Half naked special forces soldiers are undergoing the annual winter training exercises. (image: Yonhap)
SEOUL, Jan. 9 (Korea Bizwire) – Freezing weather could not deter the black beret soldiers from skipping their annual winter training. The Special Warfare Command (SWC) of Korea announced that it is conducting special survival training to familiarize soldiers with harsh winter weather.
The annual winter training exercises are being conducted by a battalion unit for 10 days at the SWC training grounds on Mt. Hwangbyeongsan in Gangwon Province. During the exercises, special warfare troops improve their combat skills while pushing their endurance to the limit and surviving in temperatures under -30℃.
The special force command prepared the annual winter training by referencing the Battle of Jangjinho during the Korean War, in which troops overcame a terrible situation to successfully complete their mission. In the battle, the U.S. 1st Marine Division fought against seven divisions of the Chinese army which had surrounded them.
The US soldiers were almost run over, but after fierce fighting in -40℃ weather, they managed to break out of the siege. Thanks to their victory in battle, the allied forces were able to successfully withdraw to Heungnam.
In the winter exercises, soldiers in full gear weighing more than 30 kilograms, including their personal arms and other equipment, undergo special training including circuit training, special forces martial arts, combat skiing, fire and maneuver exercises, and a 40km long march in the snow.
By John Choi (johnchoi@koreabizwire.com)
