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December 17, 2024
Military Retirees and retiree widows/widowers living in Korea are normally authorized a USPS APO mailbox on base, however... you are restricted to mailing and receiving only 16 oz. (1lb) of mail. And, there is no guarantee of availability. Retirees, while authorized a box, are at the bottom of the priority list and not guaranteed a box, although usually do get a box. Call and talk with the base post office you will be requesting a box from to verify.
Greater Than 16oz Are Returned: Any incoming package that is greater than 16oz is automatically returned to sender, with no notification to the retiree
16oz Exception: Medication packages received, i.e. TRICARE Mail Order Pharmacy Program via Express Scripts is allowed.
SOFA Status: DOD authorizes retirees to use APO overseas, but SOFA agreements in every country can restrict it, as in Japan. In Korea however, SOFA laws allow retirees APO services, so while APO box privileges are authorized, they are not dependent on having SOFA status. Having SOFA Status does not play any part in retiree postal privileges in Korea.
Retirees and their dependents are authorized USPS services, but as mentioned, with a 16oz limit.
Visiting Retirees in Korea (not living in Korea) are not authorized USPS services
Veterans with a DOD 100% Disabled American Veteran ID card DOD 100% Disabled American Veterans are not authorized APO privileges
VA Veterans Health Insurance ID Cardholders (VHIC) are not authorized APO privileges
DOD Civilian Retirees are not authorized APO privileges
Retirees are authorized an APO box or if a Virtual APO box if a physical box is not available. The APO box will be in the servicing post office you live in or near.
As mentioned, retirees are authorized only 16oz of mail delivery and sending
The general rule is that you must pick up your mail every 30 days. However, depending on your installation it may differ. It's best to call the post office in your area for details so your mailbox remains active.
Forwarding Address of your stateside mail BEFORE you get to Korea: Is there is a mailing address you can use to forward your mail from the U.S. to Korea before you actually get to Korea and obtain your Korea mailbox? No. To the best of out knowledge, there is no general address for this.
After a lengthy multi year review, the DOD has approved the continued privilege of retirees having APO use overseas. This DOES NOT increase the 16oz limit. It simply allows continued privilege of APO use. Read the memo below.