Army Chief of Staff Visits 5th Division Spearhead Unit... Inspects AI Surveillance Demo Unit and Drone Workshop

On September 8, Army Chief of Staff Kim Kyuha visited a frontline spearhead unit to inspect the AI-based GOP Scientific Surveillance Operations demonstration unit and the "Drone Workshop," where drones are manufactured, maintained, and used for training.

The Army announced on September 9 that Chief Kim had visited the spearhead unit of the Army's 5th Infantry Division in Yeoncheon, Gyeonggi Province, the previous day for an on-site inspection. According to the Army, this visit was part of Chief Kim's commitment to field- and action-oriented leadership, in line with his command goal of building a "Strong Army, Trusted Army."

Chief Kim first visited the GOP battalion, which is piloting an AI-based scientific surveillance operation system using a military AI model independently developed by the Army AI Center. The pilot application demonstrated that surveillance operations utilizing AI object recognition and analysis technology were significantly more effective than previous methods. Going forward, the Army plans to further advance its military AI models through deep learning training.

Lieutenant Colonel Son Youngju, commander of the GOP battalion, said, "Thanks to AI-based object recognition, the efficiency of surveillance has improved, allowing soldiers to focus more intently on their missions. We will do our utmost to accomplish our tasks."

In addition, Chief Kim visited the Drone Workshop operated by the 5th Division, in line with the Ministry of National Defense's ongoing initiative to train 500,000 drone warriors. At the Drone Workshop, where drones are manufactured, maintained, and used for training, Chief Kim personally operated a drone and reviewed the group training system for commercial educational drones, which are scheduled to be supplied to squad-level units. He encouraged the soldiers, saying, "Become drone warriors who demonstrate creativity and expertise to lead the changes in future warfare."

Sergeant Major Cho Kyungyeon, an instructor at the Drone Workshop, said, "As the role and expectations for drones are expanding from reconnaissance and surveillance to combat support, we are training officers and NCOs to manufacture, maintain, and acquire practical operational skills with drones. The pride among those who voluntarily participate in the training is high, and we will continue to do our best to fulfill our duties."

Chief Kim also held a meeting with the soldiers to encourage them and discuss their difficulties. He stated, "Improving the conditions of the spearhead unit is an essential process for becoming a stronger army," and added, "Through spatial innovation and improved conditions at the spearhead unit, which is the starting point for Army personnel, we will create an 'attractive Army.'"