Allies increase interoperability through chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense instruction

Photo By Gunnery Sgt. Anthony Kirby | Republic of Korea Marines race to put on gas masks and full mission-oriented protective posture equipment while attempting to stay low to the floor Feb. 28 at the New Mexico Live-Fire Complex, Warrior Base, Republic of Korea, as part of Korean Marine Exchange Program 14-2. A group of U.S. Marines taught the procedure during chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense instruction. The ROK Marines are with 1st Company, 1st Battalion, 1st Regiment, 2nd Division. The U.S. Marines are with Headquarters and Service Company, 2nd Bn., 3rd Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 4th Marines, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, under the unit deployment program.  

WARRIOR BASE, 26, SOUTH KOREA

02.28.2014

Story by Sgt. Anthony Kirby 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

NEW MEXICO LIVE-FIRE COMPLEX, WARRIOR BASE, Republic of Korea – U.S. Marines with 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, presented chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense instruction to Republic of Korea Marines Feb. 28 at the New Mexico Live-Fire Complex, Warrior Base, Republic of Korea, as part of Korean Marine Exchange Program 14-2.

KMEP is a series of regularly scheduled combined training exercises that increase the combat readiness and interoperability between the ROK and U.S. Marine forces. The exercises promote stability on the Korean Peninsula, enhance the alliance between the two nations, and strengthen ROK-U.S. military capabilities.

The battalion is currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, under the unit deployment program.

ROK Marines received instruction on various topics such as chemical detection, decontamination, donning and shedding of a gas mask, and mission-oriented protective posture equipment levels and exchange procedures.

“The class allows us to see any differences we may have with the U.S. Marines on this matter,” said ROK Marine Pfc. Joon Hwan Oh, a nuclear, biological and chemical defense specialist with 1st Company, 1st Battalion, 1st Regiment, 2nd Division. “It’s a good training exchange opportunity.”

The instruction enabled the allies to compare procedures and equipment, according to U.S. Marine Cpl. Brandon E. Busler, a CBRN defense specialist with Headquarters and Service Company, 2nd Bn., 3rd Marines.

“I was anxious to see what kind of gear they use,” said Busler. “It was surprising to see how close their gear resembles ours. There are only a few small differences ... it’s pretty cool.”

The ROK Marines also participated in a friendly competition pertaining to a valuable lesson taught during the class.

Two ROK Marines competed to see who could put on their gas mask and full MOPP equipment the fastest while staying low to the ground. This tiring procedure prepares a person for the immediate action required when a CBRN event takes place in an open environment.

“It’s easy to tell from the competition and (the ROK Marines’) overall participation during the class that they are really enthused about (this training),” said Busler.

The instruction was another way for the allies to build a better understanding of how the other works, which improves overall interoperability, according to Oh.

“Training together and being able to compare our similarities and differences makes me feel more secure,” said Oh. “If the time comes for us to work together, there won’t be any miscommunications because we have a lot of the same tactics and procedures.”

• Date Taken: 02.28.2014
• Date Posted: 03.11.2014 00:53
• Story ID: 121804
• Location: WARRIOR BASE, 26, KR
• Hometown: HONG KONG, HK
• Hometown: JESUP, GA, US