If you ask any phallus of the armed services why he or she join the service , aside from patriotism of class , the most popular solution is often " to see the world . " It ’s a dreaming – and , shockingly , the realness – for some favourable service members . Now enquire them exactly where in the world they wanted to get stationed , and you get far more answers .
And that ’s what we did . Just as we asked current and former military personnel from all branches of the service of process where theylovedandhatedbeing stationed in the United States , this time we wanted to know the best / most desired overseas assignment . And much like before , our criteria was base on factor range from activities , culture , and on - base amenities , to the food , friendliness of the locals , and change of location opportunities , among other thing .
What we take heed across the board was that being away from family and in a foreign culture can be inherently thought-provoking , but persona construction . It also provides an enviable Instagram feed for anyone spectate back home . So , where did the lucky ones get send ? Here are the top 10 US military base of operations town overseas .
National Museum of the US Navy
10. Apra Harbor, Guam
Base(s):Naval Base Guam , Andersen Air Force Base
Best reason to be place there : The snorkeling and diving – it ’s turn over some of the near in the world . Traveling to Asia and Australia is also easy and affordable , and since Guam is a US soil , English is the principal language on the island .
Best base agreeableness : There are four ( yep , FOUR ) lechatelierite - clear , warm - water beaches on al-Qaeda and they never get overcrowded .
Why you would n’t want to live there : Guam is small island super far away from everything . It ’s literally in the middle of nowhere : 3,300 miles west of Hawaii and 1,500 mile east of the Philippines ? So , yeah , island pyrexia is a genuine thing .
Final word : Guam is a dream for outdoor enthusiasts . Not only are there plentifulness of water activities , there are also loads of hiking trails that vary in terrain and difficulty – from climb waterfalls to sail thick hobo camp . One house physician tell us that understructure home are older and modest than something in the States , but it does n’t count so much since all houses extend one thing : a front door that leads outside .
9. Crete, Greece
Base : Naval Support Activity Souda Bay
good intellect to be send there : The story . It ’s located on the Greek island of Crete and the internet site of Europe ’s early recorded civilization . History buff will love research the frescoed chapels , ancient ruin , and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum . Also the food : Cretan eat up impertinent and local , and many of them make their own olive vegetable oil , cheese , and vino . Can you say dream neighbour ?
well base agreeableness : Because most sailors are stationed here solo ( see below ) , the USO actively bring esprit de corps - boosting entertainment to the base of operations . Brace yourself : Miss America 2016 just visited .
Flickr/U.S. Pacific Fleet
Why you would n’t want to live there : Almost all assignments to Souda Bay are unaccompanied , which means family fellow member are n’t authorized to live on there with the service member . Bummer deal for those that have accompanied to farworse base towns .
concluding word : Some say that Crete is so culturally rich and distinctive it ’s almost a nation all its own . Aside from the distinct sprightliness and custom of Cretan culture , one of its more exclusive sites is the beach of Elafonissi , which when view in the correct light is get across in pinkish sand ( said to be have by crushed precious coral ) .
8. San Juan, Puerto Rico
Base : Fort Buchanan
Best reason to be post there : Exotic outdoor adventure . hike up through rain forest and under waterfalls in theEl Yunque National Forest . research the third - largest cave system in the world in theCamuy caverns . Swim in vindicated aqua waters off some of themost beautiful beaches in the world . Or do it all in a unmarried day .
As for food , PR will recalibrate your touchstone for " fresh seafood . " Mofongo , the beloved fried plantain saucer , is delicious and predominant , and dare we even observe the island ’s two official beverages ? Coffee and pina coladas .
Anton Chygarev/Shutterstock
Another secret fringe benefit : Puerto Rico is on the same time geographical zone as the East Coast and is a US territory – which makes phone calls back home a mass easy to orchestrate . And if your sept member are American citizen , they can visit you without a recommendation .
good base amenity : The Outdoor Recreation office offers hiking and Aqua-Lung - diving excursions as well as water - athletics classes . For the family - friendly , the aquatic center with its pee sloping trough and " Octopus Ride " is a huge hit .
Why you would n’t want to hold up there : The whole annual hurricane terror can be a little off - putting .
Flickr/Christopher Rose
net countersign : necessitate more thrill in your life history ? One of the longest slide fastener lines in the public is located atToro Verde Nature Adventure Park . Also , Old San Juan is pretty much themost beautiful historic region in the US .
7. Suffolk, England, United Kingdom
Base(s):RAF Lakenheath , RAF Mildenhall ( slated for gag rule )
Best understanding to be stationed there : British nostalgia . Now thatDownton Abbeyis over , it may be time to leap out across the pond and actualise your aspiration of living in the English countryside hem in by castles , historical houses , and lilt accent .
Suffolk is charming in itself , but also serves as a large hepatic portal vein to the rest of the UK and Europe . London is only an minute forth by train , and Scotland is an easy day stumble for those that require to take aScotch whisky tour and calculate for the Loch Ness Monster .
IanC66 / Shutterstock.com
good base agreeableness : There ’s really nice novel housing on Lakenheath that gets rave recapitulation . But it does derive with a big caution : waterbeds are not allowed .
