After exercise FOAL EAGLE 2002, the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) ground combat element trained at Su Song Ri, Republic of Korea (ROK), using the facilities of their ROK Marine Corps (ROKMC) counterparts. The training was a welcomed opportunity for some U.S. Marines to practice patrolling through unfamiliar terrain and for other Marines to build self-confidence in mountain warfare tactics.

GySgt. Steve L. Lunsford, a 31st MEU platoon sergeant, said training in Korea offers different challenges to patrolling. "The terrain here is similar to the terrain in Camp Pendleton [a U.S. Marine base in California] but with more trees. This means the Marines don’t see their location on maps as well here, and they have to rely more on terrain association."

While conducting patrol exercises and live-fire training, U.S. Marines bivouacked at training facilities belonging to the ROKMC.

U.S. Marine artillerymen took their training to new heights when they braved the ROKMC’s Mountain Warfare Training Center (MWTC) in the hills above Su Song Ri. They stayed in ROKMC barracks and received training in rappelling from their Korean counterparts.

ROKMC CWO Tae Hoon Jang — The center’s chief instructor and a graduate of the U.S. Marine Corps’ Drill Instructor School at San Diego, California — said he was impressed with the fervor with which the Marines attacked the training. "United States Marines seem to enjoy this training very much, and that leaves a good impression on me."

The U.S. Marines rappelled from a tower, suspension bridge, and cliff on the side of the facility. The rappel lengths ranged from 9 meters to 36 meters. According to 2nd Lt. Sean Moore, 31st MEU platoon commander, mountain warfare training is essential for functioning on a modern battlefield. The training syllabus at the facility not only teaches battlefield skills, but also gives the Marines confidence.

The training helps the Marines face their fears and take a leap of faith in themselves, according to Chief Warrant Officer Jang. He also noted that performing despite fear is what makes the training well suited for U.S. Marines. "The training package here is all about building confidence and reducing fear, but it also emphasizes physical readiness. It’s a challenge, and it makes better warriors. For these reasons, Marines like it."