almost all cases smaller than those
found in CONUS. Ranges, refrigerators, washers, dryers should not be shipped as
those are provided in family housing. (NOTE: Washers and dryers are not provided
in Air Force Village quarters. There is a laundromat for residents). The walls
are concrete, with unusual window sizes for your regular house curtains. Due to
the small percentage of people with command sponsorship, floor plans are not
included in sponsor packets. IF YOU HAVE A COMMAND SPONSORED BILLET AND ARE
INTERESTED IN BASE HOUSING FLOOR PLANS, HAVE YOUR SPONSOR STOP BY THE HOUSING
OFFICE.
If living off base, automobile parking is limited to none and yards are unheard
of. Highly recommend you do not bring full JTR even if authorized. Average
apartment size is 800 sq ft with no closets, and very little storage or cabinet
space.
2. Unaccompanied Tour: Unaccompanied baggage allowance is 500 lbs for enlisted
or 600 lbs for officer. Off-base apartments do not normally come with appliances
such as stoves, washers, dryers, air conditioners, etc. Apartments off-base are
small with limited storage areas. If unaccompanied personnel are authorized to
live off-base they will receive single rate BAQ in addition to BAQ currently
receiving. E-7s and above are being authorized to live off base, however, EACH
SQUADRON MAY HAVE DIFFERENT CRITERIA FOR GRANTING PERMISSION TO LIVE OFF BASE.
RECOMMEND YOU CHECK WITH YOUR GAINING UNIT. Dorm space is being re-organized
with the purpose of moving the majority of people on base.
3. Furnishings Management Office: If you were placed in a designated slot known
as PACAF "COMMAND SPONSORED" you are entitled to ship your full JTR
weight allowance in and out of country. Due to the average size of living
quarters, it is highly recommended that you do not bring large or oversize
furniture (ex. piano). FMO provides 90-day loaner kits to command sponsored
personnel for use until household goods arrive and for 30 to 90 days before you
PCS after you've shipped your household goods. For on-base family housing in
Mustang Valley and Air Force Village, FMO provides full appliance support which
stays in your house permanently and cannot be removed. If you elect to ship your
appliances, you will be required to store them at your own expense. We will also
provide you any appliances you require for the time you live off-base. If senior
NCOs or officers elect to live off-base, FMO will not provide you the loaner
kit. Upon your initial visit to our office please bring a copy of your PCS
orders with all amendments. If you are residing off-base also bring a copy of
your authorization letter obtained from the Housing Office and your lease.
4. BDUs are the uniform of the day. Osan AB has many exercises during the year.
Work days are longer than normal and weekend work is not unusual.
5. The Family Support Center has a program called "Serving Osan Solo"
(SOS) required for unaccompanied married E-6's and below. During this program
topics discussed include: communication and feelings, stages of separation and
coping, and parenting from a distance. Numerous critiques from this program tell
us that
this information needs to be addressed before you leave the States. The most
pressing item usually is "finances". It is almost impossible to
maintain just one checking account with two people using the same account
especially with one member in to have an allotment for the family member here in
Korea. That way every month you know exactly how much money will be coming out
of the budget. Your sponsor packet should have information to prepare yourself
and your family for an unaccompanied tour. If you do not receive this
information (approx. 40 pages),
contact your local Family Support Center and ask them to e-mail the Osan Family
Support Center with your address and a copy will be sent to you.
**************************************************************
REPUBLIC OF KOREA CUSTOMS INFORMATION
**************************************************************
1. Personal property shipments by PCS personnel or other persons authorized
duty-free importation must be of reasonable quantity.
2. Prohibited Items: You may not import fresh fruits, exotic pets (without
permission from the Ministry of Agriculture), narcotics, communist propaganda,
pornographic materials, explosives of any kind, flammables, uncut stones, deer
horns, explosives, alligator handbags, TV satellite dishes, and citizen band
(CB) radios.
3. Privately Owned Firearms: PCS personnel may bring non-automatic firearms in
reasonable quantities and no more than one standard box of ammunition per
weapon. Weapons and ammunition must be annotated in individual's travel orders.
All firearms and ammunition will be stored in the base armory. Weapons will be
registered with the Security Forces.
4. Excessive importation of Chinese medicines, vitamins, drugs, golf clubs,
skis, furs, diamonds, color televisions, video recorders, video cameras, stereo
equipment and musical instruments are dealt with severely under Republic of
Korea law. Besides potential prosecution under Korean law, members of the Armed
Forces are also subject to actions under the Uniform Code of Military Justice
and military administrative actions such as reduction in grade, court martial
and loss of retirement and other benefits. Under SOFA agreement the ROK
government can take jurisdiction over any customs violation case it chooses.
