Korean Combat Training Center Opens

Korea has opened their own version of the US military’s National Training Center located in Ft. Irwin, CA.:

The Korean Army’s advanced Combat Training Center (KCTC) in Gangwon Province opened shop, which is a “masterpiece” that was completed within five years after the Korean Army bench marked the NTC of the United States. Forces there are engaged in virtual battles equipped with laser shooters and detectors, and the central control system receives detailed portrayals of battle scenes and evaluates them. Thanks to the KCTC, Korean troops may participate in the same training for real situations, while reducing training budgets to a great extent, resulting in double benefits.

Training in Korea is extremely difficult due to the lack of land and fear of traffic accidents. The KCTC is located in Kangwon province which is far from any 2ID installations so I am assuming the US military will not be using it.

I do suspect that the ROK Army probably still has a lot more work to do on the facility to get it up to NTC standards. The NTC in California is still the best training experience I have been through since joining the Army. Every soldier and piece of equipment wears what is called MILES gear which is sensors that pick up laser beans fired from real weapon systems. Every M16, tank, helicopter, etc. is equipped with the MILES gear on their barrels and when fired the laser beam will fire at the targets. Laser will then hit the sensors setting off a beep sound on the MILES gear meaning you are dead.

The opposing force at the NTC is world class and very professional. The planning process and actual engagements are all monitored by observer controllers that provide recommendation and feedback after battles to train leaders and soldiers. If Korea can match this level of training they will take a huge leap in further strengthening the ROK Army.

Hat Tip: Budaechigae