• Off-Base Issues: Prostitution and A-Town - Wolf Pack to combat prostitution -- an object lesson in futility -- and on-base rapes increase; A-town Off-limits -- the makings of a scandal (Updated: January 2004)
  

• Military Affairs (2003) -- USS Carl Vinson arrives in Pusan; Elmendorf F-15s at Osan; Marine FA-18s arrive at Kunsan in May; Low-key buildup; End of May return to normal. (Updated: 3 June 2003)
• Military Affairs (2004) -- Seoul Courts Rule Against USFK Land Use; Vehicle Registration Policy Change; Crime Reports on USFK Soldiers; Continuing ROK-US Prosecutions; Bonus to Soldiers for Extension (Updated: 14 January 2004)
  
  
• Relocation of USFK Bases (2003) -- In March USF announces it will relocate off the DMZ and south of the Han River; Renegotiations of Restructuring of 50-year old alliance; U.S. to invest $11 billion in Korea defense; Korea forced to increase its Defense spending; Enmeshed and entangled, the ROK drags its feet and attempts to shift the financial burden to the USFK; U.S. playing hardball and negotiations hit major snag in September 2003. 15-17 Jan continuation of meetings on relocation and reduction in forces. The first bases Camp Greaves and Giant to be returned in Nov 2004 under the LPP instead of 2011. (Updated: 31 Dec 2003)
  
  
  • Stryler/LAVIII: Our Opinion -- Details on the Stryker SBCT (3d Bde 2d ID) that will be replacing the 2d ID on the DMZ as part of a global repositioning strategy. Included are short sections on current USFK weapons systems that may augment the Stryker units in Korea after all the smoke has cleared. Stryker headed to Iraq in mid-October; US wants future forces to have a "regional" role; Stryker unit in Iraq in 2003 and blooded in Jan 2004. Stryker with its jerry-rigged LPG protection screens undergo the acid test of combat. Strykers success in Iraq for urban warfare role, but still questions about use in mountainous terrain unanswered. Decision to return the Interim Brigade Combat Team to Korea appears to be still up in the air as of 2004. (Updated: Jan 2004)
  
  
  
• Relocation of USFK Bases (2004) -- 15-17 Jan continuation of meetings on relocation and reduction in forces. The first bases Camp Greaves and Giant to be returned in Nov 2004 under the LPP instead of 2011. (Updated: Weekly)
  
  
  • Proposed ROK FY2005 Military Budget -- Is It the Last Straw??? (OPINION) -- ROK Promised Defense Spending increase of 3.2 percent of GDP in 2004, but delivered a 2.8 percent of GDP. ROK Spending has now passed 1997 levels. The US position is that the ROK has the ability to increase its defense spending, but the ROK has not shown the will to do so. ROK "self-reliant" defense is delusional, but the ROK is maintaining the "free-ride" using the US High-tech warfare umbrella. Cursory look at why the ROK "Self-reliant" Defense is delusional. Though stated as reasons for Budget increase, the truth is that the E-X program will be sent out for bids in Nov 2004 and the SAM-X (Patriot) will NEVER be procured as long as President Roh is in office. The ROK is developing weapons programs that offer technology transfer or benefit industrial growth -- not necessarily what is essential to the defense programs. The ROK continues to be a thorn with its refusal to fund the Yongsan move and disputes over land use with the end result possibly being an explosion that destroys the US-ROK Alliance. (Posted: June 2004)
    
  • Dangerous Game the ROK is Playing (OPINION) -- Indepth look at the US Perspective on the evolving US-ROK alliance. Look into the r reasons for the ROK "Stall-and-Conquer" Negotiation strategy. Look at the growing American anti-Korean opinion; USFK and Department of Defense strategy; Head-on collision resulting in reduction in forces and pull-out of troops (Posted: June 2004)
    
    
• Korea Continues to March to Its Own Drummer -- Korea upgrades its military and seeks technology transfer. However, Korea aims to control its own destiny. Korea now has OFFENSIVE missile capability. Its indigenous-designed fighter-trainer is ready for production and the KDX-II "stealth" destroyer has been launched. German-designed submarines are rolling out of shipyards and KM1A1 Korean Main Battle Tank is being produced in Korea. The next-generation fighter has been selected as the F-15K. Whether unrealistic or not, President Roh is seeking "self-reliance" for South Korea's defense by 2010. (Updated: 4 Sept 2003)
  
  
• Military Affairst: North Korean Crisis: -- Equipment changes; Korea-wide Exercises; Force Positioning; Policy changes; North-South military dialogue. (Updated: Monthly)
  
  
  • Food for Thought: The Military Option in North Korea: -- Short comparison of a views on military parity: Korean versus U.S. view. (Posted: 26 April 2003)
    
  • Food for Thought: The Mythical North Korean Threat: -- An article building a case for U.S. withdrawal from Korea. (Posted: 20 June 2003)
  
  
  
• Spies, Espionage & Infiltrators: -- Personal Opinion on the Spy Situation in Kunsan. Covers the spy organizations and the abuses by Presidents from Syngman Rhee to Roh Moo-hyun. Covers cases of captured infiltrators and deep-cover spies discovered in recent years to back up conclusions. (Sources footnoted) Covers history of communism in Cholla Provinces; list of coastal infiltration with methods of infiltration and vehicles used. (Posted: 24 May 2004)
  

• Reviews of Books on Kunsan AB (Updated: 3 June 2003)
  
• Reference Sources/Links: -- Links to Pro-USFK/Anti-US sites and online Korean newspaper links. General, Military and USFK links. (Updated: 8 August 2003)

• Background
  
  • Subtopics -- Pro-American Demonstrations or really Anti-Sunshine Policy Demonstration? -- Anti-American Protests Waning? NO!!! -- Split in NGO Group Strategies and Shift to Pacifism -- America Responds -- Backlash of Anti-American Demonstrations -- Anti-American and the Generation Gap -- NGO Tactic to Boycott American Goods Backfires -- NGO-Initiated Polls Increasing and USFK Poll in response -- Roh wants to revise SOFA, but U.S. and MOJ Sees No Need -- Danger of Getting What they Want -- Considering the Improbable: What if the U.S. Leaves? -- OUR OPINION (Updated: 3 June 2003)
• Jan-Mar 2003
  
  • Iraq War & Korean Perspective of Iraq War (Mar-Apr 2003) -- Iraq and Korea DAILY events with emphasis on anti-War -- but in reality a continuation of the anti-American protests of 2002. President Roh tells nation that he is forced to send non-combatant troops to Iraq in order to protect the nation -- i.e., U.S. blackmailed him. Roh then rewrites the text of his speech for English publications. Coverage is a day-by-day chronology of events in Baghdad and Seoul. (Updated: 16 April 2003)
    
• Apr-Jun 2003
  
• Jul-Sep 2003
  
• Oct-Dec 2003
  
• Jan-Mar 2004
  
• Apr-Jun 2004
  

• North Korean Crisis Background and Reference Materials -- Background on events leading up to Nuclear Crisis; Materials from Selected Sources on Nuclear Crisis; OUR OPINION (Updated: 8 August 2003)
• For Your Information: North Korea-US Meeting: -- Special Report on Upcoming North Korea-China-US meeting and U.S./North Korean options with our comments. (Posted: 8 August 2003)

