The United States Army

10/21/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 10/21/2024 21:23

Yongsan-Casey Soldiers Strengthen Readiness and Camaraderie During Field Training Exercise

[Link] 1 / 5Show Caption +Hide Caption -U.S. Army Soldier Staff Sgt. Daniel Giles treats an armpit on R.O.K. Sgt. Jeong Hoon Lee during the patrol lanes training at the land navigation course at Camp Casey, South Korea on Oct. 16, 2024. In a combat zone, medical treatment is vital for saving lives, stabilizing injured soldiers for evacuation, and preventing further complications that could lead to permanent disability or death, ensuring the unit's ability to continue its mission. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Caelum Astra) (Photo Credit: Pfc. Caelum Astra)VIEW ORIGINAL[Link] 2 / 5Show Caption +Hide Caption -U.S. Army Sgt. Christopher Strunck gives instructions on conducting patrol lanes at the land navigation course at Camp Casey, South Korea on Oct. 16, 2024. Conducting patrol lanes allows soldiers to practice and refine their tactical skills in a controlled, realistic environment. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Caelum Astra) (Photo Credit: Pfc. Caelum Astra)VIEW ORIGINAL[Link] 3 / 5Show Caption +Hide Caption -U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Jameson Harris gives commands to his squad as the acting team lead during patrol lanes at land navigation course at Camp Casey, South Korea on Oct. 16, 2024. Patrol lanes help build confidence and decision-making abilities, which are crucial for mission success in combat. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Caelum Astra) (Photo Credit: Pfc. Caelum Astra)VIEW ORIGINAL[Link] 4 / 5Show Caption +Hide Caption -U.S. Army and R.O.K. Soldiers receive instructions on how to do movement drills during patrol lanes at the land navigation course at Camp Casey, South Korea on Oct. 16, 2024. These exercises promote effective communication and coordination within the unit, ensuring smooth operations in high-stress situations. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Caelum Astra) (Photo Credit: Pfc. Caelum Astra)VIEW ORIGINAL[Link] 5 / 5Show Caption +Hide Caption -U.S. Army and R.O.K. Soldiers receive medical instructions during patrol lanes training at the land navigation course at Camp Casey, South Korea Oct. 16, 2024. In a combat zone, medical treatment is vital for saving lives, stabilizing injured soldiers for evacuation, and preventing further complications that could lead to permanent disability or death, ensuring the unit's ability to continue its mission. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Caelum Astra) (Photo Credit: Pfc. Caelum Astra)VIEW ORIGINAL

Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC), U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan-Casey recently held a four-day Field Training Exercise (FTX), from Oct. 15-18, covering land navigation, first aid training, weapons qualification tests, a six-mile ruck march, and more.

FTXs are vital for maintaining the readiness and effectiveness of military units. These immersive training sessions allow Soldiers to refine and develop their skills in realistic scenarios, fostering teamwork, leadership, and tactical proficiency.

[Link] 1 / 4Show Caption +Hide Caption -U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Daniel Giles, assigned to Headquarters & Headquarters Company, Camp Casey Garrison, guides Korea Augmentation to the United States (KATUSA), assigned to Headquarters & Headquarters Company, Camp Casey Garrison, through plotting points on a map during land navigation training at Camp Casey, Oct. 15, 2024. Land Navigation training is essential for developing critical skills that ensure Soldiers can effectively find their way in unfamiliar terrain during operations. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Philemon Tan) (Photo Credit: Spc. Philemon Tan)VIEW ORIGINAL[Link] 2 / 4Show Caption +Hide Caption -U.S. Army Pfc. Bryson Walker, assigned to Headquarters & Headquarters Company, Camp Casey Garrison, plots points on a map during land navigation training at Camp Casey, Oct. 15, 2024. Land Navigation training is essential for developing critical skills that ensure Soldiers can effectively find their way in unfamiliar terrain during operations. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Philemon Tan) (Photo Credit: Spc. Philemon Tan)VIEW ORIGINAL[Link] 3 / 4Show Caption +Hide Caption -(Photo Credit: U.S. Army)VIEW ORIGINAL[Link] 4 / 4Show Caption +Hide Caption -Korea Augmentation to the United States (KATUSA) Cpl. Lee, Jeonghun uses a compass during land navigation training at Camp Casey, Oct. 15, 2024. Using a compass enhances land navigation by providing reliable directional guidance, helping soldiers maintain their intended course in diverse environments. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Philemon Tan) (Photo Credit: Spc. Philemon Tan)VIEW ORIGINAL

