On August 5, the US Army announced that its armored unit was conducting a routine exercise to rapidly deploy troops from the US mainland to South Korea. This is part of an effort to maintain the ability to respond quickly to emergencies, affirming the US commitment to regional security.
In a similar operation, last month, a battalion of the 1st Armored Division in Texas was mobilized to a US military base near Daegu, 233km southeast of Seoul, to participate in the “Pacific Fortitude” exercise.
Notably, the army received notice of the exercise on July 17, and after only 6 days, they began withdrawing combat equipment at Camp Carroll, along with the 19th Expeditionary Support Command.
Another US Army M2 Bradley in desert paint. Photo: Getty Images
The exercise not only took place but also tested the ability to use the equipment already available in South Korea. Photos released by the Eighth Army clearly show troops actively moving M1 Abrams tanks and M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles from the base to the training area, demonstrating their high level of preparedness and determination for the upcoming mission. “Having this critical equipment available allows us to project power at the right time and at the right speed.
This deployment readiness exercise demonstrates to our allies that the United States is committed to defending the Republic of Korea-U.S. alliance,” said Brigadier General Jin Pak, commander of the 19th Expeditionary Support Command.