• Reformist Policy:
• Lack of Coordination within Government:
• Alienates Career Bureaucrats:
• Continuing Education Problems over NEIS:
• Attacks on the "Gangster" Press:
• Environmental Policy and Saemangeum Project:
• Nuclear Waste Dump Protest:
• Farmers Problems, Opening of the Rice Market and Surplus Rice:
• Chaebol and Business Reforms:
• Korea Under Attack for Dumping and Govt Subsidies:
• Korean Outlook Dims as Companies Leave Korea:
• Privatization Plans Put on a Hold:
• Financial Reform Turns into a Quagmire:
• Conciliatory Position to Union Strikes:
• 40-hour Work Week:
• Political Scandals:
• Political Harassment from GNP:
• Split-up of MDP:
• Autonomy: An Old Answer to New Problems -- Pass the Buck!:
• NIS and National Security Law:
• Exiled North Korean supporter, Song Du-yul, Returns:
• Peace and Prosperity Policy:
• Trusted U.S. Supporter during Iraq War?:
• NGO groups anti-Americanism and Opposition demonstrations:
• Roh Questions Removal of USFK:
• ROK-US Summit (May 14) Impacts:
• Can a Leopard Change its Spots?:
• Resurgence of Anti-Americanism:
• Resurgence of Anti-Japanese Protests:
• Radical Students Protest Roh:
• Roh's Falling Popularity starts in Third Month in Office:
• End of 2003: Roh's Leadership Vacuum:
• Roh Impeached: March 2004

US Forces in Korea

MILITARY FORCES IN KOREA:

• U.S. MILITARY FORCES IN KOREA:
  
  
  • Office of the Special Advisor to Commander-in-Chief, United Nations Command/Combined Forces Command/United States Forces Korea [CINCUNC] (BAD)
    
    
  • UNITED NATIONS COMMAND -- The UNC, established on 24 July 1950, marked the first time in history that nations of the world united under the UN flag to repel aggression. The mission of UNC is to maintain the provisions of the Armistice Agreement, which resulted in the cessation of hostilities. The Military Armistice Commission, which supervises implementation of the Armistice, is composed of officers from the UNC, north Korea and China.
    
    
    
  • ROK-US COMBINED FORCES COMMAND -- CFC exercises operational control over Korean and American forces responsible for the defense of the Republic. Should our mutual policy of deterrence fail, Combined Forces Command would direct combat operations to defeat an enemy attack.
    
    • Combined Forces Command History
    
    
    
  • UNITED STATES FORCES KOREA -- A U.S. Army four-star general serves as commander-in-chief of the United Nations Command, the ROK/US Combined Forces Command and U.S. Forces Korea. USFK includes all U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine, and Special Operations elements stationed in Korea. USFK headquarters is located on Yongsan Army Garrison, Seoul.
    
    • USFK History
      
    • USFK Homepage
      
    • USFK HQ Offices
      
    • USFK Assigned Units
      
    • USFK Component Units
      
    • Units in Korea
      
    • USFK 50th Anniversary of the Korean War Commemoration Website
      
    
    
    
  • U.S. AIR FORCE
    -- The mission of 7th Air Force is to plan and direct air component operations in the ROK. The 7th Air Force maintains readiness of more than 100 operational units and 10,000 personnel. 7th AF, headquartered at Osan Air Base, includes the 51st Fighter Wing, 554th RED HORSE Squadron, 607th Air Support Operations, Air Intelligence and Air Operations groups, and the 8th Fighter Wing at Kunsan AB.
    
  • Air Force: 7th Air Force, Osan Airbase
    
  • Air Force: 7th Air Force (Osan Airbase)
    
    • 5th Reconnaisance Squadron -- U-2
      
  • 51st FW (Osan Airbase)
    
    • 25th Fighter Squadron -- 20 - A-10
      
    • 36th Fighter Squadron -- 24 - F-16C/D
      
    • 51st FW Osan Airbase Homepage
      
  • Pyongtaek (Camp Humphreys/Osan AB)
    
  • 8th Fighter Wing (Kunsan AB)
    • 35th Fighter Squadron -- 24 - F-16C/D
      
    • 80th Fighter Squadron -- 24 - F-16C/D
      
    • Kunsan Airbase Homepage
      
    
    
  
  
  
• U.S. ARMY -- The largest element in Korea today is the 8th U.S. Army (EUSA), the core force of the United Nations Command during the Korean War. It has been in Korea since 1950. Major subordinate commands are the 2nd Infantry Division and the 19th Theater Army Area Command. 8th Army is headquartered on Yongsan, Seoul.
  
  • 8th United States Army
    • 837th Transportation BN [599th TRANS Grp] (Pusan)
    • United Nations Command Security BN (Panmunjon JSA; Camp Bonifas; OP Ouellette: ROKA element makes up roughly 60 percent of the unit while the US Army makes up the remaining 40 percent of the 550 person unit,)
      • United Nations Command Security Battalion (EAJS) -- The UNC Security Battalion- Joint Security Area is composed of both ROK and U.S. military. The unit's mission include providing security in the JSA, manning Observation Post Ouellette in the Demilitarized Zone, and running the Panmunjom tour program. The unit is also responsible for the security and civil affairs of Tae Song Dong, the only Korean village within the Demilitarized Zone.
        
        
        

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    • 19th Military Police BN (CID)
    • Combat Support Coordination Team #1 (1st ROK Army (FROKA) HQ)
    • Combat Support Coordination Team #2 (Combined Forces Command HQ)
    • Combat Support Coordination Team #3 (3rd ROK Army (TROKA) HQ, Yong-in)
    • 8th US Army MWR Libraries Website -- On-line catalog
      

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    • 17th Aviation Brigade (EAAV) -- The 17th Aviation Brigade is headquartered in Yongsan with the 1st Battalion, 52nd Aviation Regiment at K-16; the 2nd Bn, 52nd Avn. Regt. at Camp Humphreys; and the 164th Air Traffic Services Group at Yongsan, and with elements located throughout the peninsula. From its inception in 1965, the soldiers of the 17th Avn Bde have performed with distinction in both peacetime and combat, while remaining as the "CUTTING EDGE" of freedom in the Republic. The 1st Bn, 52nd Avn. Regt. provides combat aviation support to USFK, ROK-US CFC and EUSA with UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters and C-12 Huron fixed wing aircraft. The 2nd Bn, 52nd Avn. Regt. is the only unit in the Korean theater that provides medium lift support assets to USFK, CFC and EUSA, utilizing CH-47 Chinhook helicopters. The 164th ATS Gp provides air traffic services and Army Airspace Command and Control (A2C2) throughout the entire Korean theater in support of all Army aviation operations.
      
      • 1st BN, 52nd Aviation Rgt -- UH-60A/C-12F (Headquarters at Camp Coiner and subordinate units at K-16, Camp Page and Camp Humphreys.)
      • 2nd BN, 52nd Aviation Rgt -- CH-47 (Camp Humphreys)
      • 164th Air Traffic Service Group

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    • 6th Cavalry Brigade (EABH) -- The mission of the 6th CAV is to conduct Attack Helicoper Operations as the reserve for the CINC CFC in support of his campaign plan. 6th CAV is headquartered at Camp Humphreys. The 1st and 3rd Squadrons consist of AH-64 Attack Helicopters and are located at Cps Eagle and Humphreys. The 1st Bn, 43rd Air Defense Artillery (PATRIOT) is attached to the Brigade and proudly defends the skies from battle positions across the peninsula.
      
      
      
      • 1st BN, 43 Air Defense Artillery Rgt -- Patriot (HHB - Suwon AB; Battery A - Suwon AB; Battery B - Suwon AB; Battery C - Osan AB; Battery D - Osan AB; Battery E - Kunsan AB; Battery F - Kunsan AB; 3rd MNT CO)
      • 1st Sq, 6th Cavalry Rgt -- 24 - AH-64D (Camp Eagle)
      • 3rd Sq, 6th Cavalry -- 24 - AH-64D (Camp Humphreys)

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    • 175th Finance Command (FINCOM) (EAFC) -- 175th FINCOM in Yongsan provides appropriated and nonappropriated fund accounting services and finance support to soldiers, civilian employees and family members in theater, directs the overseas banking program, and provides staff finance and accounting policy advice and operational guidance.The Centralized Pay and Accounting DivIsion provides accounting, vendor pay, foreign national pay, and civilian pay customer services.
      
