CAMP CASEY, South Korea – Soldiers with the 302nd Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, welcomed Republic of Korea army soldiers from the 96th Maintenance Battalion as they toured the Company C motor pool as part of joint training at Camp Casey, South Korea, July 14.
The training included static displays, demonstrations of equipment, and a tour of the motor pool. The Soldiers also formed professional bonds and gained a newfound knowledge as they discussed each others weapon systems and other sustainment skills such as putting in an intravenous treatment, and recovering a vehicle.
The Soldiers were also able to learn about the assets of the equipment and systems that are used to support daily operations. Soldiers were able to learn the capabilities by getting their hands on the equipment, rather than just hearing about it.
“It allows us to become familiar with what we’re bringing to the fight, should we need to ‘Fight Tonight,’” said Maj. Paul R. Davis, the executive officer of 302nd BSB, and a native of Hershey, Pa.
The ROK army soldiers learned about the weapons systems that the two sides will share, enabling them to work in a partnership. Each side said they gained valuable information from the learning experience.
“We have to expand our abilities to other areas like supply or transportation,” said Lt. Col. Kyong Sun Kim, 96th Maintenance Battalion, ROK army, and native of Kwangju, South Korea. “With what we can learn from each other, our partnership and friendship will be very strong.”
The reality of the situation between North and South Korea is something both the United States Army and the ROK army must be prepared for and work together as a team to deter aggression and protect the people of South Korea.
“We have not been exposed to a war zone for 60 years,” said Kim. “We each realize we need to have a willingness to work together and learn from one another, should we be thrust into a wa rzone again.”
As the ROK soldiers viewed and interacted at the static displays, they learned many valuable skills they may have been unfamiliar with prior to the training.
Learning from one another enabled each side to strengthen the Alliance, joining the two armies together to form one strong, cohesive fighting team.
“It’s fantastic that we’re great friends and allies,” said Davis. “At the same time, we’re able to become familiar with what each of us can bring to the fight.”