First Combined Training at Korea-US Army KTCT

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] The U.S. military conducted a joint exercise with the Republic of Korea (ROK) military for the first time at the Korea Army Training Center (KCTC).

According to the Army on the 18th, the U.S.-ROK Combined Division rotational brigade (the U.S. 1st Armored Brigade) formed a battalion-level task force together with the ROK Army and conducted a combined exercise under the control of the ROK military.

This exercise involved more than 4,300 Korean soldiers from the ROK Army’s 12th Division Sangseunghyangrobong Brigade and 28th Division Eagle Brigade, who formed brigade-level task forces and engaged in bilateral combat training. Approximately 300 soldiers from two infantry companies under the U.S. 1st Armored Brigade (Ready First Brigade) of the U.S.-ROK Combined Division were integrated into each Korean brigade task force and operated under their command during the exercise.

The U.S. 1st Armored Brigade participating in the exercise is a brigade under the U.S. Army 1st Armored Division and was rotationally assigned to the U.S.-ROK Combined Division in March. Before arriving in Korea, they completed a science-based combat training at the National Training Center (NTC) at Fort Irwin, California, which is regarded as the model for Korea’s KCTC.

This is the first time the ROK Army has integrated U.S. forces into each Korean brigade task force and exercised operational control during a KCTC brigade-level bilateral training. The KCTC brigade-level bilateral training method, applied by the Army since last year, differs from the previous format where one brigade would engage a specialized opposing force. Instead, two brigades participate simultaneously in one exercise, allowing more units to experience the KCTC training, which is considered the closest to real combat.

With over 100 combat vehicles including tanks, armored vehicles, self-propelled artillery, attack and maneuver helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) deployed, the exercise was conducted under the principle of bilateral free maneuver combat. Additionally, the training focused on enhancing combined arms cooperation led by brigade commanders, simultaneous integrated operations, and improving U.S.-ROK combined operational capabilities. To ensure smooth combined training, observers and controllers managing the training scenarios were primarily selected based on language proficiency. Various weapons and combat equipment operated by the U.S. forces were integrated with the Korean Army’s MILES system to enable analysis of training data through the science-based training system.

Furthermore, over 400 junior non-commissioned officers (NCOs) undergoing the 'Junior NCO Leadership Course' at various branch schools were assigned to the brigade task forces under the 12th and 28th Divisions and participated in the training to master combat skills as small-unit commanders and develop battlefield leadership.

Captain Randall Jiggers, company commander of the U.S.-ROK Combined Division rotational brigade, said, "Overcoming harsh conditions such as heat, monsoon rains, and mountainous terrain, our soldiers deepened their understanding of the operational environment on the Korean Peninsula and enhanced their operational capabilities through joint training with the Korean forces."

Captain Im So-su, company commander of the 12th Division Sangseunghyangrobong Brigade, said, "During four consecutive days and nights of intense combat training without rest, I felt a strong camaraderie with the U.S. soldiers. We will continue training and training to build strong combat power capable of defeating the enemy immediately."

The U.S. and ROK soldiers participating in the exercise will complete after-action reviews by unit by the 21st and then return to their respective units.