      
      
      • 175th Finance Command (Yongsan Army Garrison, Seoul)

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    • 18th Medical Command (EMAC) -- The 18th MEDCOM's primary mission is to serve as the strategic link to the CONUS medical base and plan/coordinate US Army medical support at the operational and tactical levels through the early stages of conflict. The secondary mission is to provide theater level command and control of assigned and attached medical units conducting combat health support within the Korean theater. MEDCOM is headquartered in Yongsan with subordinate units located throughout Korea.
      
      • 18th Medical Command -- 106th Medical Det; 618th Dental Co; 121st General Hospital; 16th Medical Logistics BN; 168th Medical BN; 52nd Medical BN (Yongsan Army Garrison, Seoul)
      • Driving Tips for Korea from the 18th Medical Command -- Advice on toll fees; Korea-wide gas station hours; emergency tips; etc.
      • 121st General Hospital (BAD)
      • Dept. of Nursing

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    • 501st Military Intelligence Brigade -- The 501st MI Bde is subordinate to the U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command providing intelligence and security support to headquarters, EUSA. The brigade's mission is to provide combat information and multi-discipline intelligence to joint and combined warfighters. It is comprised of the brigade staff elements and four battalions with remote elements throughout Korea.
      
      
      
      • 501st Military IntelligenceBDE (Four battalions throughout Korea)

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    • 8th Military Police Brigade (EAPB) -- The 8th MP Brigade, headquartered in Yongsan, conducts wartime mission of area security, law and order, enemy prisoner of war and battlefield circulation control operations throughout the theater. The brigade supports the Commanders of USFK and EUSA with an uninterrupted flow of combat, combat support and combat service support resources to the combat zone. The 94th MP Bn in Yongsan commands and controls all non-divisional military police in the northern one-third of the ROK. The 728th MP Bn at Cp Henry, Taegu, commands and controls all combat support military police from Cp Humphreys to Cp Hialeah.
      
      
      
      • 8th Military Police BDE (Yongsan)
        • 94th Military Police BN (Yongsan)
        • 728th Military Police BN (Camp Walker, Taegu) (Units: 57th MP Company - Camp Carroll; 188th MP Company - Camp Walker; 552nd MP Company - Camp Hialeah)

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    • 8th Personnel Command (EAPC) -- The mission of 8th PERSCOM is to sustain personnel readiness and exercise command and control over assigned theater-level personnel units. The theater PERSCOM manages critical personnel systems and synchronizes personnel network operations throughout the theater.The command is headquartered in Yongsan with subordinate units located throughout Korea. The 516th PSB is headquartered in Yongsan with detachments located at Cp Humphreys and Cp Henry. Also, the 516th PSB, Delta Co, is responsible for controlling all incoming mail to Korea. Postal platoons are located in Yongsan, Kimpo Airport, Cp Humphreys and Cp Henry. The 1st Replacement Company, located in Yongsan, is responsible for controlling and processing all incoming soldiers entering Korea. The EUSA Band in Yongsan, performs throughout the Korea. The 509th PSB at Cp Casey has subordinate unit, the 19th AG Company (Postal) with platoons located at Camp Casey and Camp Red Cloud.
      
      
      
      • 1st Replacement Co
      • 509th Personnel Service BN (Camp Casey)
      • 516th Personnel Service BN (Camp Humphreys/Camp Henry)

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    • 1st Signal Brigade -- The 1st Sig Bde is headquartered in Yongsan with units throughtout Korea. 1st Sig Bde provides strategic and tactical communications, and information management to USFK and component command headquarters in the ROK. They provide mobile tactical communications, fixed tactical voice and wide area networking, message center and tactical data communications, satellite communications and contingency restoral of Defense Communications System circuits, long-haul, inter-nodal connectivity bwetween geographically dispersed sites. 1st Sig Bde operates and maintain all AFKN TV, FM and AM radio transmission facilities.
      
      
      
      • 36th Signal BN (Camp Walker)
      • 41st Signal BN (Camp Coiner)
      • 304th Signal BN (Camp Colbern)
      • 307th Signal BN (Camp Caroll)

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  • 19th Theater Army Area Command (ENAC) -- 19th TAACOM is the logistic support arm of 8th Army with the mission of sustaining combat power throughout the peninsula. It's also responsible for the operations and support of the 82 Army installations in Korea. Its headquarters is located on Camp Henry in Taegu, with subordinate commands located in each of the Army's four areas of operation on the peninsula.
    
    • Camps by Area
      
    • 25th Transportation BN (Yongsan; Taegu)
      
    • Special Troop BN (Camp Humphreys)
      
    • Area 1 Support Activity (Camp Red Cloud)
      
    • Area 3 Support Activity (Pyongtaek: support mission for Camps Humphreys, Long, and Eagle and Army units assigned to Suwon and Kunsan Air Bases)
      
    • 20th Area Support Group (Camp Henry)
      
      • 20th Area Support Group (Camp Henry)
      • 23rd Chem BN (Camp Carroll)
    • 4th Quartermaster BN
      
      • 6th Ordnance BN (Camp Carroll)
      • 194th Maintenance BN (Camp Humphreys; Wonju)
    • 34th Area Support Group (Yongsan)
      
    • 501st Corps Support Group (Camp Red Cloud)
      
      • 498th Corps Support BN (Camp Red Cloud)
        
    • Material Support Center, Korea (Camp Carroll, Waegwan) Official Homepage
      

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  • 2nd Infantry Division (EAID) -- The 2ID is the major U.S. ground combat unit in Korea. The Division's headquarters is located at Camp Red Cloud, Uijongbu, and its primary mission is to deter war on the Korean peninsula by maintaining a high state of combat readiness and vigilance. 2ID units "SECOND TO NONE" stand shoulder-to-shoulder with first-echelon Korean units immediately south of the DMZ. (Go to Army: 2d Infantry Division Web Site.)
    
    
    
    • 2nd Infantry Division (Camp Red Cloud)
      • Delta Battery, 5th BN, 5th Air Defense Artillery -- Avenger - Bradley Stinger (HHB; Camp Stanley, ROK (HHB, D Battery: Avenger) Camp Hovey (B Battery: Stinger); Camp Casey (C Battery: Stinger?); Fort Lewis, WA (C Battery: ??? Part of 3d Bde, 2d ID))
        
      • 102nd Military Intelligence BN (Camp Essayons)
        
      • 122s Signal BN (Camp Red Cloud)
        
    • 1st BDE, 2nd Infantry Division (Camp Casey)
      
      • 1st BN, 72nd Armor Rgt -- 58 - M1A1 MBT (Camp Casey)
        
      • 2nd BN, 72nd Armor Rgt -- 58 - M1A1 MBT (Camp Casey)
        
      • 2nd BN, 9th Infantry Rgt (MECH) -- 58 - M2A2 BFV (Camp Casey)
        
    • 2nd BDE, 2nd Infantry Division (Camp Hovey)
      
      • 1st BN, 503rd Infantry Rgt (Air Assault) -- 58 - M1A1 MBT (Camp Casey)
        
      • 1st BN, 506th Infantry Rgt (Air Assault) -- 58 - M1A1 MBT (Camp Greaves)
        
      • 1st BN, 9th Infantry Rgt (MECH) -- 58 - M2A2 BFV (Camp Hovey)
        
    • DIVARTY, 2nd Infantry Division (Camp Stanley)
      
      • 1st BN, 15th Field Artillery -- 24 - M109A6 (Camp Casey)
        
      • 2st BN, 17th Field Artillery -- 24 - M109A6 (Camp Hovey)
        
      • 6th BN, 37th Field Artillery -- 18 - M270 MLRS (Camp Stanley)
        
      • 1st BN, 38th Field Artillery -- 18 - M270 MLRS (Camp Stanley)
        
    • Aviation BDE, 2nd Infantry Division (Camp Stanley)
      
      • 1st BN, 2nd Aviation Rgt -- 24 - AH-64D (Camp Page)
        
      • 2nd BN, 2nd Aviation Rgt -- 58 - UH-60L (Camp Stanley)
        
      • 4th Squadron, 7th Cavalry -- 27 - M1A1 MBT; 41 - M3A2 BFV; 6 - M1064; 16 - OH-58D (Camp Gary Owen; Camp Stanton)
        
    • Engineer BDE, 2nd Infantry Division (Camp Howze)
      
      • 2nd Engineer BN (Camp Castle)
        
      • 44th Engineer BN (Combat) (Camp Howze)
        
    • DISCOM, 2nd Infantry Division (Camp Casey)
      
      • 2nd Forward Support BN (Camp Hovey)
        
      • 302nd Forward Support BN (Camp Casey)
        
      • 602nd Area Support BN (Camp Stanley)
        
      • 702nd Main Support BN (Camp Casey; Camp Nimble (A Co /B Co); Camp Mobile (E Co))
        

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• US MARINE FORCES KOREA (USMARFOR-K) -- U.S. Marine Corps-Korea plans and directs Marine Corps operations in support of USFK/CFC in the Republic of Korea. MARFOR-K is headquartered in Yongsan, Seoul.
  
