FOAL EAGLE in Korea

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

1. Smoke provides cover for a simulated enemy tank attack against the Republic of Korea (ROK) during FOAL EAGLE 98, a combined ROK-U.S. exercise for the defense of the ROK.

2. FOAL EAGLE tested how quickly and effectively U.S. augmentation forces can reinforce ROK forces in the event of a renewed invasion or attack. U.S. Army M113 armored personnel carriers embark in-stream in Pusan Harbor, ROK, from the USNS Pollux, a Fast Sealift Ship.

3. FOAL EAGLE is a completely integrated ROK-U.S. defense exercise. Here, ROK Army Lt. Col. Park Taegyu (center) reviews armored operations with U.S. Army Maj. John Charuat and another ROK officer.

4. Two U.S. Navy cruisers, the USS Chancellorsville (CG 62) and USS Mobile Bay (CG 53), were part of the Navy's forces in antisubmarine operations in FOAL EAGLE 98.

5. The Logistical Support Vessel (LSV) Gen. Brehon B. Somervell being loaded with tactical vehicles of the 3rd Brigade, U.S. 2nd Infantry Division, departs Pusan for Pyongtaek, destined for 1,000 3rd Brigade soldiers deployed from Fort Lewis, Washington.

1 Photo: SSgt. David L. Pate, USA

2 Photo: Spec. Christina Ann Horne, USA

FOAL EAGLE is a purely defensive exercise which tests the ability of the Republic of Korea (ROK) to defend itself, assisted by U.S. armed forces. It is primarily a rear-area exercise in which troops defend against invading forces, hostile special forces and commando attacks, or sabotage operations on critical rear-area targets.

As one of the largest defensive exercises in the world, FOAL EAGLE 98 provided more than one million active and reserve members of the Republic of Korea and U.S. armed forces an opportunity to train in a challenging and realistic environment.

3 Photo: Sr. Amn. Nicole Thurston, USAF

4 Photo: Spec. Christina Ann Horne, USA

Combined Forces Command Exercise

The ROK-U.S. Combined Forces Command, established in Seoul in 1978 by the two countries, is a unique, integrated Korean-American headquarters responsible for the defense of the ROK.

FOAL EAGLE is one of a series of four major Combined Forces Command annual exercises: TEAM SPIRIT, ULCHI FOCUS LENS, Reception, Staging, Onward Movement and Integration (RSOI), and FOAL EAGLE. Conducted during the latter part of October and early November 1998, FOAL EAGLE 98 trained and evaluated the interoperability, communications links, and the combined requirements necessary for Korean and American forces to successfully defend and protect Korea from attacks against key facilities in critical rear areas. It was the first FOAL EAGLE to fully integrate many formerly independent events into a single exercise with a common scenario, according to Lt. Col. Ron McGonigle, USAF, FOAL EAGLE exercise officer from Hq. U.S. Forces Korea.

The exercise consisted of two training phases which simulated hostile threats and the defense of airfields, ports, and military bases. The first part provided a second-front scenario in the rear areas, including airbase defense. The second part included a force-on-force field training exercise in the Twin Bridges Training Area, a corps-versus-corps battle, and a combined Marine amphibious assault exercise on beaches near Pohang, Korea.

FOAL EAGLE 98 marked the first time that all players in the exercise were equipped with the Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System (MILES), which adds a significant level of realism to the scenarios. MILES is equipment fitted to weapons, soldiers and their vehicles. A receiver device signals when hit by the harmless lasers of opposing force MILES-equipped weapons. It allows forces to engage in realistic battle conditions without the loss of soldiers or equipment.

Special Operations Forces

FOAL EAGLE 98 provided combined ROK-U.S. Special Operations Forces an excellent training opportunity, serving as opposing forces during rear-area operations. Base commanders experienced realistic simulated attacks, gaining valuable insights into their base defense strengths and vulnerabilities.

5 Photo: SSgt. David L. Pate, USA