Army Conducts First Warrior Platform Training for Reservists of 31st, 35th, and 52nd Divisions

Expansion to 82 Units by 2029

The Army has conducted its first training session for reservists using the new combat system known as the "Warrior Platform."

The Army announced on October 27 that, starting from the 14th for two weeks, it had conducted training applying the Warrior Platform for the reservist mobile units under the 31st, 35th, and 52nd Divisions (in Suncheon, Gunsan, and Yeongdeungpo District, Seoul). The Warrior Platform refers to a foundational system comprised of advanced clothing, gear, and combat equipment, designed to maximize the combat efficiency and survivability of individual soldiers by incorporating cutting-edge technology.

Among the Warrior Platform equipment already deployed to active-duty soldiers, the Army has selected five items-personal weapon sights, high-performance magnifiers, laser target designators, new bulletproof helmets, and body armor-as the Warrior Platform for reservist mobile units, taking into account the missions and characteristics of reservists, and is working to deploy them.

To this end, the Army designated the three reservist mobile units under the 31st, 35th, and 52nd Divisions as "Warrior Platform test operation units," and is conducting test operations for deployment, including organizational adjustments, equipment and material deployment, and training plan development.

Approximately 240 reservists from the Suncheon, Gunsan, and Yeongdeungpo District reservist mobile units participated in this training. First, at the regional advanced reservist training centers, they familiarized themselves with the Warrior Platform equipment, practiced operational proficiency, and conducted zeroing and live-fire exercises. Subsequently, under the control of the local defense brigade commander, both active-duty soldiers and reservist mobile unit members equipped with the Warrior Platform were deployed together in operations to defend key facilities. During the exercise, the surveillance and reconnaissance team of the reservist mobile unit identified infiltrating enemy forces using drones, while the sniper and maneuver teams quickly mobilized to eliminate the enemy.

In particular, the Gunsan reservist mobile unit under the 35th Division conducted a joint defense operation at Gunsan Air Base with the U.S. 8th Fighter Wing, thereby verifying the combined operational capabilities of reservists equipped with the Warrior Platform. Koo Seungchan, a platoon leader (reserve first lieutenant) of the Gunsan reservist mobile unit who participated in the training, said, "Operating a much more advanced weapon system than during my active-duty service, I felt that survivability in an actual battlefield environment could be significantly enhanced," adding, "I have gained confidence that we can accurately neutralize any enemy."

To further professionalize reserve forces, the Army plans to expand the number of reservist units equipped with the Warrior Platform to 82 by 2029. Jung Hakseung, Director of Mobilization, stated, "Through this training, we confirmed that reservists equipped with the Warrior Platform can demonstrate overwhelming combat power while ensuring survivability," adding, "This achievement marks the first step in strengthening regional reserve forces to respond to changes in the future operational environment."