  • Marine Forces Korea
  
  
  

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• US SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND KOREA (SOCKOR) -- SOC-KOR is the special operations component command for USFK/CFC. SOC-KOR brings Army, Navy and Air Force special operations forces into the Korean Theater of Operations for the war fighting CinC. SOC-KOR is headquartered at Camp Kim, Seoul, with subordinate units located across the peninsula.
  
  • Special Operations Command Korea
    
    • Echo Co, 160th SOAR MH-47E (Taegu)
      
  
  
  

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  • Special Operations Theater Support Element: -- The SOTSE is a forward deployed logistics planning and coordination element for U.S. Army Special Operations Support Command, Ft. Bragg, NC. The SOTSE ensures logistic support is planned and executed for U.S. Army Special Operations Forces deploying into the Korean Theater of Operations. The SOTSE is headquartered at Camp Coiner, Seoul.
    
    
    

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  • Special Forces Detachment-Korea: -- Special Forces Detachment-Korea serves as liaison between the Korean Special Forces and the U.S. military here on the peninsula. Det-K's operations range the entire Korean peninsula and involve all branchs of the U.S. and ROK military. Det-K is headquartered in Songnam, with subordinate LNOs located with each of the ROK Special Forces Brigades.
    
    
    

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• 129th Medical Detachment: : -- Clinics of the 129th Med Det (VM) at Yongsan and Cp Walker along with elements of the 106th Med Det (VS), provides comprehensive veterinary medical treatment for your pets throughout Korea. The 106th has clinics at Cp Red Cloud, Osan AB and Cp Hiahlea. The Yongsan Veterinary Treatment Facility serves as the medical and surgical referral center for the peninsula, though outlying facilities are equipped to handle many clinical procedures.
  
  

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• Joint U.S. Military Affairs Group-Korea: -- The Joint U.S. Military Affairs Group-Korea assists Republic of Korea armed forces in management, logistics and organization. JUSMAG-K also offers guidance in the establishment of industrial and commercial agencies directly related to national defense. JUSMAG-K is headquartered in Yongsan, Seoul.
  
  
  

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• Logistic Support Element Far East: -- The LSE Far East's mission is to enhance warfighting weapons system readiness in forward-based and deploying units in Korea and the Pacific Rim. The Command is headquartered at Camp Market, with subordinate Logistic Assistance Offices at: Camps Casey, Red Cloud, Henry, Humphreys, Carroll, Long, Page, Stanley and Eagle.
  
  
  

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• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Far East District: -- The Far East Engineer District is the Department of Defense Design and Construction Agent for Korea. The district is headquartered in Seoul with offices throughout the peninsula. During its forty years of existence in Korea, the Far East Engineer District has "Built for Peace!"
  
  • US Army Contracting Command - Korea (EAKC)
    
  
  
  

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• U.S. NAVY -- CNFK is the Navy regional coordinator for the ROK. It provides U.S. Navy expertise to Joint, and Combined Commands for plans, policy, and sustainment ashore of Naval forces in defense of the ROK. It also provides liaison in armistice and wartime to U.S. and ROK Naval forces afloat. Its headquarters is on Yongsan with detachments in Chinhae and Pohang.
  
  • US Naval Forces Korea (USNFK)
    
    • Navy: Fleet Activities Chinhae -- Fleet Activities Chinhae and its 12 tenant activities provide services and materials to units of the Operating Forces of the U.S. Navy. The command coordinates and arranges port services and other support to visiting U.S. Seventh Fleet units.
      
  • United States Forces Korea
  
  
  

• SOUTH KOREA MILITARY:
  
  • Korean National Statistical Organization (NSO) -- Key statistics on Korea
    
  • South Korea facts
    
  • CIA Fact book on South Korea
    

• NORTH KOREA MILITARY:
  
  • North Korea New Service
    
  • North Korean Special Weapons Guide: FAS
    
  • CIA Fact book on North Korea
  • About North Korea

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USFK Primary Army Weapons Systems:

M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tank:

Specifications: The 2d ID has about 143 M1A1 Main Battle Tanks. They are assigned to the 1st BN, 72nd Armor Rgt (58 - M1A1 MBT); 2nd BN, 72nd Armor Rgt (58 - M1A1 MBT); and 4th Squadron, 7th Cavalry (27 - M1A1 MBT). These tanks augment the 2,200 tanks in the ROK inventory -- but when the 3d Bde 2d ID Stryker Interim SBCT is implemented in Korea, the M1A1 will be moved to the heavy brigade follow-on packages.

The M1A1 is the first major block improvement to the M1 ABRAMS Tank System and provides a significant improvement to the Army's offensive ground combat power as displayed during Operation Desert Storm. This block upgrade includes the 120mm M256 cannon, improved fire control system, and NBC overpressure system, and improved suspension. These improvements give the M1A1 greater shoot-on-the move capabilities and an increased first round probability against advanced enemy armor. A new configuration is currently under development that will incorporate the Force XXI Battle Command Brigade and Below (FBCB2) computer and software and a far target designate capability. The M1A1 is fielded throughout the US Army, the US Marine Corps, and is being coproduced for the Government of Egypt.


M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tank

This tank significantly increases the capabilities of the Fleet Marine Forces across the full spectrum of conflict in the near and midterm. The M1A1 Tank, in addition to the improved armor, 120mm smoothbore gun and the NBC overpressure system, has a Deep Water Fording Kit (DWFK), a Position Location Reporting Systems (PLRS), enhanced ship tiedowns, Digital Electronic Control Unit (DECU) (which allows significant fuel savings),and Battlefield Override.

The main weapon of the M1A1 is the M256 120mm smoothbore cannon, designed by the Rheinmetall Corporation of Germany. Engagement ranges approaching 4000 meters were successfully demonstrated during Operation Desert Storm. The primary armor-defeating ammunition of this weapon is the armor-piercing, fin-stabilized, discarding sabot (APDS-FS) round, which features a depleted uranium penetrators. Depleted uranium has density two and a half times greater than steel and provides high penetration characteristics. Several other types of ammunition are available as well. It is reliable, deadly accurate and has a "hit/kill ratio" that equals or surpasses any main battle tank armament in the world.

As with virtually every tank every fielded by the US, the familiar .50 caliber Browning M2 Heavy Barrel machine gun - the "Ma Duce" - is located in a powered mount at the Commander's station and is equipped with a x3 magnification sight. The Loader is provided with a 7.62mm M240 machine gun, and another M240 is mounted in-line with the main gun of the tank ("coaxially"). It is in a fixed mount and is aimed with the main gun to suppress enemy ground troops.

The layout of the Abrams follows classic tank design and accommodates a crew of four: Commander, Gunner, Loader and Driver. The Commander and Gunner are seated on the right side of the turret. The Loader is seated on the left side of the turret, and the Driver is seated at the center front of the hull.

