2nd Combat Aviation Brigade KATUSA story

By Cpl. Chung Il KimJuly 31, 2015

2nd Combat Aviation Brigade KATUSA story
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2nd Combat Aviation Brigade KATUSA story
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PYEONGTEAK, South Korea - Q1. Please tell us your name and where you belong to.

I am a Korean Augmentation to the United States Army (KATUSA) CPL Jae Hyok Choi.

I am a Senior KATUSA and I work at the Republic of Korea Army Support Office at the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division.

Q2. What is a senior KATUSA and what do you do?

The Senior KATUSA is a position that requires leadership and responsibility.

Senior KATUSAs are the representatives of all the KATUSA soldiers in their units.

They work closely with ROK officers/NCOs to improve the working conditions of KATUSAs.

Senior KATUSAs manage KATUSAs personal information as well.

Q3. What kind of work do you do in your section?

I manage all the personal information of KATUSAs in HHC, 2CAB. I update KATUSAs' information on the ROK Army network system. I manage KATUSAs' leave and passes, and make appreciation awards for US Soldiers. Also, when KATUSAs have problems with their work or U.S. Soldiers, I help them solve the problems by giving the guidelines.

Q4. How was your life before joining the army? What did you do? -

Before joining the Army, I was a student at Boston University. I am majoring in business administration. I joined several clubs in college such as the marketing club and community service club.

Q5. What do you do after work? What do you do during the weekends?

I go to the gym and work out after work. In the evening, I study English and Chinese. During the weekends, I spend time with my family and Skype my girlfriend.

Q6. What is your plan after you finish your service?

I want to travel Europe after my service. After that, I am going to take summer classes and go back to college as a sophomore.

Q7. How do you like being a KATUSA? What have you learned?

I love being a KATUSA. I have learned many lessons since I joined the Army. I learned how to work with other soldiers. I also learned how to manage a classified information and use excel. These are the lessons that I would not have learned in college. I am glad to be a part of the Army and learning how to live with other people.