Why Korea is an Assignment of Choice – By Ms. Rachel Kim
One of my goals as a young officer was to command in Camp Casey—the same post where my grandfather served during the Korean War (see his story below and attached photos). When I finally received that opportunity, my grandfather had already passed away from cancer. I never had the chance to share that moment with him, but serving in Korea allowed me to understand, in a much deeper way, what his generation fought for and what the U.S.–ROK alliance truly means.
Professionally, serving in Korea taught me just how essential this alliance is, especially in today’s geopolitical environment. That understanding has stayed with me—from teaching macroeconomics at West Point to now working in defense acquisition within the international defense industry. I saw firsthand how the alliance is not just a military commitment; it is a living system shaped by economics, domestic politics, diplomacy, and the will of our people.
Personally, as a Korean American in the active-duty Army, my time in Korea gave me a sense of responsibility and pride. I realized the value of bringing a nuanced perspective to the U.S.–ROK relationship—one that understands both the history and the cultural dynamics that continue to shape it. It also opened my eyes to how much our world has evolved. Soft power, public sentiment, and civil–military understanding now play enormous roles in sustaining alliances. These elements matter just as much as strategy or force posture.
But I also learned that we cannot rely solely on history or past sacrifices to carry the alliance forward. Its strength depends on how we continue to evolve together—how we honor the principles that underlie the relationship and how those principles manifest culturally, politically, diplomatically, and economically. Alliances have to be practiced, reinforced, and lived out across all facets of society.
Serving in Korea helped me see that the U.S.–ROK alliance is not just a strategic partnership; it is a shared story still being written. And each generation—Soldiers, families, communities—has a role in ensuring that story continues.
Why Korea is an Assignment of Choice ? Let us know –
This initiative invites current and former Service Members, civilians, diplomats, and families to share their stories and reflections on why serving in Korea — whether with United States Forces Korea (USFK) or at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul — was one of the most meaningful and rewarding chapters of their lives.
Whether your experience involved joint operations, discovering the beauty of Korean culture, forging lifelong friendships, or contributing to one of the world’s strongest alliances, we want to hear from you!
Share Your Story by Telling Us:
- What was your initial reaction upon learning that you were going to Korea?
- Why did you have that reaction?
- What did you know about Korea?
- Was there an “aha!” moment that made you think that being in Korea was good?
- How did serving and living in Korea shape your career, life, or worldview? And your family’s?
- What experiences left a lasting impression, good or bad?
Submissions can be written, video-recorded, or even a simple quote with a photo. Selected stories will be featured on all KDVA social media platforms, our website, and Journals.
How to Submit:
Email your story to KDVAKoreaChoice@gmail.com and tag us on social media using #KDVAKoreaAssignmentOfChoice.
There is no deadline. We will keep this going because we will not run out of stories from the millions of people who have served in Korea over the past 75 years!
Help us show the world why Korea isn’t just an assignment — it can be life changing!
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