CAMP HOVEY, South Korea - "Marching to the beat of one drum." The perfect term to describe the performance of U.S. and Republic of Korea Army soldiers, as these "band of brothers" trained to improve our readiness while working in unison.
Soldiers assigned to the 1st Battalion, 72nd Army Regiment, and the 501st Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear Company, 23rd Chemical Battalion, both of the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, collectively aided the Republic of Korea Army's 2nd Battalion, 100th Infantry Regiment, 17th Division, during a combined training exercise, Nov. 15, 2013, at Rodriguez Live Fire Range Complex, South Korea.
To support their ROKA brethren, the 1ABCT provided a 15-man CBRNE Response Team from the 501st CBRNE Company, and 31 infantrymen with 1st Battalion, 72nd Armor Regiment, to assist with the clearing of potentially contaminated areas.
During this combined training exercise, the ROK Army's 2nd Battalion, 100th Regiment, conducted its first battalion air assault mission involving approximately 300 ROKA soldiers. Following the air assault, the ROK unit secured and isolated the objective, clearing all of its buildings.
"We collaborate with the ROK Army for training at least once a month," said Staff Sgt. Shaun Guyaden, a CRT member with 501st CBRNE Company, 23rd Chemical Battalion, and a native of Philadelphia.
"It's beneficial for us to be able to trade tactics and techniques during these training exercises. When we kick down doors we take somewhat of a different approach so we use this opportunity to learn from each other and prepare us to as one," said Guyaden.
Highlighted by the partnership of U.S. and ROK soldiers, this training also featured the combined efforts of both chemical and infantry units of the 2nd Infantry Division. The 1st Battalion, 72nd Armor Regiment platoon's security role enabled 501st CBRNE's Response Team to do their job, enhancing the relationship between the two 1ABCT units.
"It's important to integrate with all of our echelons," said Capt. Bernhard D. Kirchner, commander of Company A, 1st Battalion, 72nd Armor Regiment, and a native of Upperville, Va. "It's great to be able to see what they do and how they would integrate into the fight so we can be better prepared to keep them secure," said Kirchner.
Training as one, the coalition of U.S. and ROK forces exercised their roles and further familiarized with each other's operational procedures, which is necessary to execute the 2nd Infantry Division's mission. Improving our "Fight Tonight" readiness with professionalism, while continuing to strengthen the enduring Alliance, 1ABCT soldiers train hard during every exercise.
"Well, it's all about improving our fight tonight readiness," said Guyaden. "With each unit providing our separate areas of expertise it gets us all on the same page, which is what we need in real life scenarios."
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