CAMP HUMPHREYS, Republic of Korea - The 1st Armored Division based in Fort Bliss, Texas, recently replaced 3rd Infantry Division based in Fort Stewart, Georgia as the rotational armored brigade combat team in Korea.
The 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division held a patching ceremony to formally welcome Korean Augmentation to the U.S. Army to their team at Sitman Gym Oct. 24.
"Today's KATUSA Patching Ceremony depicted the official beginning of our partnership with the goal of protecting the sovereign nation of South Korea," said Lt. Col. Charles L. Montgomery, a native of Woodland, Mississippi, and commander, 123rd Brigade Support Battalion. "The Korean Augmentation to the United States Army began in July 1950 under the leadership of General Douglas McArthur and President Seung-Man Rhee."
KATUSA is a branch of the Republic of Korea Army, which consists of Korean drafted personnel who are augmented to the Eighth United States Army.
"Incorporating the KATUSAs in our multifunctional organization and command environment affords our Soldiers the unique opportunity to experience an allied partnership," said Cpt. Keily M. Sasano, a native of Mililani, Hawaii, and Alpha Company commander. "Learning about each other's culture and working together to accomplish the mission will be a constant trend during the remainder of our time on the peninsula."
The patching ceremony signified the replacement of the 3ID patch with the 1AD patch. Leaders across the brigade took part in integrating and welcoming new additions to the Iron Support family.
"The objective is to incorporate KATUSAs into every operation," said Montgomery. "Thus, creating a combined team capable of deterring and defeating potential aggression. We are equal and striving for the same cause."
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