The first day of the exercise began with small teams of Soldiers embarking on land navigation exercises that challenged their ability to read maps and use compasses under pressure. Divided into combined groups of ROK and U.S. Army Soldiers, teams navigated through unfamiliar terrain, honing their skills in route planning and environmental awareness. This hands-on experience not only reinforced their technical abilities but also strengthened unit cohesion as they worked together to overcome obstacles.

KATUSA Sgt. Kang, Hojin expressed excitement about completing land navigation for the first time since KATUSA Training Academy.

"I found land navigation very challenging, but rewarding," said Kang. "Sgt. Strunck did an excellent job teaching us how to do it successfully."

[Link] 1 / 5Show Caption +Hide Caption -U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Ruel Jhoy Real partakes in an After Action Review at the land navigation course at Camp Casey, South Korea on Oct. 16, 2024. An AAR is crucial for assessing performance and identifying lessons learned from training or operations. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Caelum Astra) (Photo Credit: Pfc. Caelum Astra)VIEW ORIGINAL[Link] 2 / 5Show Caption +Hide Caption -U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Douglas Smith and Sgt. Christopher Strunck give instructions on conducting patrol lanes at the land navigation course at Camp Casey, South Korea on Oct. 16, 2024. Conducting patrol lanes allows soldiers to practice and refine their tactical skills in a controlled, realistic environment. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Caelum Astra) (Photo Credit: Pfc. Caelum Astra)VIEW ORIGINAL[Link] 3 / 5Show Caption +Hide Caption -U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Ruel Jhoy Real commands his squad during a combat engagement with enemy forces at the land navigation course at Camp Casey, South Korea on Oct. 16, 2024. Knowing combat tactics is essential for effectively responding to threats and achieving mission objectives while minimizing casualties. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Caelum Astra) (Photo Credit: Pfc. Caelum Astra)VIEW ORIGINAL[Link] 4 / 5Show Caption +Hide Caption -U.S. Army Cpl. Ari Wilson roleplays as an enemy combatant returning fire during Battle Drill 1 at the land navigation course at Camp Casey, South Korea on Oct. 16, 2024. Learning how to subdue an enemy combatant is essential for minimizing casualties while maintaining control of the situation in a combat zone. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Caelum Astra) (Photo Credit: Pfc. Caelum Astra)VIEW ORIGINAL[Link] 5 / 5Show Caption +Hide Caption -U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Daniel Giles gives hand signals to his team during Battle Drill 1 at the land navigation course at Camp Casey, South Korea on Oct. 16, 2024. Patrol lanes also help build confidence and decision-making abilities, which are crucial for mission success in combat. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Caelum Astra) (Photo Credit: Pfc. Caelum Astra)VIEW ORIGINAL

The second day of the FTX brought the focus to patrol lanes, where Soldiers split up into groups of three or four and learned how to maneuver as a fire team. At the end of each lane, fire teams encountered an opposing force (OPFOR). The fire team would have to correctly react to contact and move effectively, providing each other suppressive fire while moving to cover. The scenario was instrumental in building confidence and refining the Soldiers' decision-making processes in dynamic situations on the battlefield.

"I was pleased to see how quickly the KATUSAs adapted to the difficult situations that were thrown at them," said Staff Sgt. Douglas Smith, who served as one of the trainers and graders during the patrol lanes. "I was astonished to see how the U.S personnel and the KATUSAs worked together as a cohesive unit."