NOTE: If you plan on bringing video tapes to Korea we suggest you send your
videos via unaccompanied baggage. ALL personnel going through customs at the
Osan Passenger Terminal have their luggage searched. Luggage can be searched at
Kimpo International also. If you have video tapes in your luggage, expect to
have them viewed. If they are found to be pornographic in nature (this can
include exercise videos) they will be confiscated. Save yourself and those
behind you in line a lot of grief and have tapes shipped in your unaccompanied
baggage if possible. If you do bring videos with you MAKE SURE YOU DECLARE ALL
OF THEM. IF CUSTOMS FINDS VIDEOS IN YOUR LUGGAGE AND YOU DID NOT DECLARE THEM,
EVEN IF THEY ARE "FAMILY TYPE" VIDEOS, THEY CAN CONFISCATE THEM.
*****************************************************************
SPOUSE/DEPENDENT VISITATION
*****************************************************************
The following information outlines policy regarding spouse/dependent visitation
to members stationed on Osan Air Base who are assigned unaccompanied quarters.
All personnel should be fully aware of the possible impact on pay entitlement
and other restrictions regarding a visit by a member's dependents. When all of a
member's dependents visit Osan Air Base and reside in the member's quarters for
more than thirty (30) days, basic allowance for quarters (BAQ) and variable
housing allowance (VHA) must be stopped effective on the 31st day of the visit.
This requirement is based on the Presidential Executive Order number 11157.
Sponsors are required to notify the Housing Office and Accounting and Finance
when dependents are staying with them in unaccompanied quarters and the visit
will last longer than 30 days.
****************************************************************
OSAN AB POLICY ON TEMPORARY LODGING ALLOWANCE (TLA)
****************************************************************
The purpose of TLA is to offset lodging expenses incurred due to the
unavailability of government quarters. TLA is processed in 10 day increments.
Member must bring 1 COPY OF PAID RECEIPT and 2 COPIES OF ORDERS for processing
of TLA payments at the Housing Office.
Inbound members E1 to E4 are authorized up to 3 duty days (including Designated
Location Move personnel). For E5 and above, 10 day increments are authorized up
to 30 days with proper justification. If the Housing Manager projects that SNCP
or Officer government quarters will become available within 60 days, then TLA
can be approved up to 60 days. If permanent government quarters will not be
available within the 60 days, member will be advised of such and must
aggressively seek housing off-base immediately. They must obtain
temporary/permanent quarters on a contractual basis, immediately, not exceeding
first 30 days after arrival.
TLA will not be payable under the following conditions IAW USFK Reg 37-57, dated
22 Sep 94.
-A pregnant military member vacates bachelor type U.S. government quarters based
solely on pregnancy status, antepartum or postpartum.
-The military member discontinues use of temporary lodging facilities in
suitable or adequate U.S. government quarters for reasons other than health.
-The military member delays the delivering of Household
Goods (HHG) or hold baggage for personal convenience after permanent housing is
obtained.
-The military member fails to aggressively seek economy
quarters.
-Individually sponsored dependents (a family member not
authorized command-sponsored travel to the overseas command at U.S. government
expense) are not authorized TLA.
POC is Base Housing Office at DSN 784-1840/6652; e-mail address (51ces/cehhousingflt@osan.af.mil)
**************************************************************
BASE POLICY ON OFF BASE RESIDENCY
**************************************************************
As of Mar 95, E-1 to E-4s are no longer authorized to reside off-base. Waivers
to this policy must be approved by the 51st Support Group Commander. The
member's request for a waiver must have the squadron commander's signaturebefore
being forwarded to the 51st Support Group Commander. Squadron commanders can
authorize E-5s to reside off-base at government expense. The squadron commander
is responsible for ensuring his or her unit maintains the required 95 percent
dormitory occupancy rate required by Air Force Instruction 32-6005. Authorizing
people to reside off-base at government expense is allowed when occupancy
exceeds this criterion. Commanders should advise their people that an
authorization to reside off-base at government expense entitles the individual
to receive single rate Basic Allowance for Quarters (BAQ) and Overseas Housing
Allowance (OHA) with the exception of married members with dependents in the
local area - they will receive the "with dependent rate." Their
stateside Variable Housing Allowance will stop but will be replaced with the OHA
at the proper rate. Transportation costs and furnishing support is not
guaranteed. People will have the opportunity to select furniture from the excess
stock maintained by the Furnishing Management Office. This support will be
provided as available. It will be the member's responsibility to procure other
furniture as required to support off-base living.
**************************************************************
AMERICAN RED CROSS
**************************************************************
Please check with your local Red Cross office and get information about Red
Cross services before PCS'ing to Korea. Please visit your local Red Cross Office
for information, and prepare your family before you come to Korea in the event
Red Cross services are needed.
If a family crisis arises during your tour at Osan, your unit commander can now
approve emergency leave without American Red Cross verification