U.S., R.O.K. forces combine for UFL 2003
Marine Corps News
Release Date: 8/19/2003
Story by Cpl. Luis R. Agostini
PALAN, Republic of Korea(August 18, 2003) -- Ulchi Focus Lens, the world's largest computerized command and control exercise combining Republic of Korea and U.S. forces, began here August 18.
Lieutenant Gen. Wallace G. Gregson assumed command of Combined Marine Forces Command Sunday evening, participating in his first exercise since assuming command of Marine Forces Pacific. His R.O.K. counterpart for the exercise is Lt. Gen. Kim In Sik, commandant of the R.O.K. Marine Corps.
Ulchi Focus Lens-03 will exercise the higher headquarters' staffs of the U.S. and R.O.K. military services through computer-driven gaming scenarios, providing the CMFC and R.O.K. staffs the ability to maneuver armies, corps, and Marine Expeditionary Forces on the computer-simulated battlefield.
The staffs are participating in various locations throughout the Korean peninsula, with the majority of activity at the Korean Marine Corps Headquarters.
"It gives both of our Corps an opportunity to build mutual cooperation, friendship and skills," said Lt. Col. David Maxwell, G-4, Marine Forces Korea.
Although translators for the exercise are readily available, Marines often find themselves communicating directly with their R.O.K. counterparts.
"Their English is really better than some would give them credit for," said Sgt. Sarah Myszka, aviation planner, Aviation Logistics Division, CMFC. "The [R.O.K.] officers are really good; the enlisted sometimes seem a little wary, because of the rank structure."
This year's exercise differs from last year's, calling for more Marine Corps participation this time around.
"Our participation increased by fifty percent," said Lt. Col. Robert Pinder, staff judge advocate, CMFC. "Last year, we only participated in the second half of the exercise. This year, we are participating in the full exercise."
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
