Army's largest multi-functional battalion holds mobilization drill

8th Army
Story by Walter Ham

Date: 11.13.2013
Posted: 11.14.2013 03:28
News ID: 116702
Army's largest multi-functional battalion holds mobilization drill

K-16 AIR BASE, South Korea - The U.S. Army's largest multi-functional battalion conducted a mobilization drill here, Nov. 13.

The Korean Service Corps Battalion trained for its wartime mobilization mission during an annual drill.

The Korean Service Corps, or KSC, drill was attended by senior Army leaders, including 19th Expeditionary Command Commanding General Brig. Gen. Stephen E. Farmen, 2nd Infantry Division Deputy Commander for Support Brig. Gen. Erik Peterson, and Eighth Army Operations Chief Col. William King IV.

The Korean Service Corps traces its roots back to the earliest days of the Korean War. The KSC was created to address manning shortfalls a month after the war began. KSC members carried supplies to front-line troops, evacuated casualties and built fighting positions.

The KSC members used wooden A-frames to haul heavy supplies on their backs through Korea's rugged and mountainous terrain. They earned the nickname the "A-frame Army" for their tenacious and tireless commitment to supporting the war effort.

Today, the KSC Battalion conducts a wide variety combat support and combat service missions during armistice conditions on the Korean Peninsula, from providing Korean language translators to transporting heavy equipment. In addition to many other missions, KSC members also operate ambulances, run training ranges, conduct water survival training, support air traffic operations and provide support to the Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission.

Brightening the holidays for military families in Korea, the KSC Battalion also strings of millions of lights on Yongsan Garrison, Hannam Village, Camp Casey and Camp Hovey every year.

"KSC employees support Eighth Army and U.S. Forces Korea units throughout the peninsula from the Joint Security Area in the far north to the Busan Storage Center in the southernmost area," said KSC Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Devon D. NuDelman. "KSC personnel conduct multifunctional missions that impact U.S. forces every day."