[Link] 1 / 4Show Caption +Hide Caption -Korea Augumentation to the United States (KATUSA) Sgt. Oh, Sun Woo fires M4 for qualification range at Camp Casey, Oct, 17, 2024. Qualifying with the M4 built confidence, improved marksmanship skills, and ultimately enhanced a Soldier's ability to perform their mission successfully. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Philemon Tan) (Photo Credit: Spc. Philemon Tan)VIEW ORIGINAL[Link] 2 / 4Show Caption +Hide Caption -U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Victor Perez, assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company Yongsan-Casey, serves as safety for a Korea Augementation to the United States service member during M4 qualification at Camp Casey, Oct. 17, 2024. The safety assessed the grouping of the Soldier's shots to provide guidance and adjustments for the rifle.
(U.S. Army photo by Spc. Philemon Tan) (Photo Credit: Spc. Philemon Tan)VIEW ORIGINAL[Link] 3 / 4Show Caption +Hide Caption -Korea Augumentation to the United States (KATUSAs) carry M4's at Apache Range during qualification training at Camp Casey, South Korea, Oct. 17, 2024. Qualifying with the M4 built confidence, improved marksmanship skills, and ultimately enhanced a Soldier's ability to perform their mission successfully not only limited to U.S. personnel but as well their Korean counterparts. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Philemon Tan) (Photo Credit: Spc. Philemon Tan)VIEW ORIGINAL[Link] 4 / 4Show Caption +Hide Caption -U.S. Soldier with Headquarters and Headquarters Company Yongsan-Casey aims at zeroing targets for M4 qualification range at Camp Casey, Oct. 17, 2024. Qualifying with the M4 built confidence, improved marksmanship skills, and ultimately enhanced a Soldier's ability to perform their mission successfully. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Philemon Tan) (Photo Credit: Spc. Philemon Tan)VIEW ORIGINAL

The third day's agenda centered on M4 weapons qualification, a critical component of Soldier readiness. The day began with a 25-meter zero, so each shooter was properly sighted with their assigned weapon. This involves putting three individual shots accurately grouped together at the center of the target. Once completed, they started their qualification test, where they shot at targets ranging from 50 meters to over 300 meters. During the test, they would need to switch between a prone supported position to the standing supported position, demonstrating an ability to move quickly and retain shooting accuracy.

Staff Sgt. Daniel Giles was the Officer in Charge of the range, ensuring not only the safety but successful execution of the range. "Shooting weapons is why many of us joined the military, so it was cool to see the KATUSAs enjoy their time getting more practice in marksmanship and handling the M4."

[Link] 1 / 2Show Caption +Hide Caption -U.S. Soldiers assigned to the USAG HHC company conduct a ruck march to their training area at Camp Casey, South Korea on Oct. 16, 2024. The company is heading to the land navigation course to conduct patrol lanes and movement drills. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Caelum Astra) (Photo Credit: Pfc. Caelum Astra)VIEW ORIGINAL[Link] 2 / 2Show Caption +Hide Caption -U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Victor Perez leads Soldiers to their training area at Camp Casey, South Korea on Oct. 16, 2024. The company is heading to the land navigation course to conduct patrol lanes and movement drills. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Caelum Astra) (Photo Credit: Pfc. Caelum Astra)VIEW ORIGINAL

The final day of the FTX ended with a six-mile road march. Along the route, the entire Camp Casey community was greeted by a mass formation of professional Soldiers and KATUSAs, moving eagerly and with a purpose. At the end of the road march, which marked the end of the official portion of the exercise, the troops were jubilantly welcomed by a sweet sizzling sound and the aroma of a fresh barbecue. They gathered to share stories and reflect on their experiences, fostering camaraderie and a sense of accomplishment. The event not only marked the end of a challenging week, but also reinforced the unit's commitment to excellence and readiness for future missions.

"This FTX was a great success!" said Capt. Jason Chung, the commander of HHC, U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan-Casey. "I'm very proud of our Soldiers, both U.S. and KATUSA alike. Garrison Soldiers do not usually have the chance to have experiences like this, so it was a great pleasure getting to facilitate this and give them a glimpse of all the experiences being in the U.S. Army."