Army’s only combined division demonstrates “Fight Tonight” capabilities for SecArmy

Photo By Staff Sgt. Courtney Smith | Secretary of the Army Eric Fanning gives the thumbs up as he takes off in one of the Army's last operational OH-58 Kiowa helicopters with 2nd Infantry Division/ROK-US Combined Division rotational 1st Squadron, 17th Calvary Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, on Rodriguez Live Fire Complex, South Korea, Aug. 3, 2016. The experience was one of several that 2ID/RUCD rotational Soldiers provided the Secretary during his stop on the peninsula as part of his first tour across the Pacific while in office. (U.S. Army by Sgt. Courtney Smith-Clax, 2nd Infantry Division/ROK-U.S. Combined Division Public Affairs)  

SOUTH KOREA

08.03.2016

Courtesy Story

2nd Infantry Division/ROK-U.S. Combined Division

RODRIGUEZ LIVE FIRE COMPLEX, South Korea – Soldiers from the 2nd Infantry Division/ROK-US Combined Division and its rotational elements highlighted the critical roles they play in strengthening the ROK-U.S. alliance, countering emerging threats and ensuring stability in the region, during Secretary of the Army Eric Fanning’s visit to Camp Casey and Rodriguez Live Fire Complex, Aug. 3.

His visit to the peninsula was the fifth stop on his trip across the Pacific that kicked off July 25, with a focus on engaging with the Soldiers responsible for the Army’s enduring and integral presence in the region.

He said, “The first thing I’ve learned is the value of these engagements that the U.S. Army has with other armies. It’s really remarkable to see when the Army does an exercise with another country, how much interaction there is with Soldiers from all levels, all the way down to the most junior enlisted Soldiers. And there’s a tremendous value in that, both for our Soldiers and for the other military working with the United States.”

2ID/RUCD troops provided a hands-on and memorable experience for Fanning as they showcased the diverse missions performed by the combined division and the readiness created by its rotational warriors.
After hopping into a Multiple Launch Rocket System to join the crew for a simulated fire mission, he took a fast ride in a Bradley, experienced some emerging Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosives capabilities, and rounded out the action by arming, flying, and firing from one of the Army’s few remaining operation OH-58 Kiowa helicopters.

“He can come visit 2nd Infantry Division any time. I like it when they’re hands on,” said Maj. Gen. Theodore “Ted” Martin, the 2ID/RUCD commanding general.

Martin pointed out that many of the troops Fanning interacted with were part of the division’s rotational elements including the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division out of Fort Hood, Texas; the 1st Squadron, 17th Calvary Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division out of Fort Bragg, N.C.; and the 3rd Battalion, 13th Field Artillery Regiment out of Fort Sill, Oklahoma, all serving a nine-month tour in Korea.

He said, “Ours is a trained and ready force, with rotational units, and it’s a concept that’s working, and [Secretary of the Army Fanning] heard it from the commanders down to the sergeants and the Soldiers that it’s working well along with the partnership with our ROK teammates. It’s a concept that builds readiness.”

Fanning also credited the readiness he witnessed on the peninsula to the remarkable commitment between the U.S. and ROK governments and militaries, and said the ongoing relocation of U.S. forces south on the pen is a win-win in increasing readiness and modernization of facilities, in large part thanks to the Korean government’s remarkable contributions.

The Secretary will conclude his Pacific tour with a stop in Alaska.

• Date Taken: 08.03.2016
• Date Posted: 08.03.2016 10:45
• Story ID: 205924
• Location: KR