M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tank

The Commander's station is equipped with six periscopes which provide all round 360 degree view. The Independent Thermal Viewer (ITV) from Texas Instruments provides him with independent, stabilized day and night vision with a 360 degree view, automatic sector scanning, automatic target cueing of the Gunner's sight with no need for verbal communication, and a complete back-up fire control system - the Commander is capable of firing the main gun independent of the Gunner.

The Gunner's Primary Sight-Line of Sight (GPS-LOS), was developed by the Electro-Optical Systems Division of Hughes Aircraft Company. The night vision Thermal Imaging System (TIS), also from Hughes, creates an image based on the differences of heat radiated by objects in the field of view. The thermal image is displayed in the eyepiece of the Gunner's sight together with the range measurement to within 10 meters of accuracy, from a Hughes laser range finder, which is integrated into all of the fire control systems. The Abrams also has an onboard digital fire control computer. Range data from the laser rangefinder is transferred directly to the fire control computer, which automatically calculates the fire control solution. The data includes 1) the lead angle measurement, 2) the bend of the gun measured by the muzzle reference system of the main armament, 3) wind velocity measurement from a wind sensor on the roof of the turret and 4) the data from a pendulum static cant sensor located at the center of the turret roof. The Gunner or Commander manually inputs the data on the ammunition type and temperature, and the barometric pressure and the weapon is prepared for engagement.

The Loader's station is located on the left side of the turret and has no special fire control equipment.

The Driver's station is located at the center front of the hull. The Driver is in a semi-reclined position when his hatch is closed, as it must be whenever the vehicle is in operation. His station is equipped with a standard array of gages and monitors reflecting the condition of vehicle fluid levels, batteries and electrical equipment. The Driver has either three observation periscopes or two periscopes on either side and a central image intensifying ("Starlight") periscope for night vision. The periscopes provide 120 degrees field of view. The Driver's night vision equipment enables the tank to maneuver at normal daytime driving speeds in darkness and in poor visibility conditions such as in the dust and smoke encountered on the battlefield.

The turret is fitted with two six-barreled M250 smoke grenade launchers, one on each side of the main gun. The standard smoke grenade contains a phosphors compound that masks thermal signature of the vehicle to the enemy. A smoke screen can also be laid by an engine operated system.

An improvement program will eventually upgrade all M1A1 tanks with steel encased depleted uranium armor, which has a density at least two-and-a-half times greater than steel. The depleted uranium armor will raise the total weight of the Abrams tank to 65 tons, but offers vastly improved protection in the bargain.

The Abrams has been using Depleted Uranium (DU) armor since 1988. In 1996, a design change to the armor package was made by the Army and cut-in to production by General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) via Change Request XMPP-2083 in Oct 96 and effective with Job #1 M1A2 Phase II AUT. The use of DU armor is a primary feature that distinguishes the Abrams tank from numerous other commonly accepted equipment employed by the military and industry. The current use of the depleted uranium (DU) armor package on the M1 Abrams Main Battle Tank (MBT) Heavy Armor System has been re-evaluated to determine whether the environmental impacts of its continued use remain insignificant, taking into consideration the current use of the tank and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's (NRC's) reduction in allowable radiation exposure from 500 mrem/year to 100 mrem/year for tank and maintenance crews (individual members of the public). As in already-fielded weapon system, M1 MBTs have been in production and in the field since the early 1980s. During that time, many technical, environmental and health assessments have been completed. These documents have addressed and minimized environmental impacts.

The stowage for the main armament ammunition is in armored ammunition boxes behind sliding armor doors. Armor bulkheads separate the crew compartment from the fuel tanks. The tank is equipped with an automatic Halon fire extinguishing system. This system automatically activates within 2 milliseconds of either a flash or a fire within the various compartments of the vehicle. The top panels of the tank are designed to blow outwards in the event of penetration by a HEAT projectile. Nuclear, Biological and Chemical (NBC) warfare protection is provided by an overpressure clean-air conditioning air system, a radiological warning system, and a chemical agent detector. The crew are individually equipped with protective suits and masks.

The Marine Corps has fielded the M1A1 Common Tank to replace the aging M60A1 Rise/Passive tank. The M60 has reached the end of its service life and lacks the capability to survive and to defeat the threats expected to be encountered on the modern battlefield. During Operation Desert Shield/Storm, the Marine Corps borrowed 60 M1A1s (called the M1A1 Heavy Armor) from the US Army. There were also 16 Marine Corps M1A1 Tanks delivered on an accelerated schedule for employment during the operation. This total of 76 M1A1 tanks was employed by 2d Tank Battalion and elements of 4th Tank Battalion. The M1A1 tanks saw immediate action during the I Marine Expeditionary Force (IMEF) drive through the burning Kuwaiti oil fields. All loaned tanks were returned to the US Army after Desert Storm.

Due to unique Marine Corps amphibious requirements, and the need for both supportability and interoperability between the Marine Corps and the US Army, the two services agreed to jointly produce the M1A1 Main Battle Tank. The M1A1 MBT has the capability to conduct operations ashore. It is compatible with all US Navy amphibious ships and craft (to include the LCAC) and Maritime Prepositioning Ships (MPS). The USMC completed fielding of all tanks, to include active, reserve, MPS, and depot maintenance float (DMF) during FY 96.

In 1995 the 26th MEU became the first amphibiously deployed unit to carry the M1A1. This added some complication to the logistics of the unit due to the tank's weight. Topping the scales at over 68 tons the vehicle requires special care during amphibious operations. One tank can be carried at a time on an Air Cushioned Landing Craft (LCAC), two on a Landing Craft Utility (LCU), but only during fairly calm seas. For operations with the Marine Corps, tanks have been equipped with special fording systems. These modifications include extended air intake and exhaust tubes that allow the vehicles to cross rivers and shallow waters such as the surf zones that Marines operate in.

The M1A1 Abrams Tank Firepower Enhancement Program (FEP), a Marine Corps Systems Command initiative, is intended to increase the all weather, day and night target acquisition and engagement ranges and provide a far target location capability for the M1A1 Tank. The FEP system will include a scope of work that entails a suite of upgrades for the M1A1 Tank. These upgrades include a second-generation thermal sight and a north finding/target locating capability. The system will increase the tank crew's ability to detect, recognize, identify and accurately locate targets.

The Abrams Integrated Management (AIM) program is completely rebuilding every M1A1 Abrams tank in U.S. Army Europe over a three year perios. The AIM program is a part of the Recapitalization Program that was established to extend the life of the Army's aging legacy equipment. AIM will provide long-term sustainment of M1A1 Abrams tanks through fiscal year 2025. Higher-than- normal mileage for the tanks during operations in the Balkans and training in Germany made the overhaul necessary. The Military Traffic Management Command's (MTMC's) 838th Transportation Battalion at Rotterdam, The Netherlands, received the first tanks for shipment to the United States in September 2000. Up to 75 percent of the tanks were not operational. MTMC transported the tanks to Anniston Army Depot, Alabama, where they are be disassembled. The hull, turret, engine, and other parts are sent to the tank production plant in Lima, Ohio, to be reworked. MTMC returns the rebuilt tanks to Europe, where they will be swapped one-for-one with tanks that still need repair. The first shipment of rebuilt tanks arrive in Europe by fall 2001.

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M2A2 and M3A2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle:

M2 and M3 Bradley Fighting Vehicle Systems (BFVS) Specifications: The 2d ID has 116 M2A2s Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFV) with the 2nd BN, 9th Infantry Rgt (MECH) (58 - M2A2 BFV) and 1st BN, 9th Infantry Rgt (MECH) (58 - M2A2 BFV). It has 41 M3A2 Cavalry Fighting Vehicles (CFV) with the 4th Squadron, 7th Cavalry (41 - M3A2 BFV).


M2A2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle

The M2/M3 BFVS family consists of the M2/M2A1/M2A2/M2A3 Infantry Fighting Vehicle, the M3/M3A1/M3A2/M3A3 Cavalry Fighting Vehicle and derivatives of these vehicles including: manpads under armor - the integration of the STINGER Missile System into the M2A2/M3A3 vehicles; Bradley fire support team vehicles and the command group vehicle variants.

