POHANG, Feb. 8 (Korea Bizwire) – The U.S. and South Korean Marine Corps have commenced joint training exercises aimed at enhancing their combined operational capabilities.
According to the Marine Corps, since February 1, the 1st Marine Division has been conducting joint training with the U.S. Marines at a training site in Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province, utilizing a variety of equipment.
The training, which will run until February 20, involves over 400 Marines from both nations and features equipment such as the K808 wheeled armored vehicle, Korean Amphibious Assault Vehicle (KAAV), K-1A2 tanks, battalion-level UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles), MUH-1 Marineon helicopters, and U.S. CH-53E helicopters.
The focus of this training session is on exchanging small unit combat skills and enhancing operational capabilities through combined arms training.
During the exercises, U.S. and South Korean Marines are collaborating on various drills, including reconnaissance of training areas, small arms firing, combat fitness, close-quarters battle in urban environments, combined aerial assaults using helicopters and parachutes, mechanized unit maneuvering, and force-on-force engagements using MILES (Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System) gear.
Major Joshua Burchfield, a company commander from the U.S. Marine Corps 3rd Division, remarked, “The 70-year-long cooperation between the U.S. and South Korean Marine Corps has played a vital role in securing the Korean Peninsula. Through this training, the U.S. and South Korean Marines will continue to advance as partners in safeguarding the peace and prosperity of the Korean Peninsula.”
Captain Ahn Seung-bin from the 1st Marine Division of the South Korean Marine Corps, also commented on the training exercises, stating, “We are committed to training with the resolve to immediately, powerfully, and conclusively respond to any provocation by the enemy in any situation with the formidable strength of the U.S. and South Korean Marine Corps.”
Image credit: Republic of Korea Marine Corps / photonews@koreabizwire.com
