Area IV KATUSAs gather to attend OPSEC training

Photo By Sgt. Dong-weon Kim | Retired Col. Jung Woon-chae, Korea Veterans Associations professor, gives OPSEC training to Area IV KATUSAs at Camp Henry Nov. 6.  

27, SOUTH KOREA

11.06.2013

Story by Cpl. Dong-weon Kim 

19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command

DAEGU, South Korea – Ret. Col. Jung Woon-chae, Korea Veterans Associations professor, was invited as a special guest speaker to conduct troop information and education (T&IE) to 218 Area IV Korean Augmentation to the United States Army (KATUSA) on Nov. 6 at Camp Henry.

Jung met with the Area IV KATUSAs to educate them on the importance of Operation Security (OPSEC) in the military. This training instilled the soldiers with a sense of responsibility and leadership to maintain OPSEC, which is a core value of preserving national security.

KATUSAs from the 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command (ESC) and its subordinate units receive weekly training from their Republic of Korea Army (ROKA) counterparts; however, this day was very special, considering that all 218 Area IV KATUSAs gathered at a single location to receive military T&IE.

Jung started off this KATUSA training by asking a few questions to 218 soldiers in order to stimulate interest and attention. He also shared both his military and personal experiences throughout the lecture, interacting with the KATUSAs. Throughout the training, it was apparent that Jung was approaching the KATUSA soldiers not only as a lecturer, but also as a father and a mentor of life.

“The training was very impressive as the professor was proactive and passionate about giving a lecture to us,” said Cpl. Yi Jae-hyun, United States Army Criminal Investigation Command (CID) S-1 administrator. “Compared to the other weekly KATUSA trainings that we receive, it was special how he integrated his personal story into the education”

Jung’s lecture revolved around three major aspects that soldiers must keep in mind. He mainly stressed the spirit of a soldier considering the numerous wars that have occurred in the past. He also emphasized the significance of being prepared from external invasions and internal cohesion within the military.

During the training, Jung related ‘OPSEC’ in terms of the ROK-U.S. alliance. He firmly insisted that a stronger national security stems from cohesive ROK-U.S. alliances. Jung ascertained that KATUSAs have real life experiences that could easily explain the ROK-U.S. alliance.

KATUSAs are elite conscripts who are selected within a competitive program. KATUSAs who are crucial contributors to the ROK-US alliance facilitate communications fostering readiness in defending the Korean peninsula. As KATUSAs, many soldiers felt from their hearts what it means to serve and defend our nation by working along with the U.S. Army.

“As a ROKA soldier and specifically, a KATUSA, I have thought a lot about the ROK-U.S. alliance,” said Cpl. Park Seung-min, U.S. Army Garrison-Daegu supply clerk. “I surely feel that the ROKA and the U.S. Army both need each other in their positions and their alliance can grow stronger in the future.”

Jung concluded the training giving precious pieces of advice to the KATUSAs. He stated as future leaders of South Korea, KATUSAs should prepare for their life after their 21 months of compulsory military service and continue studying to seek ways they can contribute to the nation for the next 70 years of their lives.

The training ended with acclamations from the KATUSAs. The two hour long lecture infused pride to the soldiers as heroes guarding freedom and peace. Jung’s words also provided them an opportunity to recall the awareness of OPSEC and think thoroughly about their lives in the future.

“I only have two months until my expiration terms of service and throughout the lecture, I questioned myself whether I have usefully spent my days in the military, said Sgt. Kim Min-chan, 19th ESC ROKA Support Group senior KATUSA. “I expect to wisely use the rest of my time in the Army after listening to the professor’s words. I specially thank him for delivering such impressive remarks.”

This KATUSA training integrated 218 Area IV KATUSAs to nurture OPSEC readiness from contingences. Besides the military knowledge that they have acquired, KATUSAs also earned a life lesson. The short two hours have paved a way for them to learn, thrive and grow as prominent leaders in the future.

• Date Taken: 11.06.2013
• Date Posted: 03.06.2014 00:40
• Story ID: 121553
• Location: 27, KR