Verbal Abuse to Troops Despite Two Warnings
Image Damage to Key Market in 'K-Defense Export'
The commander of the Ark Unit deployed to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) returned home amid allegations of power abuse and verbal abuse towards unit members. Despite two reports and warnings from the troops, the abuse continued, and disciplinary procedures are expected to begin as early as this month.
According to military officials on the 16th, the 23rd rotation of the Ark Unit was deployed to the UAE in July this year for their mission. The commander’s tyranny began as soon as the 23rd rotation of the Ark Unit arrived in the UAE. Colonel Park, the commander, immediately started abusing his power and verbally abusing the soldiers upon arrival. The troops reported this to their home country, and Colonel Park received a verbal warning. However, his tyranny continued, and the troops reported the matter to the Joint Chiefs of Staff. In September, the Joint Chiefs’ Readiness Inspection Office confirmed Colonel Park’s abusive behavior and issued another verbal warning. Despite this, the abuse persisted, and he was eventually sent back last month.
The 23rd rotation of the Ark Unit consists of about 140 personnel from the Army Special Warfare Command (Special Forces), Naval Special Warfare Group (UDT/SEAL), a small number of Marines, and Air Force personnel. They are elite members who passed a 6-to-1 competition ratio. Many of them are top-tier operatives, including the Special Warfare Team 1 selected last year as one of the Army’s top 300 elite combatants and Special Forces top teams, the anti-terrorism top team, and operational teams recognized for outstanding comprehensive combat capability. Since 2011, the Ark Unit has conducted over 60 joint exercises with the UAE military, cultivating practical special operations capabilities of our special forces and establishing conditions to protect overseas nationals in the Middle East region.
Above all, the unit plays a symbolic role in economic cooperation and exchange between the two countries. In 2002, the UAE imported $3.5 billion worth of the “Korean-style Patriot,” Cheongung-II. This year, they imported four LNG carriers from Hanwha Ocean.
Meanwhile, the Ark Unit commander was also recalled early and disciplined in 2015. Major Ko, the commander of the 9th rotation of the Ark Unit, was frequently absent without leave and verbally abusive, leading to his early recall and severe disciplinary action. Investigations revealed that Major Ko abused his position during deployment by frequently leaving the unit without permission for shopping and sightseeing. He was also found to have gone out without permission during the Korea-UAE joint training period. Al Ain, where the Ark Unit is stationed, is the fourth largest city in the UAE, known for its large shopping malls and tourist attractions.
Additionally, serious issues with leadership, including personal insults and verbal abuse towards troops, were reasons for the severe disciplinary action. The Joint Chiefs of Staff, which manages deployed units, issued multiple warnings regarding Major Ko’s misconduct, but when no improvement was seen, he was recalled two months earlier than scheduled.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
