Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

Army and Air Force unite for comprehensive protection and response training.

 

Throughout the final stages of the 2025 Freedom Shield (FS) exercise, Army and Air Force units at various levels strengthened their capabilities in realistic warfare scenarios through integrated protection and response drills, focusing on major infrastructure and public facilities. In addition, they systematically reviewed procedures for responding to complex terrorist scenarios, including drone threats, explosive installations, enemy infiltration, and fires.

 

Soldiers from the 35th Infantry Division conduct a search for suspected explosives at the public stadium in Gochang-gun, Jeollabuk-do.

 

On March 20, the 35th Infantry Division carried out an integrated protection drill at a public stadium in Gochang-gun, Jeollabuk-do, simulating a scenario involving the identification of a suspected explosive device. The training involved 80 active and reservist personnel from the Gochang Battalion, alongside 30 participants from the police, fire department, and local government agencies. Participants rehearsed inter-agency response procedures across all phases of the scenario, covering tasks such as receiving residents’ reports, guiding evacuations, conducting reconnaissance patrols, capturing suspects, extinguishing fires, and facilitating recovery from damage. The Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team successfully neutralized explosives, while the police utilized CCTV analysis to track and apprehend the terrorists. Following the responses, fire suppression and patient evacuation procedures were carried out as if it were a real-life situation.

 

On the same day, training exercises simulating a fire and toxic material leakage were conducted at the Gosan water purification plant in Wanju-gun. Jeonju and Wanju Battalions, along with the CBRN Battalion and Combat Engineering Battalion, collaborated to review recovery procedures for the water purification plant.

 

Major General Kim Gwang-seok, division commander, stated, “We are committed to strengthening collaboration among national defense elements and establishing an integrated defense operational posture in Jeonbuk State. The military will uphold its fundamental duties to safeguard regional security and ensure the continuity of warfighting capability.”

 

On the same day, the 37th Infantry Division carried out an integrated protection drill in collaboration with citizens, the government, the military, the police, and the fire department at an underground utility tunnel in Ochang-eup, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do.

 

The training focused on reviewing procedures for responding to simulated terrorist threats targeting the nation’s infrastructure and on strengthening the cooperative response system with the civilian sector.

 

The underground utility tunnels, housing critical infrastructure such as electricity, communication, gas, and water supply pipelines, are key facilities whose disruption through terrorist attacks or disasters could potentially paralyze the entire city. Units regularly update protection plans by incorporating lessons learned from actual incidents, ensuring preparedness and maintaining an operational posture through consistent drills.

 

The training commenced with opposing forces infiltrating the area and installing explosives as part of the simulated scenario. Following reports of infiltration signs from a facility manager, the military and police were dispatched to the site. They carried out measures including assessing the possibility of North Korean agents, conducting search and tracking operations, removing explosives, and decontaminating toxic gases.

 

Colonel Shin Dong-hwa, commander of the Cheongun Brigade, remarked, “Underground utility tunnels are strategic facilities directly tied to the safety of citizens. Through close collaboration among civilians, the military, the government, the police, and the fire department, we will build a robust defense posture to respond swiftly to any provocation.”

 

The 39th Infantry Division conducted integrated protection training at a power station in the western district of Gyeongsangnam-do, bringing together civilians, government agencies, military forces, police, and the fire department for a collaborative exercise.

 

The training involved approximately 80 participants, including soldiers from the Yongho Brigade and the Integrated Jingyo-myeon Battalion, as well as firefighters and maritime police officials.

 

The training emphasized reviewing response procedures to counter multiple threats from North Korea, including the deployment of drones.

 

The training began with a simulated scenario involving damage caused by explosives hidden in delivery parcels. Faced with simultaneous enemy attacks, including maritime infiltration and drone strikes, Sacheon maritime police intercepted escape routes at sea, while units took action to counter inland infiltrations. A maneuver company, along with a reservist myeon battalion, carried out defense and blockade operations to counter infiltrations by special operations units. Reconnaissance patrol operations, complemented by searches utilizing civilian drones, culminated in the defeat of enemy forces and the successful recovery of facilities.

 

Lieutenant Colonel Kim Jong-ho, commander of Hadong and Namhae Battalion, stated, “This training has been instrumental in assessing our integrated defense system for addressing drone-based threats and in establishing a robust combat readiness posture.”

 

Soldiers of the 53rd Infantry Division confronted simulated terrorist threats during an integrated response training exercise at the Busan Harbor Bridge.

 

On March 20, the Busan Brigade of the 53rd Infantry Division participated in an integrated response drill, focusing on addressing potential terrorist activities in the vicinity of the Busan Harbor Bridge.

 

The training involved over 50 participants, including soldiers from the Busan Brigade, officers from Yeongdo Police Station and Busan Port Police Station, as well as representatives from the Busan Port Office, who collectively inspected response measures for public use facilities under realistic simulation scenarios.

 

The training began with a simulated scenario where terrorists took facility employees hostage. A manager, upon detecting threats through CCTV, reported the situation to relevant institutions. The military and police swiftly responded to regain control of the site. Once the terrorists were captured, explosives installed on the main tower of the bridge were dismantled, followed by the evacuation of the injured. While the military and police restricted residents’ access to the area, the EOD team safely removed the explosives, concluding the training.

 

Lieutenant Colonel Kang Jae-seok, commander of the Sangseung Mujeok Battalion, emphasized his dedication, stating, “Through this exercise, a close cooperation system was established, encompassing terrorist suppression, casualty rescue, and the prevention of loss of life. The battalion remains fully committed to defending the districts through integrated training, ensuring a rapid response to any contingencies.”

