[Yang Nak-gyu's Defence Club] Carrying a Rifle, Participating in the 'Baengnyeongdo Skirmish'

Experience of Urban Combat Simulation Training on Baengnyeongdo
Joined Attack Team as Squad Leader Escort for Assault Unit
Sustained Shoulder Injury but Survived

The urban combat training ground for the Marine Corps on Baengnyeongdo Island is a replica of Baengnyeongdo town. Between seven buildings, soldiers wearing 'MILES' equipment were divided into the Red Team and Blue Team, preparing for battle. The MILES equipment attaches a laser to the end of a rifle, and every time a blank cartridge is fired, the laser is emitted toward the enemy. Soldiers wear helmets and vests equipped with sensors that indicate 'death,' 'serious injury,' or 'minor injury' when hit by the laser. The battle on this day was conducted in a way that victory was achieved by capturing the opponent's flag.

The reporter joined the attacking Blue Team. The attacking team started from a high ground, a favorable position. Soldiers who climbed the hill and loaded 40 blank cartridges into their magazines quickly wiped the smiles off their faces.

The battle began. Soldiers kept a close watch on their surroundings and crouched low to avoid revealing their positions to the enemy. The assault squad that the reporter joined was tasked with advancing through the buildings under cover fire to capture the enemy's flag. Running with a loaded magazine was not easy. Due to crouching as low as possible and tension, it took 15 minutes to move just 20 meters. Hiding behind the wall of the first building and looking at the second floor of the building across, the enemy's helmet was visible. The squad leader ordered covering fire and started running. The reporter followed. Less than 30 minutes into the battle, the weight of the rifle already felt like a ton.

A reporter engaged in combat wearing 'MILES' equipment at the Marine Corps urban combat training ground.

The squad leader who jumped to the second floor of the building began to eliminate the enemy. However, the enemy started attacking from the opposite building. Although aiming at the enemy through the window, it was difficult to hit. Suddenly, gunfire came from behind. The enemy pushed into the first floor and targeted the reporter. A beep sounded from the shoulder, and the phrase 'minor injury' appeared. The reporter was unable to move for a while. The squad leader quickly exited the building and moved to the next one. After treating the minor injury, the reporter chased the squad leader and eliminated the enemy who was targeting him.

The enemy was not only in the buildings. They were also ambushed along the mountain ridge next to the combat ground. The gunfire from various directions made it difficult to distinguish friend from foe. The reporter started shooting at the enemy visible through the branches. The enemy hit by the reporter’s gun was seriously injured and took off their helmet. However, mistakes were repeated. Without counting the number of bullets in the magazine, all 40 rounds were exhausted.

It was urgent. But there was nowhere to call for help. A nearby female sergeant willingly threw a magazine to the reporter and checked the ammunition count of the squad members. She resupplied the covering squad with more ammo and ordered them to charge toward the flag. The charge was not easy. This time, the enemy ambushed at the creek, blocking the advance of the assault squad. The covering squad pushed through the branches and scattered to both sides, and the gunfire intensified.

"Charge with guns."

After assessing the number of enemies, the squad leader gave a firm order. They suppressed the enemies hiding near the flag and pulled the flag after 1 hour and 30 minutes of combat. The soldiers cheered. They recalled the Marine Corps soldiers who first raised the Taegeukgi flag at Seoul City Hall during the '9.28 Seoul Liberation Operation' in the Korean War. After the battle, individual achievements were announced. The reporter survived and inflicted 1 enemy death and 2 serious injuries. The reporter felt relieved, thinking that they did not bring shame to the squad more than individual achievements. The soldiers shared the same sentiment. Sergeant Lee Min-seok said, "Combat using MILES equipment helps to acquire a sense similar to real combat," and added, "Just as Ukraine has subdued Russia in urban warfare, I will become a Marine who can win in any situation."