The mission of the Bradley Fighting Vehicle [BFV] is to provide mobile protected transport of an infantry squad to critical points on the battlefield and to perform cavalry scout missions. The BFVS will also provide overwatching fires to support dismounted infantry and to suppress or defeat enemy tanks and other fighting vehicles. The Bradley Fighting Vehicle is a fully armored, fully tracked vehicle designed to carry Mechanized Infantry into close contact with the enemy. It possesses sufficient cross-country mobility to keep up with the Abrams Main Battle Tank, medium and long-range firepower capable of defeating any vehicle on the battlefield, and is adequately armored to protect the crew from artillery and small arms threats. During World War II, the vehicle's namesake, General Omar Bradley, was known as the "GI General".

The Bradley is able to close with and destroy enemy forces in support of mounted and dismounted Infantry and Cavalry combat operations. The Bradley Fighting Vehicle family currently consists of two vehicles: the M2 Infantry Fighting Vehicle and the M3 Cavalry Fighting Vehicle. Just as with its predecessor, the M113 family, the Bradley will eventually be the platform for a wide range of support vehicles.

Unlike the M113 family of vehicles the Bradley replaces, this is not simply a "battle taxi". The Bradley is a sophisticated weapons platform capable of providing tremendous firepower in direct support of the Infantry it carries. The role of the Bradley is to

• Safely transport Infantry to critical locations on the battlefield;
• Provide fire support to cover their dismounted operations, and
• Destroy enemy tanks and other vehicles that may threaten the Infantry it carries

The Bradley's main armament is the M242 25mm "Bushmaster" Chain Gun, manufactured by McDonnell Douglas. The M242 has a single barrel with an integrated dual-feed mechanism and remote ammunition selection. Either armor piercing (AP) or high explosive (HE) ammunition may be selected with the flick of a switch. The Gunner may select from single or multiple shot modes. The standard rate of fire is 200 rounds per minute, and has a range of 2,000 meters (depending on the ammunition used). A wide range of ammunition has been developed for this weapon, making it capable of defeating the majority of armored vehicles it is likely to encounter, up to and including some main battle tanks. The M240C machine gun, mounted to right of the Bushmaster, fires 7.62mm rounds.

When facing heavier enemy armor the Bradley relies on the TOW Anti-Tank Missile, manufactured by the Hughes Aircraft. Launched from a smooth tube launcher, the missile's wings and tail fins are folded inside its body until launch. Two of these missiles are carried ready to fire in a collapsible, armored launch rack on the left of the turret. The Bradley must stop in order to fire these missiles, which are them reloaded by the Infantrymen in the back of the vehicle, using a special hatch which provides armor protection during the reload operation. The missile is equipped with a massive shaped charge, high explosive warhead and is propelled by a two-stage solid propellant motor. The range of the TOW missile is nearly 4 kilometers and the missile will reach a speed of almost Mach 1 on its way to the target. This weapon is capable of destroying any armored vehicle in existence today and is deadly accurate.

The wide tracks and 600 horsepower turbo-diesel power plant give the vehicle the mobility it needs to keep up with the Abrams, and keep the soldiers it carries out of harms way. In order to fulfil the requirement for rapid worldwide deployability, the Bradley can be transported by truck, rail, ship and transporter aircraft. In addition, all Bradleys are amphibious. Early models were equipped with a water barrier, which is erected by the crew before entering the water – a procedure that takes about 30 minutes. Later models have an inflatable pontoon, which fits on the front and sides of the vehicle. This pontoon is inflated in about 15 minutes, and is continuously pressurized during operation. The pontoon is compartmentalized to provide protection against sinking in the event of rupture of the pontoon. Water propulsion is provided by tracks which propel the vehicle at about 4 MPH.

The vehicle's reliability, survivability and lethality has surpassed initial expectations. Of the 2,200 Bradleys involved in Operation Desert Storm, only three were disabled. In fact, more enemy armored vehicles were destroyed by Bradleys than by the Abrams Main Battle Tanks!

The M2 Infantry Fighting Vehicle [IFV] is a fully tracked, lightly armored vehicle that offers significant improvements over the M113 series of armored personnel carriers. The M2 possesses greater power, greater acceleration, and an advanced suspension for a significant increase in cross-country speed. Like the M113, the primary purpose of the M2 is to carry infantryman on the battlefield, and transport and support them with fire if necessary. The M2 Bradley carries a crew of three (Commander, Gunner & Driver) and a six-man Infantry section into combat.

The M3 Cavalry Fighting Vehicle [CFV] is exactly the same chassis as the M2 IFV with some minor internal differences. The M3 is a cavalry/scout vehicle, instead of carrying 6 dismounts in the payload compartment, the M3 carries a pair of scouts, additional radios, ammunition, and TOW and Dragon or Javelin missile rounds. In fact, the only noticeable differences between the M2 and the M3 are that the external firing ports for the squad M16s are absent on the M3.

In the early 1980s the U.S. began a new form of vulnerability experimentation called Live-Fire Testing (LFT). In LFT, a complete vehicle, such as a tank or armored personnel carrier, is placed in full battle readiness, engine running, full load of fuel and ammunition, and fired at with an overmatching threat. Only the absence of a live crew compromises actual encounter realism. Congressional legislation had been passed recognizing that in spite of design limits defining absolute protection, systems should nevertheless be tested according to threats expected to be encountered. Many such threats could be overmatching. The issue was to mitigate and ameliorate such events. In addition, LFT can uncover vulnerabilities not foreseen by vehicle designers and improve survivability.

The first LFTs occurred against the M113 armored personnel carrier. Bradley live-fire actually began before the M113 tests, but the M113 firings were completed first. For the most part, these results were noncontroversial. By 1985, testing had begun on the more modern Bradley fighting vehicle. To accompany field testing, the program test plans required that vulnerability models be used both to predict and, subsequently, to be upgraded by actual LFT results. As the test proceeded and the results were compared to model predictions, an apparent pattern of disagreement began to emerge. Critics in the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) questioned the fidelity of existing ballistic vulnerability modeling.

By the end of 1994 the Army had produced a total of 6,724 Bradleys, 4,641 in the M2 Infantry configuration and 2,083 in the M3 Cavalry configuration. Three versions of the M2/M3 have been procured: 2,300 "basic," or A0 Bradleys; 1,371 A1 Bradleys which incorporates the TOW 2 missile subsystem; and 3,053 A2 "high survivability" vehicles. Following Desert Storm the Army conducted depot conversion of A0 and A1 Bradleys to the A2 configuration, modifying 1,423 A2s to the A2 ODS configuration, and preparing to upgrade 1,602 A2s to the A3 configuration. M2/3A0s and A1s continued to be upgraded to the A2 configuration in FY96. Selected M2/3A2s were modified with the ODS upgrade package through FY02. The First Unit Equipped (FUE) for the A2 ODS variant was FY96.

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M113A3 Gavin Armored Personnel Carrier (APC):

The M113A3 Armored Personnel Carrier is in use in large numbers throughout Korea by various units as a combat troop transport or ammunition carriers/support vehicles. It is assigned to numerous units from the 8th FW Security Police at Kunsan AB to the 44th Engineer Btn at Camp Howze.

The M113 APC was the first modern "battle taxi"; developed to transport infantry forces on the mechanized battlefield. It is fitted with a 2 stroke six cylinder Detroit diesel providing power through a 3 speed automatic gearbox and steering differential. The main armament is a single .50 Cal heavy barrel machine gun, and the secondary armament is a single .30 Cal machine gun. The M113 is built of aircraft quality aluminum which allows it to possess some of the same strengths as steel at a much lighter weight. This distinct weight advantage allows the M113 to utilize a relatively small engine to power the vehicle, as well as carry a large payload cross-country. The vehicle is capable of "swimming" bodies of water.