Why you would n’t need to live there : Lakenheath is a modest , quiet village . This means your good bet for eating place , nightlife , and amusement are in Cambridge – about 45 minutes away – and traffic is said to be " bloody awful . " Also worth a honorable mention : wintertime atmospheric condition is passably dingy . Think rain and winding and only seven to eight time of day of day .
Final word : Although the Brits may not be known for the autochthonous diverseness of their food , they ’re certainly make out for fry it . You ’ll eat up your filling of tasty fish & chips here and launder it down with many a dry pint ofbeer . Orcider . Or both . Cheers !
Sean Pavone/Thrillist
6. Seoul, South Korea
Base : US Army Garrison Yongsan
Best reason to be stationed there : Cosmopolitan live . No other US military basis in the world provides a standardised chance to live in the middle of a major external metropolis , likely in a predominate gamey - rising slope . Seoul is something of a technical marvel , too . It offer tight , efficient , and inexpensive public transit and wireless access . And word is that many of the apartments have electronic ringlet , wired intercom organization , and heat that comes through the floor . LIKE IN THE FUTURE .
If it ’s nightlife that you seek , then you ’ll find quite a little of it in the city of " Gangnam Style . " Nightclubs are huge , multi - level behemoths sound on light show and electronic music . The popular Itaewon district is super secretive to base and offers loads of prevention , restaurants , and shops . Or if quieter car park and museum are more your jam , Seoul is bursting with those , too .
ilolab/Shutterstock
Be forewarned , though , Yongsan is set for closure ( date TBD ) . So the most compelling reason to get to Seoul now is the fact that you might not be able-bodied to get there later .
serious base agreeableness : We’re told the commissary on base is crucial for stockpile up on conversant American food from home , mostly wintry or non - perishable .
Why you would n’t desire to last there : If you’renota city person and study the traffic , noise , and over-crowding of metropolis living overwhelming , Seoul is n’t for you . It can also be tricky to get accompanied orders ( i.e. , fetch married person / family along ) , so you might be here unaccompanied .
Sean Pavone/Shutterstock
net word : In Seoul , the local street food is where it ’s at . blue Elmer Rice cakes , fish cakes , testicle bread , goldfish lucre , and electrocute rice skewers . Oh , and did we bring up that you could get trash emollient served in a hot waffle . Well , you could . And it ’s totally worth walking the streets for .
5. Stuttgart, Germany
cornerstone : USArmy Garrison Stuttgart
Best cause to be stationed there : It ’s voiceless to narrow Germany ’s many military cornerstone down to just one , but Stuttgart has the welfare of being situated in a major city , and one where they fabricate Mercedes - Benz and Porsche to boot . So , that ’s kind of nerveless .
Stuttgart also offers big - city shopping , entertainment , and is home to the second - largest mineral source in Europe , which means swim in live springs . Even cooler . Also plentiful are weinstubes ( wine taverns ) where you’re able to grab a beer or Methedrine of wine with your pork Wiener schnitzel .
Banet/Shutterstock
Best base amenity : The USO offer up guided tours and trips to local attracter and neighboring countries , as well as on - base classes that range from wine-colored pedagogy to fudge to pottery .
Why you would n’t need to live on there : The spoken language barrier can be challenging and the German societal polish can come off as cold and direct . However , the material hardship take place in the wintertime . From November to April there is very little sun and a lot of shivering . Our insiders confess that the winter month are the laborious . Unless your best-loved color is gray or your favorite emoji is sadness .
Final word : Here ’s a surprisal : Stuttgart is a metropolis skirt by vinery , so in some slipway it ’s known more for its wine than its beer . Still , there are XII of beer gardens , brewpub , and even a couple regional brewery to chit-chat . Also a perk ? Stuttgart ’s public transit system is honest and will get you easily around townsfolk .
Flickr/cne-cna-c6f
4. Okinawa, Japan
Base(s):Fort Buckner , Torii Station , Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D. Butler , Marine Corps Air Station Futenma , Naval Forces Japan
full reason to be stationed there : Technicolor everything . A small island off the southern coast of Japan , Okinawa is the place to see life in its most exotic colour : fluorescent sea puppet are visible through see-through waters , trees are green and lush , and the spiders are brilliantly colored ( and freaking huge ) .
The Okinawan culture is extremely civilized , respectful , and considerate , which entail public areas are passing clean and well maintained . Okinawans also believe that touching blonde haircloth is a shape of good luck , so blondies will do good here as incidental famous person .
Giuseppe Cacace/AFP/Getty Images
Although cultivation daze is all but inevitable , the US military machine ’s operose presence on the island means just about everything is transform into English . This makes ordering a bowl of delicious , not - from - a - pack ramen that much easier .
Best base agreeableness : With so many base located on Okinawa , there is no dearth of amenities . The real highlighting , though , is in beachfront property locate on some of the island ’s primo real estate . Okuma Beach offers low-cost cabin renting , water mutation , and snorkeling expedition .
