CONUS or OCONUS? A survey and comparison of differences and preferences.

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 May 2015 08:39:04 -0400

Since leaving Germany, I have felt like a character from the show Lost: I just want back on the island. What is your preference? Comparisons and stories are welcome. Thanks.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made May 7 at 2015 8:59 AM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Thu, 07 May 2015 08:59:27 -0400

Hey I've lived here all my life so when I got the chance, OCONUS. Best way to experience the culture and atmosphere of other places.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2015 9:13 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 May 2015 09:13:28 -0400

Conus- close to family. Oconus- if it isn't very long. I love traveling

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2015 10:51 AM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 May 2015 10:51:10 -0400

Interesting survey results, I wonder why this is.

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made May 7 at 2015 11:08 AM

Maj Chris Nelson — Thu, 07 May 2015 11:08:24 -0400

You are missing one selection. I would vote for BOTH. The overseas rotations I have had are FANTASTIC. Family enjoyed them. Saw a lot that we would not have otherwise seen, and generally had a great time. At the same time, CONUS options have lots to offer, and much of it depends on where you go, what you end up doing, and whether or not you enjoy the area. Each location has PRO and CON, it is up to the individual to bloom where they are planted.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2015 11:10 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 May 2015 11:10:53 -0400

Limited opportunities to hunt here in Germany. It is very expensive too.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2015 11:17 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 May 2015 11:17:14 -0400

Once you have been deployed more then once to countries that are horriblily dirty and nasty you develop a respect for being on American soil.

Response by TSgt Kevin Buccola made May 7 at 2015 11:24 AM

TSgt Kevin Buccola — Thu, 07 May 2015 11:24:14 -0400

Spent more than 3/4 of my career overseas and loved it. I love to learn about other countries and cultures plus it give you a better respect for home. Been around the world 8 times and visited 49 States and still going.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2015 12:05 PM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 May 2015 12:05:25 -0400

We've been in Hawaii for three years now and cannot wait to get back to the mainland. It is not always rainbows and unicorns in paradise lol!

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2015 6:34 PM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 May 2015 18:34:34 -0400

I am glad so many of you prefer being OCONUS!

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2015 7:03 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 May 2015 19:03:04 -0400

I was in Germany for 3 years and loved it. I plan on returning in the future if it is an option for me. I felt like I was on vacation every time I left that front gate. I know my spouse enjoyed it and felt closer to people than being stationed state side. People seemed to stick together and watch out for each other. It feels the opposite conus, like people step on each other and couldn't care less about anyone. Just our experience.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2015 1:18 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 May 2015 01:18:30 -0400

Definitely OCONUS. While I love the good old USA I also love to travel and love history. I was stations in Germany twice. First time single and the second time married. Both were very different experiences, but both were great. The first time I partied my ass off and met a lot of German women. The second time I did a lot of touring with the wife and saw many places I’d have never seen if it were not for the military. It was great hopping in the old Mercedes and going from one castle ruin to the next. Not many young men can take their wife to Paris for an anniversary

I’m deploying in 10 months and my civilian employer pays full salary the whole time I’m gone. Cha- ching!!! On my return I’m taking the whole family back to Germany for 3 weeks.