The vehicle is not mission capable if any one track shoe is damaged. If the M113 loses a track, breaks a track shoe or the vehicle throws a track, extreme caution must be exercised in maintaining control. The driver must immediately release the accelerator and let the vehicle coast to a stop. Applying braking action, i.e. brake pedal, laterals, pivot or any type of steering controls causes the vehicle to pull to the active or good track and could result in a roll-over. If it is absolutely necessary, the driver may apply braking action only, and only if the vehicle is approaching a ravine, a cliff, or if other catastrophic outcome, probably resulting in fatalities. When roll-over is imminent; it is safer to stay in the vehicle than to try to get out while the vehicle is still moving. Crew members may receive slight injuries from being thrown against metal parts, but if they try to leave the vehicle, it may roll over and crush them. Once the vehicle stops moving, the crew should get out as fast as possible because spilled fuel and oil may catch on fire. The first thing the driver should do in such an emergency is shut off the engine and turn off the master switch to minimize the fire hazard.

Defense News reported in Feb 2003 that the long awaited report on the side by side Stryker vs. M113A3, proved that the Styrker was the superior war fighting vehicle for BCT. The report was submitted to DoD on 20 Dec 2002 and the results were then submitted to Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld. The Army's study judged the two vehicles on performance and cost. Styrker is superior in speed, armor, gas mileage, noise, comfort, and target aquisition. The M113A3 was better in turning, operating in water, and range. However, there were complaints that the testing was skewed to favor the Stryker persisted.


M113A3 Gavin on C-17

Specifications: M113A3 Armored Personnel Carrier, a full-tracked armored personnel carrier provides protected transportation and cross country mobility for personnel and cargo.

A light armored vehicle weighing 27,200 pounds, it carries 11 infantry personnel in addition to the vehicle driver and track commander. It is capable of sustained speeds of 41 mph on level roads and accelerates from 0 to 35 mph in 27 seconds (this compares to 69 seconds for the M113A2).

The M113A3 is a product improved version of the M113A2 with improved transmission and engine. The U.S. Army first identified the need to up-power the M113A2 carrier in the mid-1970s. This need was driven by increases in vehicle weight and a requirement to increase the mobility and survivability of the system. As a result, the "RISE" powertrain was developed and tested at Yuma and Aberdeen Proving Grounds. However, application of the new powertrain was deferred due to a lack of funds.

In 1984 a decision was made to incorporate the RISE package, improved driver controls, spall liners, external fuel tanks and provisions for installation of an external armor kit on an M113 chassis. Additionally, a bolt-on armor kit providing 14.5 mm ballistic protection was developed and tested. Except for the mounting provisions the external armor applique was not incorporated for production.

The new X200-4/4A hydrostatic steer transmission permits use of a more powerful engine, the 275 HP turbocharged Detroit Diesel 6V53T, and eliminates the transfer case and controlled differential. The RISE powerpack increases fuel economy, acceleration, hill climbing speed and braking capabilities and allows the vehicle to maintain speed through corners by accelerating the outer track rather than braking the inner track as on the A2. The increase in horsepower also allows installation of an external armor kit (which increases the gross vehicle weight to 31,000 pounds) and provides mobility comparable to currently fielded vehicles such as the M1 tank and M2/M3 Bradley Fighting Vehicles.

Steering is improved with an automotive-type steering yoke and foot brake arrangement which improves driver control, lessens fatigue and simplifies driver training from that of the A1/A2 steering/braking laterals. Due to load matching ability and increased steering capability, cross country performance is also improved.

Crew survivability is increased by the addition of spall suppression liners and locating the fuel tanks externally, on the rear of the vehicle. The inside of the vehicle (sides, roof and rear) are covered with spall suppression liners which limit troop injuries from the effect of overmatching weapons by restricting the spread of spall when a round penetrates the hull. External fuel tanks free up 16 cubic feet of usable space inside the vehicle and reduce the fire hazard inside the crew compartment. Two tanks and independent valving provide redundancy in the fuel system allowing continued operation when one tank is damaged.

External differences between M113A2 and M113A3

• - external fuel tanks
• - provisions for the installation of an add-on-armor kit

The M113A3 was type classified Standard. All new APC vehicles produced since 1987 and all converted vehicles since 1989 are the A3 variant. Vehicles have been fielded both in the U.S. and in foreign countries. The M113A3 was initially fielded in 1987 and U.S. production of new M113A3s was completed in 1992. M113A3s are currently being produced for Thailand as a direct sale. Conversion of M113A2 vehicles to M113A3 vehicles has been underway at United Defense, L.P. since 1994. Previously, conversions of M113A2 vehicles to M113A3 vehicles were completed at Red River and Mainz Army Depots, as well as in Korea.

M113A3 Characteristics: From M113A Website. (See Randy's Tactical Site for photos of various configurations.)

General

Weight, combat loaded 27,180 lb. (12,329 kg)
Maximum weight 31,000 lb. (14,061 kg)
Net weight 23,880 lb. (10,832 kg)
Air drop weight 22,128 lb. (10,037 kg)
Personnel capacity 13
Fuel tank capacity 95 gallons (360 liters)
Ground pressure 8.63 psi (0.60 kg/cm2)

Performance

Speed on land 41 mi/h (66 km/h)
Speed in water, with track 3.6 mi/h (5.8 km/h)
Cruising range 300 mi (483 km)
Turning radius Pivot to infinite
Slope 60%
Side slope 40%
Trench crossing 66 in. (168 cm)
Vertical wall climbing 24 in. (61 cm)
Braking (20-0 mi/h) 40 ft.

Engine

Make and model Detroit Diesel 6V53T
Displacement318 in.3 (5.2 liter)
Fuel Diesel (DF2)
Rated horsepower 275 hp
Gross horsepower-to-weight ratio 20.2 hp/ton

Transmission, Automatic

Make and model Allison X200-4B
Type Hydrokinetic
Steering Hydrostatic
Brake type Multiple wet plate


Running Gear

Suspension Torsion bar
Road wheels 5 per side, 24 inch diameter (61 cm)
Track type Steel single pin, detachable rubber pad
Number of shoes 63 left, 64 right
Track pitch 6 in. (15.2 cm)
Track width 15 in. (38 cm)
Shock absorbers 3 per side
Wheel travel 9.0 in. (22.9 cm)

Electrical System

Generator

Amperes 200, 300 optional
Volts, dc 28
Batteries 4, type 6TL, 120 amp-hr, 12-volt each
Armament 50 cal MG 2,000 ready rds.

Armor

Basic hull 5083 Aluminum
Bolt-on armor kit Steel armor
Mine armor Steel armor
Gun shield kit Steel armor
Spall suppressant Composite panel


Fire Extinguishers

Fixed 5 lb. (2.3 kg) CO2 for engine compartment
Portable 5 lb. (2.3 kg) CO2

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M109A6 Paladin Self Propelled Howitzer:

The USFK is equipped with Paladin anti-artillery guns that can trace enemy shells back to the guns and fire shells at the enemy guns with pin-point accuracy. There are 48 Paladins assigned to the 1st BN, 15th Field Artillery (24 - M109A6) and 2nd BN, 17th Field Artillery (24 - M109A6). The Paladins in the Iraq War are credited with the reason that Iraqi artillery did not fire upon the advancing columns of U.S. forces. To do so meant instant death.

Specifications: The M109A6 Paladin Self-Propelled Howitzer provides a revolutionary advance in performance, responsiveness and survivability over older M109s. Able to operate independently, it has a firing range up to 30 km with the standard M284 39-caliber 155mm main armament.

From the move, the M109A6 Paladin can receive a fire mission, compute firing data, select and take up firing positions, automatically unlock and point its cannon, fire the first round in under 60 seconds and move -- day or night. This "shoot and scoot" capability not only significantly improves responsiveness to calls for fire, it also protects the vehicle and crew from counterbattery fire, significantly improving survivability.


