For the first time, the combined scientific combat training exercise involving the armed forces of South Korea, the United States, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was conducted.
According to military authorities, the 6th Infantry Division’s Chosan Brigade conducted the combined scientific combat training exercise for 11 days from July 9 to 19 at the Korea Combat Training Center (KCTC) in Inje, Gangwon Province.
This exercise, in which the brigade commander of the South Korean army directly commanded the U.S. and UAE forces, focused on verifying the ability to perform wartime missions through bilateral free maneuver engagements with the KCTC’s dedicated opposition force regiment and enhancing combined operations capabilities with multinational forces. Despite adverse conditions such as extreme heat and the rainy season, high-intensity attack and defense operations were conducted for three days, each without rest.
The combat team, centered around the Chosan Brigade, included a division’s tank company and artillery battalion, a corps’ attack helicopter battalion and mobility helicopter battalion, a striker battalion under the U.S. 2nd Infantry Division/ROK-U.S. Combined Division, and one infantry company from the UAE. Around 3,000 personnel participated in the training, including cadets from the Korea Military Academy and students from the junior leader course at the Noncommissioned Officer Academy.
Over 200 pieces of combat equipment, including the Korean K1E1 tank, K200 armored vehicle, K55A1 self-propelled gun, attack and mobility helicopters, drones, and unmanned vehicles, and the US Gray Eagle, Black Hawk, and Striker armored vehicle, were deployed. Notably, utilizing MILES equipment and science training systems enhanced the realism of the training.
the Army
The U.S. military has participated in KCTC since 2011 to improve ROK-U.S. combined interoperability. The UAE forces increased their scale from a platoon level last year to a company level this time.
Colonel Kim Mu Hyun, the commander of the Chosan Brigade, said, “It was a battle fought under difficult conditions, such as an unprecedented heat wave and an early monsoon, against a stronger enemy-specialized counterforce.”
“Despite these challenges, the combined combat team of South Korean, U.S., and UAE forces enhanced their combined operations capabilities and strived for victory in a meaningful experience,” he added.
Lieutenant Colonel Josh Silver, commander of the 2nd Battalion under the 2nd Infantry Division/ROK-U.S. Combined Division, described the Korean Combat Training Center (KCTC) as a harsh and immersive training ground, noting its rugged mountainous terrain and challenging weather conditions. He further stated that the joint training allowed them to enhance tactical-level interoperability and improve their combat readiness posture.
On July 11, South Korean Army Chief of Staff Gen. Park An Su, who visited KCTC, emphasized the need to “manage the training data of KCTC, a precious asset of asymmetric superiority, thoroughly and systematically.” He also said, “Various KCTC training development plans should be reflected in various plans and planning documents to maintain their momentum.”