A recent joint training event, initiated by United States Forces Korea (USFK) and Eighth Army
leadership, marked a significant milestone in combined spectrum operations between U.S. and
Republic of Korea (ROK) forces. The primary objective was to establish a unified framework for
identifying and resolving electromagnetic interference (EMI) in a joint operational
environment—something that had not previously been formally exercised. The event included
participation from the 2nd Infantry Division rotational unit, specifically the 4th Infantry
Division’s 1st Brigade Combat Team, as well as personnel from the 1st Signal Brigade and the
ROK’s Defense Communication Command (DCC).
“This training event was a direct result of the vision and coordination efforts of USFK and
Eighth Army, who recognized the need to enhance combined spectrum operations between US
and ROK forces. I want to give full credit to higher command for initiating and driving this effort
forward. Their leadership made this milestone event possible,” said Master Sgt. Charles McCoy,
the Senior Spectrum Manager for the Korean Theater of Operation (KTO). Master Sgt. McCoy
and other Spectrum Managers from USFK, Eighth Army, and 1st Signal Brigade had the
incredible chance to work closely with the ROK’s DCC and see how each unit respectively
functions and handles real life scenarios.
The training emphasized interoperability and coordination across allied forces. Key efforts
included integrating Korean Augmentation to the United States Army (KATUSA) soldiers as
liaisons to bridge communication gaps and facilitate collaboration between U.S. and ROK teams.
“Teaming up with foreign partners always brings complexity, different systems, methods, and
communication styles, but it also opens your eyes to new approaches. This experience reinforced
how essential collaboration is in preparing for both peace time and conflict environments.” said
McCoy. These insights helped shape early development of combined standard operating
procedures that will guide future operations.
“The whole process of working with the ROK DCC was impactful, it demonstrated that we were
able to coordinate a successful event together,” said Sgt. First Class Elliot Rappoport, the
Spectrum Manager from Eighth Army and the main coordinator of the training event. “The
impact of this event will drive future policies and procedures that will leave this theater in a
better position to dominate the battlespace.”
Rappoport also claimed that, “Working alongside our partner nations has its own unique
challenges and barriers but once those are handled it becomes an incredibly rewarding
experience. At Eighth Army, we are continually looking for ways to improve our combined and
joint operations to develop means to resolve issues we may encounter during both Armistice and
War.”
Despite logistical challenges like extreme heat and language barriers, the training was widely
viewed as a success. It has generated strong interest from both nations to continue refining joint
procedures in future exercises, signaling a long-term commitment to enhanced cooperation in
spectrum operations.
| Date Taken: | 08.26.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 09.09.2025 21:13 |
| Story ID: | 546475 |
| Location: | CAMP HUMPHREYS, KR |
| Web Views: | 22 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Joint Electromagnetic Interference Training Event, by SPC Megan Gaston, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