 

The CBRN Rapid Response Team (CRRT) of the 55th Infantry Division conducted an assessment of chemical, biological, and radiological risks associated with unidentified objects.

 

On the same day, the 55th Infantry Division successfully conducted integrated defense training at the Southeastern operation area in Gyeonggi-do, involving collaboration among civilians, government agencies, police, and the fire department.

 

The training was designed to refine the execution of integrated defense operation procedures and evaluate the wartime response system, with a particular focus on strengthening capabilities to address situations in collaboration with local governments' integrated defense support headquarters.

 

One of the exercises included a scenario simulating terrorist acts at public facilities, conducted at Wondeok Station in Yangpyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do. Amid explosions and a fire near an ATM, the tactical command post of a brigade swiftly organized a command headquarters, prompting immediate action from the military, police, and fire department.

 

The response unit that arrived swiftly implemented site control, assessed potential North Korean involvement, carried out fire suppression efforts, and promptly evaluated the condition of the injured. In addition, the Explosive Hazards Clearance Team (EHCT), EOD team, and CRRT were mobilized to carry out procedures for detecting and neutralizing additional explosives. Real-time suspect tracking capabilities were validated using the Integrated Control Center and surveillance assets, including the Automatic Vehicle Number Identification (AVNI) system.

 

Lieutenant Colonel Kim Seok-hyeon, commander of the Yangpyeong Battalion, stated, “In the event of terrorist acts, a swift initial response and close cooperation among related institutions are vital. Through realistic training exercises, we will solidify a strong regional defense posture.”

 

 

On March 19, soldiers of the 31st Infantry Division conducted a suspect search in the underground utility tunnels of Gwangju Metropolitan City as part of a collaborative training exercise involving civilians, government agencies, the military, police, and fire department.

 

Prior to this, on March 19, the 31st Infantry Division conducted a collaborative training exercise involving civilians, government agencies, the military, police, and fire department within the underground utility tunnels of Gwangju Metropolitan City.

 

The training involved the Division Maneuver Battalion, Biho Brigade's Jeong Chung Shin Battalion, and the Brigade Maneuver Company, along with 50 officials from the Gwangju Western Fire Department, Gwangju Western Police Station, and the Defense Installations Agency Jeolla-Jeju Facilities Group. The training unfolded with simulated terrorist scenarios, progressing through stages of infiltration surveillance, interdiction of escape routes, fire suppression and safety assessment, followed by underground patrol and annihilation operations.

 

The situation commenced with an enemy attempting to infiltrate an underground utility tunnel. Upon identifying enemy movement via CCTV, the control center reported the situation to relevant authorities. Initial response forces were promptly dispatched to the site, where they established an on-site command post. Following the entrance gate explosion and infiltration, the military and police deployed a ground interdiction team to carry out a blockage operation, while the fire department and facilities group focused on fire suppression and rescue efforts.

 

The enemy who retreated to the underground was successfully subdued through search and annihilation operations conducted by the maneuver units of the division and brigade. Participants practiced operational procedures as if in a real war scenario, including encircling targets from all sides and removing explosives installed within buildings.

 

Lieutenant Colonel Kim Dong-hee, commander of the Jeong Chung-shin Battalion, stated, “Underground utility tunnels are vital facilities directly linked to the safety of citizens. We remain committed to our mission of safeguarding the public by firmly establishing an integrated protection posture.”

 

Soldiers of the CBRN Support Unit from the Air Force 3rd Flight Training Wing conducted decontamination procedures on the protective gear of Army soldiers, utilizing specialized decontamination kits.

 

The Air Force 3rd Flight Training Wing conducted joint integrated defense training in collaboration with civilians, government agencies, military forces, and police. The exercise simulated a scenario involving mass casualties near the units caused by the fallout from enemy missile strikes.

 

Led by 30 soldiers from the CBRN Support Unit of the Air Force 3rd Flight Training Wing, the joint integrated defense training simulated mass casualties near units caused by enemy missile fallout and included 80 participants from the 39th Infantry Division, police station, fire department, and community health centers. Equipment mobilized for the training included 26 vehicles, such as K10 decontamination vehicles, patrol cars, and ambulances.

 

As the training began, the 39th Infantry Division promptly assessed the extent of damages and categorized the casualties. The CBRN Support Unit of the Air Force 3rd Flight Training Wing deployed reconnaissance teams to pinpoint areas contaminated by chemical bombs and conducted thorough evaluations of the surrounding neighborhood’s contamination levels. In the safety zone, an integrated decontamination center was established to carry out patient decontamination procedures. Facilities and equipment, including K10 decontamination vehicles, were actively utilized to support the decontamination efforts.

 

At the site, the police established control lines, while firefighters utilized fire engines to decontaminate large equipment. Medical personnel provided emergency care to patients, categorizing them based on the severity of their injuries, and subsequently evacuated them to hospitals.

 

Captain Kim Min-uk, commander of the CBRN Support Unit at the Air Force 3rd Flight Training Wing emphasized, “The establishment of an integrated defense posture is vital for ensuring the safety of residents, and close cooperation among related institutions is indispensable. We remain committed to conducting realistic training exercises to enhance understanding of mass casualty management and to develop the capability for a flawless response to wartime CBRN scenarios.”

By Chul-Hwan, Kim < droid001@dema.mil.kr >

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