'Wildcard' battalion trains with ROK infantry
HUMPHREYS GARRISON — One can sum up the United States’ relationship with the Republic of Korea with the phrase “Kapchi Kapshida,” or “We Go Together,” but nothing really encapsulates the alliance like a good old fashioned shoot-from-the-hip combined field training exercise, like the one at Tactical Assembly Area Tom, south of Wonju, Sept. 28 and 29.
From the planning stages, to the actual carrying out of the mission, one thing reigns clear – the ROK and U.S. combined fighting forces are training to “Fight Tonight.”
Lt. Col. Erik Gilbert, commander of 2nd Assault Battalion, 2nd Aviation Regiment, 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade, is fully aware of this need to be prepared to roll out at a moment’s notice, making it a priority upon taking command to conduct as much high-speed combined training as possible.
Gilbert’s most recent initiative to further prepare his “Wildcard” battalion involved the integration of Charlie Company, 2-2 Avn. and ROK Soldiers from the 37th ROK Infantry Division, located in Jeung-Pyeong, in a mission to sling load four ROK 105 mm Howitzers to U.S. UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters.
The howitzers were then transferred to a remote location known as Tactical Assembly Area Tom, south of Wonju, via the Black Hawks. Once there, the ROK Soldiers unhooked the weapons and fired blank rounds at various strategic locations, which guerrilla forces could use if war ever broke out.
U.S. Army photos by Cpl. Timothy N. Oberle and Pfc. Paek Guen-wook
For more information on U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys and living and working in Korea visit: USAG-Humphreys' official web site or check out our online videos.
'Wildcard' battalion trains with ROK infantry
HUMPHREYS GARRISON — One can sum up the United States’ relationship with the Republic of Korea with the phrase “Kapchi Kapshida,” or “We Go Together,” but nothing really encapsulates the alliance like a good old fashioned shoot-from-the-hip combined field training exercise, like the one at Tactical Assembly Area Tom, south of Wonju, Sept. 28 and 29.
From the planning stages, to the actual carrying out of the mission, one thing reigns clear – the ROK and U.S. combined fighting forces are training to “Fight Tonight.”
Lt. Col. Erik Gilbert, commander of 2nd Assault Battalion, 2nd Aviation Regiment, 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade, is fully aware of this need to be prepared to roll out at a moment’s notice, making it a priority upon taking command to conduct as much high-speed combined training as possible.
Gilbert’s most recent initiative to further prepare his “Wildcard” battalion involved the integration of Charlie Company, 2-2 Avn. and ROK Soldiers from the 37th ROK Infantry Division, located in Jeung-Pyeong, in a mission to sling load four ROK 105 mm Howitzers to U.S. UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters.
The howitzers were then transferred to a remote location known as Tactical Assembly Area Tom, south of Wonju, via the Black Hawks. Once there, the ROK Soldiers unhooked the weapons and fired blank rounds at various strategic locations, which guerrilla forces could use if war ever broke out.
U.S. Army photos by Cpl. Timothy N. Oberle and Pfc. Paek Guen-wook
For more information on U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys and living and working in Korea visit: USAG-Humphreys' official web site or check out our online videos.