ROK Army NCO Cadets visit Vandal Training Center

Photo By Jeff Nagan | Cadets from Kookje University in Pyeongtaek City, stop by the underwater training facility inside the Vandal Simulation Training Center, April 19, during a visit to Camp Humphreys. The 30 cadets also viewed a first-aid training room, an underwater training facility, a simulated shooting range, and a simulated Humvee driving facility. (U.S. Army Photo by Jeff M. Nagan)  

SOUTH KOREA

04.27.2023

Story by Jason Om 

USAG Humphreys

Camp Humphreys, South Korea – Students from Kookje University in Pyeongtaek City, visited the Vandal Simulation Training Center on Camp Humphreys, April 19. The 30 cadets were military science majors who are eligible to become noncommissioned officers in the Republic of Korea Army after finishing the 2-year course.

During the visit, cadets had an opportunity to see and experience the most up-to-date training facilities and equipment of the U.S. Army at the training center.

“It’s a great opportunity for us to see the advanced training facilities of the U.S. Army and to have a hands-on experience of the high-tech training equipment of the U.S. Soldiers,” said Bae Sang-hui, a professor of Kookje University, who accompanied the visit. “I was also thrilled that the students will learn about the importance of the ROK-U.S. alliance throughout the tour today.”

The Vandal Simulation Training Center, named in honor of the former Eighth Army commanding general, the late Lt. Gen. Thomas Vandal, opened in 2019 and is known for its adaptable training resources including a constructive gaming simulation environment.

“At the beginning of their education as future non-commissioned officers, the cadets should be learning what tools are available for them to train their soldiers, from the most basic to the most advanced.,” said David Thornton, training supervisor. “It was refreshing to provide a tour of the Vandal Training Center’s capabilities to the cadets.”

Thornton welcomed the students and showed them the training facilities, including a first-aid training room, an underwater training facility, a simulated shooting range, and a simulated Humvee driving facility. Thornton and his staff informed the group not only the facility but also explained how they integrate real combat situations in the training equipment.

“I am so happy to see the state-of-the-art training facilities of the U.S. military, said Son Seung-hyun, a freshman. “It is very encouraging to see the Korean and U.S. Soldiers get training together here to prepare for actual combat.”

After the tour of the training center, the cadets had time to learn about the history of the Korean War and the Republic of Korea-U.S. alliance at the ROK-US alliance monument located next to the U.S. Fores Korea headquarters. Cadets learned that this year marks the 70th anniversary of the ROK-US alliance after both countries signed the mutual defense agreement in 1953 at the end of the Korean War.

“It was a very meaningful time that gave students new experiences,” said Bae. “Kookje University hopes to expand the relations with the USAG Humphreys in various fields in the future.”

• Date Taken: 04.27.2023
• Date Posted: 04.27.2023 19:53
• Story ID: 443466
• Location: KR