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British Army, Allies Participate in South Korea’s First Warfare Training Competition

The British Army and allied forces have conducted multiple training competitions in South Korea to hone their mountain and urban warfare skills.

The event was the first Korean International Combat Training Competition (KI-CTC), including various simulations in many battlefield terrains.

Representatives from other partners, including Australia, India, and Norway, attended to observe the training.

‘Unique’ and ‘Rewarding’

The UK’s 1st Battalion “Scots Guards” C Company joined more than 180 warfighters from Korea, Cambodia, Thailand, and the US in mock infantry matches involving two teams in each round.

Soldiers from C Company, the 1st Battalion Scots Guards and the Republic of Korean Army Patrolling along a dirt track during the defensive phase of Exercise IMJIN WARRIOR.Over 120 service personnel from C Company, the 1st Battalion Scots Guards, have deployed to South Korea on Ex IMJIN WARRIOR 23. This joint military exercise aims to develop relationships between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Korea. The exercise takes its name from the Battle of the Imjin River, a decisive battle in the Korean War that remains a significant event in British military history. Over 2,000 personnel from both countries participated in Ex IMJIN WARRIOR 23, working together to improve the partnership between the two militaries. 2023 marks 70 years since the end of the Korean War and 140 years of UK-Korea relations. The exercise demonstrates the UK's enduring commitment to enhancing Indo-Pacific security by shifting greater resources to the region. The Ex coincided with Baroness Goldie's ministerial visit to Seoul for the UK-Korea Strategic Defence Dialogue, providing an opportunity to identify new avenues for cooperation. Over the past 18 months, C Company, also known as 'The Rabbits', has been deployed around the globe, including the Falklands, Gibraltar, and Oman. At the end of the exercise, C Company had the opportunity to conduct a number of cultural visits, including a tour of the DMZ and a visit to the Gloster Hill War Memorial at the exercise's namesake in Imjin. This was particularly poignant for a number of the soldiers in C Company whose relatives had fought in the battle.
British and Korean soldiers patrolling along a dirt track. Photo: Cpl Simon Lucas/UK Ministry of Defence

Teams demonstrated other skills, such as synchronized helicopter maneuvers, military drills, and martial arts exhibitions.

KI-CTC tailored the approach to support the exchange of knowledge on strengths and weaknesses among participants, enhancing their interoperability in various environments covered across the exercise.

Although KI-CTC did not announce official winners, the Scots Guards accepted an exceptional contribution award at the event.

Soldiers from C Company, the 1st Battalion Scots Guards and the Republic of Korean Army breaching a rooftop entrance during the defensive phase of Exercise IMJIN WARRIOR.Over 120 service personnel from C Company, the 1st Battalion Scots Guards, have deployed to South Korea on Ex IMJIN WARRIOR 23. This joint military exercise aims to develop relationships between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Korea. The exercise takes its name from the Battle of the Imjin River, a decisive battle in the Korean War that remains a significant event in British military history. Over 2,000 personnel from both countries participated in Ex IMJIN WARRIOR 23, working together to improve the partnership between the two militaries. 2023 marks 70 years since the end of the Korean War and 140 years of UK-Korea relations. The exercise demonstrates the UK's enduring commitment to enhancing Indo-Pacific security by shifting greater resources to the region. The Ex coincided with Baroness Goldie's ministerial visit to Seoul for the UK-Korea Strategic Defence Dialogue, providing an opportunity to identify new avenues for cooperation. Over the past 18 months, C Company, also known as 'The Rabbits', has been deployed around the globe, including the Falklands, Gibraltar, and Oman. At the end of the exercise, C Company had the opportunity to conduct a number of cultural visits, including a tour of the DMZ and a visit to the Gloster Hill War Memorial at the exercise's namesake in Imjin. This was particularly poignant for a number of the soldiers in C Company whose relatives had fought in the battle.
British and Korean soldiers breaching a rooftop entrance. Photo: Cpl Simon Lucas/UK Ministry of Defence

“This training exercise is like nothing we would normally experience in the UK,” KI-CTC British Army Team Platoon Commander Capt. Hugh Dingwall stated.

“The opportunity to compete against allies such as the USA in a force-on-force environment is unique and something that was incredibly rewarding.”

‘Hard, Realistic Training’

Dingwell highlighted the advantage gained by the event.

“Peace is not free, it only comes from hard realistic training,” he said. “The KI-CTC will enable learning between partners and allies to share best practice and learn from each other.”

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