Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

[12th Army Division] “Come and see how we do Mortar Gunnery”

On May 18, the 12th Army Division held a ‘Mortar gunnery contest for military officers’ at Donggae-dong training field.

A total of about 70 officers from subordinate units of the division participated in the training, which was held to evaluate the weapons operation capabilities of each organic mortar unit and to simulate a quick and accurate fire support mission in an emergency situation.

The participants showed their abilities in overall operations of 81-mm and 4.2-inch mortars, including gun drills, fire commands, observations, and tactical missions.

First Lieutenant Kim So-rae, who participated in this contest, said “As a main officer, I can say that we have acquired skills in mortar operation maneuvering through these education and training sessions. We will train hard in order to maintain an excellent readiness posture and be able to operate weapons anywhere and at any time, even in terrible circumstances.”

Lieutenant Colonel of the 12th Division Lee Ki-se, an advisor for this exercise who planned and managed the entire contest, said “The quick and accurate deployment of firepower is a key task for the maneuvering of the troops in the mountainous areas.” He also added, "We can have the best maneuvering force of mortar operation units if the Military officers first build the operational capabilities required.”

Through the contest, the 12th Division will accurately assess the mortar capabilities of their officers and conduct intensive education and training sessions for them. In the second half of the year, the army plans to carry out a mortar gunnery contest for platoons, including soldiers.

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

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