The United States military often trains alongside other nations in various exercises as a way to strengthen diplomatic relations. Soldiers from the U.S. Army join forces with the Korean Army to demonstrate their abilities and show off their firepower in numerous joint exercises.
These efforts in particular were part of the Republic of Korea’s Integrated Firepower demonstrations held in Pocheon in August 2015.
Check out the awesome firepower of the U.S. military in the clips below:
According to the video’s description, the U.S. sent Army soldiers from the 210th Field Artillery Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division/ROK-U.S. Combined Division. In addition, the demonstration also included personnel from the U.S. Air Force.
“This is a unique opportunity for us because it allows us to practice with all elements of the Army alliance here in Korea,” said Maj. Elijah Ward, operations officer for 6th Battalion.
Soldiers from the 210th Field Artillery Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division train alongside their joint and combined partners for their debut participation in the Republic of Korea Army’s Integrated Firepower demonstrations. (ArmedForcesUpdate/YouTube)
The military tests were conducted on five separate occasions throughout the month and were even available for public viewing. The two countries’ militaries brought over the usual tanks, helicopters, and jets that are regularly used for demonstrations, but included a few additional new assets as well.
Some of the new toys featured for this demonstration included the Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS) and Paladin self-propelled howitzers.
Soldiers from the 210th Field Artillery Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division train alongside their joint and combined partners for their debut participation in the Republic of Korea Army’s Integrated Firepower demonstrations. (ArmedForcesUpdate/YouTube)
“The MLRS is currently one of the strongest field artillery weaponry systems,” said Lt. Col. Tae-Hun Kim, the battalion commander of 5000th Battalion, 5th Field Artillery Brigade, 6th Division. “It is a vital part of the defense of the Korean Peninsula.”
Soldiers from the 210th Field Artillery Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division train alongside their joint and combined partners for their debut participation in the Republic of Korea Army’s Integrated Firepower demonstrations. (ArmedForcesUpdate/YouTube)
For the troops, military exercises are not just an opportunity to show off their skill. It is also a chance to live, work, and collaborate with an ally.
“This is a unique opportunity for us because it allows us to practice with all elements of the Army alliance here in Korea,” said Maj. Elijah Ward, operations officer for 6th Battalion, 37th Field Artillery Regiment. “This is an exercise where we can see what other units get to do, and we get to see how they all fit in the big picture.”
“There is something different when the soldiers work and live next to each other,” said Ward. “It is this partnership that makes us strong. This exercise allows us to see that we are partners in alliance.”