Why you would n’t want to inhabit there : You will have to sell your gravid SUV for somethingmuch low . People in Okinawa drive teeny , overpacked cars , and you will too . Another downside ? bring on on the island can be passing modified and expensive , since a plenty of it is shipped from the States . Think $ 12 cauliflower . So , if you have kids , they ’ll likely be overjoyed .
Final word : Residents severalize us the key to enjoying Okinawa is start off " the rock " and score the good of travel and cultural opportunities both locally and abroad . In fact , that musical phrase – " making the most of it " pop up over and over again in interviews with military personnel office . In the parole of one transplant , " After getting over myself … and the fact that I would n’t be perusing the aisles of Target with a Starbucks in my hand , I front up and realizedI was in nirvana . " The key here ? Make the most of where you are .
3. Sicily, Italy
alkali : Naval Air Station Sigonella
honest reason to be station there : Variety . Sicily is abound with strange and interesting things to see and do . It ’s home to one of the most active vent in Europe that , strangely , you’re able to hike into . Or if you ’re more a beach person , there are blue jet - dark beaches on Aeolian Islands and utter bloodless beaches on the southerly rim of the mainland . History is a immense draw here as well , and ancient ruin ( both Grecian and Italian ) can be find around the island . Oh , and get ’s not forget the food . Pancetta , pizza pie , alimentary paste , and pistachio gelato – the crew ’s all here .
Best base amenity : The fundament is co - situate with an external airport , so flight in and out are easy to access . Also , the Department of Defense ( DoD ) schools are really good and their sportswoman team travel to compete against other DoD school day across Europe . So high schoolers can profit the passport of professional athletes , hopefully without the self-importance .
Why you would n’t need to live there : Driving can be a little screwball . Unless you blow face of blade and the reflex of a ninja , you might find the carousel and blind curve to be trying – especially when another car is hugging the bender and your rear bumper at the same time .
concluding word : Don’t even institute up the Mafia . hush-hush condemnable organizations may still be restfully at play , but they ’re wrapped up in bigger schemes than niggling street thieving or harass tourists . For the record , locals wo n’t laugh at your mafia antic . They became unfunny about 43 year ago – a twelvemonth or so afterThe Godfathercame out .
2. Rota, Spain
Base : Naval Station Rota
Best reason to be place there : The beach . Rota is a coastal town on the southernmost summit of Spain , just below Portugal and above Gibraltar . The beaches are a huge draw for tourist and locals alike , known for calm and clean waters and the café - lined boardwalk . When you head to the beach , though , be disposed to see some extra skin . And not always the good sort . recollect not - so - slim old man in very svelte Speedos .
In terms of night life , Dardomixes some of the best cocktail in town andO’Grady ’s Irish Baris a popular bar that offer a discernment of family in burgers and beer .
Depending on whom you ask , Rota is either a smooth , family - friendly beach town or a young navy man ’s nightlife dream during the touristed summer months . Our takeaway ? essentially everyone likes it here .
Best base amenity : It ’s a pitch - up between the drive - in film theater and aquatic center .
Why you would n’t want to live on there : In the words of one sailor living in Rota , " the Spanish agenda convey some time to get used to . " In the words of another sailor , " It will get you nuts . " Things move a slight slower and start a petty later in Spain , and commercial enterprise hours function more on vibraharp and feels rather than clockwork .
Final give-and-take : Within a few hours ' drive are Gibraltar , Cadiz , Seville , Portugal , and Morocco , so handiness to nearby sites is key . The coastal region of Andalucia , where the alkali is situated , is also known as " the Florida of Europe , " butwe’re still unclear if that is intended as a compliment .
1. Aviano, Italy
Base : Aviano Air Base
Best reason to be stationed there : The wine-colored . Just 40 second down the road isProsecco Road , a 20 - mile stretching of cliffside vineyards – most of them still family - go and several of them considered to be the good in the country .
Aviano managed to edge out other Italian base townsfolk for the # 1 speckle based on its quality location . Since it ’s so far north , residents can drive to several other countries ( Austria , Croatia , Germany , France , and Slovenia ) rather than relying on plane or train . The weather in Northern Italy is also much more temperate , especially in the summertime when Southern Italy stimulate ultra sweaty . And being situate at the substructure of the Dolomite alps ca n’t be so bad , good ?
good base agreeableness : For those restrain to plan their own travel , the Information , Tickets and Tours ( ITT ) Group on Qaeda sets up excursions for mass on base . For good example , $ 150 will get you to Oktoberfest . Lederhosen not include .
Why you would n’t want to live there : Aviano is an older base of operations that does not offer on - base housing . Also , substructure amenities are pretty decentralised between unlike areas , so you could say the nucleotide lacks a quantity of wash room .
net word : In a place where wine-coloured is tinny than water and food is grown novel topically , the only danger to your self - admiration in living in Aviano is the threat of expanding that clip military waistline . deserving the danger , we ’d say .
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Bekah DiFeliceis a writer , military mate , and retrieve addict to the word " literally . " you’re able to find her riding her Vespa around San Diego , on Facebook and Instagram at@bekahdifelice , or on her blogBekahDiFelice.com .
