The event, which was part of the Ulchi Freedom Shield-25 exercise, centered around the response to a suspicious package, and trained participants to prevent, protect, mitigate, respond and recover from an all-hazards event.
“Combined training events like these provide the opportunity for us to improve interoperability and communication in a contingency environment with our ROKA counterparts,” U.S. Army Maj. Bobby Castor, the event’s planner, said.
“The foundation we’ve established will allow us to expand on our already strong partnership. U.S. Army installations in the ROK have limited assets, and rely on support from the Korean military to ensure the safety and security of installations and personnel in the area.”
Installations in Daegu are supported by the Korean 501st Infantry Brigade, part of the 50th Homeland Defense Division.
“We’re always training side-by-side,” U.S. Army Sgt. Giovanni Cherico, an MP who participated in the training, said. “Working and coordinating together with our Korean counterparts helps us to become better professionals, and experts in our job”.
During the training, Soldiers approached the fitness center to ensure that no hostile personnel were present. In the course clearing the building, they detected a suspicious package and called for Explosive Ordnance Demolition support.
A ROK Army EOD team arrived, and after ensuring it was safe to approach, investigated and neutralized the explosive device.
ROK Army Capt. Kim So-Yeon, another participant, said “We were able to coordinate our efforts, share assessments, and gain the strengths of joint training. We also hope that through this exercise will serve as an opportunity to further solidify and enhance the training between the Korean and U.S. military.”
The exercise successfully demonstrated the ability of both nations to overcome physical obstacles and language barriers and operate together as an integrated team.
“Today marked the first exercise after four years of planning and it was very beneficial,” 501st Brigade Commander, Col. Yi Dong-yeup, said. “I hope that with the mindset that we’re always together, we continue working together for the defense of Daegu and Korean Peninsula, both in wartime and peacetime and that our partnership would grow even stronger through this exercise.”
U.S. Army Garrison Daegu manages base operations on six U.S. Army installations and 11 sites in Area IV of South Korea, stretching from Daejeon to Busan. As an enduring hub on the peninsula, it also provides support to the U.S. Navy at Fleet Activities Jinhae and the U.S. Marine Corps at Camp Mujuk in Pohang.
Major installations include Camps Henry, Walker, and George in Daegu; Camp Carroll in Waegwan; Pier 8 and Busan Storage Center in Busan; and other smaller outposts. Our major tenant units include the 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command, 403rd Army Field Support Brigade and U.S. Army Material Support Center-Korea.
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