M109A6 Paladin and M992 FAASV-5 Support Vehicle

Paladin features include an Automatic Fire Control System with onboard ballistic computation and automatic weapon pointing, an integrated inertial navigation system with embedded GPS processing, NBC protection with climate control, hydraulics system segregation, and secure voice and digital communications. Hull, turret, suspension and automotive upgrades significantly increase reliability, providing 40 percent greater operational availability than previous versions of the M109. On board, embedded electronic diagnostics improve maintenance and repair functions.

Paladin M109A6 is a cannon artillery system developed by the Ground System Division of United Defense L.P. and manufactured at the Paladin Production Operation centre at Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. Paladin was first fielded in 1994 and is operational with the United States Army and the Israeli Army, and has been selected by the Kuwait and Taiwan. In June 1999, the US Army received the last of 950 Paladin M109A6 ordered. Seven systems were ordered in July 2000 for the US Army National Guard and a further 18 systems in January 2002.

Paladin is operated by a crew of four, a commander, driver, gunner and loader. Paladin is able to operate independently with no external technical assistance. The crew are able to receive mission data via a secure voice and digital communications system, compute the firing data, automatically unlock the cannon from the travel lock, point the cannon and fire, and move to a new location without external technical assistance. Paladin M109A6 fires the first round from the move in under 60 seconds. The "shoot and scoot" capability protects the crew from counterbattery fire.

ARMAMENT

The 39 calibre 155mm M284 cannon which is fitted with an M182 gun mount, has a range of 24km using unassisted rounds or 30km using assisted rounds. The projectile loading can be carried out using the full stroke hydraulic system, or a semi-automatic loading system is optional. Paladin M109A6 achieves a maximum firing rate of up to 8 rounds per minute or 3 rounds per 15 seconds, and a sustained firing rate of 1 round per three minutes. The gun is operated with an automatic fire control system with ballistic computer, fitted with an optical backup.

The vehicle's inertial positioning and navigation system is integrated with the automatic fire control system. A 12.7mm M2 machine gun is mounted on the right hand side of the turret.

SELF-PROTECTION

The crew remains in the vehicle throughout the mission. Protection against nuclear, chemical and biological warfare is installed with individual crew protection systems with temperature controlled (hot and cold) air. The turret is fitted with Kevlar spall suppression lining for additional ballistic protection.

COMMUNICATIONS

The Paladin is equipped with a secure voice and digital communications suite including the VIC-1 Intercom, VRC-89 or the SINCGARS single channel ground and airborne radio subsystem.

PROPULSION

The Paladin vehicle is powered by a 2 cycle diesel, 440 horsepower, DDEC 8V71T engine from Detroit Diesel Corporation, and an Allison ATD-XTG-411-4 transmission with four forward and two reverse gears. The suspension system is based on high strength torsion bars with high capacity shock absorbers. The vehicle has a range of 214 miles with a maximum speed of 40 miles per hour.

The electrical power supply is rated at 650 amps, 24V DC.

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Manufacturer United Defense, L.P. (York, PA) TRW (Carson City, CA)
Crew 4 (accompanying M992 FAASV-5)
Weight empty (approx.) 56,400 lbs
Weight combat-loaded (approx.) 63,615 lbs
Propulsion 2 cycle diesel, 440 horsepower, Detroit Diesel Corp. DDEC 8V71T Allison ATD-XTG-411-4 transmission
Cruise Range 186 miles
Fuel Capacity 133 gallons
Max speed (Highway) 38 mph
Max speed (Off-road) 19mph
Into action time 45 seconds from a complete stop
Armament (Main) 155 mm, 39 caliber, Gun Mount M284 cannon assembly, fitted with the M182A1 mount
Armament (Secondary) 0.50 caliber M2 MG
Extended Range 30 km with HE RAP and M203 propellant.
Max unassisted Range 22,000 m
Max assisted Range 30,000 m
Minimum Range 4,000 m
Max Rate of Fire 4 rds/min for three minutes
Sustained Rate of Fire 1 rd/min (dependent on thermal warning device)

(NOTE: M992 FAASV Field Artillery Ammunition Supply Vehicle is basically the chassis of a standard M109 155mm self-propelled howitzer with the turret replaced by a fully enclosed superstructure. Inside this superstructure, which has the same protection as the rest of the vehicle, can be stacked 93 155 mm projectiles, 99 propellant charges and 104 fuzes. The ammunition can be loaded into the superstructure by a front-mounted crane and is fed from the vehicle along a conveyor to the recipient self-propelled howitzer; this crane was not fitted to US Army M992 vehicles but is offered for export. All ammunition handling within the M992 is mechanical. In use, the M992 backs up to the user M109 and the conveyor delivers the 155 mm ammunition at the rate of up to 8 rounds/minute to the M109 bustle or lower hatches. The M992 can have a crew of two plus six passengers and the weight fully loaded is 25,900 kg. Intended primarily for use with M109 field units, the M992 can also be used by units with 175 mm, 203 mm, 120 mm and 105 mm self-propelled weapons. With 203mm units the M992 can carry 48 203 mm projectiles, 53 charges and 56 fuzes.)

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M270 MLRS Self-Propelled Loader/Launcher (SPLL):

There are 36 M270 MLRS with the 6th BN, 37th Field Artillery (18 - M270 MLRS) and 1st BN, 38th Field Artillery (18 - M270 MLRS).

Specifications: The following information is from FAS: M270 MLRS Self-Propelled Loader/Launcher (SPLL) : The MLRS M270 Launcher, a derivative of the Bradley Fighting Vehicle (BFV), is the standard U.S. Army platform for firing surface to surface artillery rockets and missiles. The Armored Vehicle Mounted Rocket Launcher (M270) is a full-tracked, self-propelled launcher/loader designed to launch 12 tactical rockets and re-deploy before enemy determination of launch position (shoot and scoot). The launch platform is also used to launch the Army Tactical Missile System (Army TACMS) and is capable of launching all M270 Family of Munitions (MFOM) tactical rocket/missile variants. The launcher consists of six rockets, each of which are mounted and controlled in both azimuth and elevation. It has an automated control system for aiming that automatically corrects for launcher cant and ambient temperature, a directional reference system to obtain azimuth elevation and cant angles, and a FCS which is operated from a man-rated vehicle cab. The launcher platform structure provides a "self-loading" capability.


ATACMS

The M270 launcher has a maximum speed of 64 Km/hour, with a maximum range of 435 Km. It is capable of climbing a 60 degree slope and a one meter wall. Ordnance options include the MFOM (all variants of the MLRS rocket and Army TACMS missile). The M270 can load, arm, and fire a 12 rocket ripple within ripple within five minutes. M270 launchers are deployed three per battery and 29 per battalion. The M270 launcher can be configured for transport by Air Force C-141 aircraft on a limited basis. The M270 launcher is also transportable by Air Force C-5 and C-17 aircraft.

MLRS consists of a self-loading launcher with an onboard fire control system (FCS). The launcher is mounted on a mobile track vehicle that carries 12 rockets or 2 Army Tactical Missile System (Army TACMS) missiles, which can be fired individually or simultaneously. Rockets have a range beyond 30 kilometers, and the Army TACMS Block IA missile can reach to 300 kilometers.

The M270 MLRS, or SPLL (Self-Propelled, Loader/Launcher), is made up of two major units and an electronic fire control system (FCS). The SPLL is a mobile, self-propelled, self- loading, multiple launch rocket firing unit. It provides mobile long range artillery rocket support for ground forces. The M993 Carrier Vehicle and the M269 LLM are the two major units that make up the MLRS. The FCS is a computer control system, with a built-in computer and memory system. The SPLL has a cruising range of 300 miles at speeds up to 40 miles per hour. The total MLRS weights approximately 52,990 pounds.

The second multiyear procurement contract for FY89-93 was awarded in July 1989 for MLRS. The US initial operational capability for MLRS was achieved in 1983. Starting in FY89, MLRS has been coproduced by the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France,