From My Service in Korea, I learned…
Jim Collins
I was privileged to serve in 2ID/Korea for my first assignment in the Army, 1977-78, and my first Aviation assignment in 1980. Korea made a great impression on me…as a Soldier, a Lieutenant, and a leader. My experiences shaped my military and later civilian career and as a volunteer in retirement.
I was assigned to 2ID/Korea as a new Armor 2LT in early 1977. During my officer training to be a tank platoon leader at Ft Knox, nary a word was said to any of us headed to Korea about what to expect, other than it would be cold. I arrived and was shocked to find I would be assigned to an Infantry unit, not with tanks, but with jeeps. When I reported, I then discovered that 1/3 of my platoon were KATUSAs. I had no training or idea what a KATUSA was or how I would communicate with them. Thankfully, I was blessed with a great group of Soldiers who trained ME how to be a LT and Platoon Leader and demanded that I treat, and ensure all of my Soldiers were treated respectfully. This was essential as soon, as we were deployed to the DMZ for two month-long rotations, conducting armed reconnaissance missions that demanded the utmost in skills and reliance upon each other. These brave and patriotic young Soldiers were truly the best teachers I could ever asked for!
In 1980, after completing flight school, I was reassigned to 2ID/Korea as an Aeroscout Pilot and Unit Trainer, with the mission of flying the Buffer Zone and South Boundary fence, from the vicinity Chorwon, along the Imjin River and out to the Western Islands. Additionally, I trained our unit pilots to fly the P73 Seoul transition around Seoul. It was a challenge to fly both the DMZ and Seoul transition due to intense security to prevent any inadvertent overflights. To see Korea from 1000 feet every day..from the mountains along the DMZ to Freedom Bridge and the Imjin and out to the Sea was an awe inspiring joy and challenge.
I later returned to Korea for a month, in 1996 as part of the III (US) Corps Staff planning team. We were challenged to update and plan the Defense Plan for 8th Army, and then brief GEN Luck at 8A, MG Tommy Franks at 2ID, and our Allies at FROKA and TROKA. To accomplish this task, we traveled by vehicle and helicopter and were amazed at how Korea had changed from primarily agricultural to a mega city-state in just 15 years.
Prior to the 2023 Revisit Program, I was able to return to Seoul in February 2020 as a Volunteer StemCells courier for time: matters, a German organization that arranges courier support worldwide for StemCells for leukemia patients. Imagine my luck, on just my second mission, to fly into Incheon, take the subway to Dap-Simni-Dong, and in the middle of a snowstorm….find my way to the Hanyang University Hospital, for pickup and then delivery to Hackensack University Hospital in New Jersey. I have completed 60 total StemCells missions worldwide, but being able to navigate to Hanyang University was my most enjoyable and challenging mission!
In summary, my service in Korea was a significant personal, educational, and life work experience… learned to live and work with a patriotic and hard working team of US and Korean Soldiers, dedicated to the defense of the ROK. I consider both of my years in Korea to be my foundation for life! Thank you for the opportunity to share!
What did you learn from serving in Korea? Let us know –
Sharing your experiences from serving in Korea can be a powerful way to connect with others who have had similar experiences. By sharing your story, you may be able to help others who are currently serving in Korea or who are preparing to do so. You can share insights about the culture, the people, and the challenges you faced while serving. Your story can also help to shed light on the sacrifices that service members and their families make in order to protect our freedoms. So, if you have a story to share, we encourage you to take the time to put it down in writing and send it to KDVA.MyServiceInKorea@gmail.com along with any photos that help to tell your story.
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