2004:

Spot Notes:

• January 9: Korea on Intellectual Property Watch List: Reminder to those GIs buying the pirated DVDs off-base. Though pirated DVDs are about $10 a copy, they are very poor quality with skips and stops. However, as long as the BX continues to sell DVDs at rip-off prices, the trade will probably continue off-base. The US accused the ROK of failing to protect US-produced music and films against copyright piracy and elevated its seventh-largest trading partner to a priority watch list for intellectual property piracy. "The (Bush) administration is committed to protecting American creativity," US Trade Representative Robert Zoellick said in a statement. "The pirating of US intellectual property robs Americans and hurts those countries whose economies rely on innovation, technology, and investment." The decision to put the ROK on the priority watch list, a largely symbolic move used to convey US dissatisfaction, was based on a special review finished in late December.

• January 12: First snows of the season Small trickle in December 26 with 4.5 inches, but first snows to stick in first weeks of January.

• January 15-16: Sixth Meeting of Future Alliance of the US-ROK. The two sides focus on the follow-up measures for the points unresolved at the recent Korea-U.S. Scheduled Consultative Meeting (SCM) in Nov 2003, including the repositioning of U.S. troops and relocation plan for the Yongsan Garrison. (See Relocations of USFK for details.)

• January: A-town Off Limits Tension Business as usual at A-town, but there is underlying tension that off-limits sanctions could reappear. (See Off-base Issues: A-town and Prostitution for details.)
  
  
  A-town
  
  
• January 9: 35th FS aircraft Crash Investigation Results The Wolf Pack Warrior on 9 Jan stated that the Investigation Board blame pilot lack of situation awareness for aircraft crash on a routine mission 56 miles south-west of Kunsan. (Go to 35th FS Aircraft Crash for details)
  
  
• Jan 28: Seoul District Court Orders Noise Pollution Compensation -- NGO environmental activist group Green Korea sponsored court action against the Kunsan Air Base. Award bolstered by a similar award against a ROKAF base in 2003. On-going problems with the Kooni Bombing Range residents strengthened the cause. See Compensation for Noise for details.
  
  
• Feb 4: DoD Announces Korean Defense Service Medal -- The Defense Department announced today the creation of the Korean Defense Service Medal (KDSM). The only trouble is that the DoD announced its creation two years ago and the medal still has not made it to the field -- even in Korea -- because of the large numbers of eligible individuals that need to be identified going back to 1954. The KDSM is a service medal to give special recognition for the sacrifices and contributions made by members of the U.S. armed forces who have served or are serving in the Republic of Korea. Public Law 107-314 legislated the creation of a new medal to recognize military service in the Republic of Korea and the surrounding waters. (See Korean Defense Service Medal Approved (2002) for details on how it came about.) (See for design details of medal.) (See Feb 2004 DoD Announcement for latest news release.)
  
  Korean Defense Service Medal
  
  
• Feb 17-20: Unit Compliance Inspection (UCI) -- Biggee inspection. 80-90 PACAF Inspectors looking over people's shoulders. Wolf Pack received a "High Satisfactory" and got a day off. (See UCI.)
  
  
• Feb-Mar: Unusual Spring Snows Across Nation -- The weather was strange in Feb with record high temperatures (dating to 1907) followed by snow the stuck for days. Snow again fell on Kunsan in March followed by heavy thunderstorms.
  
  
  Snowy streets
• March 12: Impeachment Motion Passes: President Roh Suspended -- The National Assembly passed South Korea's first-ever presidential impeachment motion on 12 Mar 2004, suspending President Roh Moo-hyun from office. Prime Minister Goh Kun would take over until the Constitutional Court approves or rejects it within six months. The motion passed in a 193-2 vote. (See President Roh: Anti-American or Radical Reformist: .)
  
  
• March 22: Foal Eagle and RSOI Exercises -- Foal Eagle and RSOI (Reception, Staging, Onward Movement and Integration) held (See Foal Eagle & RSOI.)
  
  
• April: 8th Services Squadron: MGen Eubanks Award for "Best Small Base Services Squadron in PACAF" -- AF Eval team for AF-level competition due in May 13-19.
  
  
• May 27: Col. Rand Change of Command with Col. Uhle -- Change of Command in Hangar 3. (See Change of Command.)
  
  
• Jul 15: Noise Measuring System To Be Setup Outside Kunsan -- (See Noise Measuring System.)
  
  
• October 1: Terrorist Threat -- (See Curfew Imposed because of Terrorist Threat .)
  
  
• Oct 1: Runway Closed -- (See Kunsan Runway Closed.)
  
  
• Oct 1: New Security Gate Opens -- (See New Main Gate Security Measures in place, BUT... .)
  
  

Kunsan AB Civic Actions

KUNSAN, Korea -- The first meeting of a new Base Community Council was held here last week.

The council was formed to help maintain and promote friendly relations between the people of the area and the military personnel based at Kunsan and is composed of leading citizens and the base commander and members of his staff.

The Kunsan AB commander, Col, William J. Feallock, was host at the initial conference which met in the base headquarters and later dined at the officers' club. Kunsan City was represented by Chief Prosecutor Yi Keun Su, Mayor Kim Yong Chul, Ministerial Association President Revernd Yi Soon Yun and members of the police, fire and city health departments.

RESTART OPEN HOUSE PROGRAMS An idea would be the return of the open house for both USAF and ROKAF -- similar to what was done in 2003 by the 2d ID at Camp Stanley. (See Kunsan AB: Community Affairs (2003).) The base needs to reestablish its links with the community. We have photos of the base open house at Kunsan AB showing the ROKAF pilots proudly showing off their F-86s in the 1970s. USAF elements were represented with their displays. It could be done again.


Open House at K-8: B-66 Static Display (1960)
(Courtesy George Rabe)
Click on photo to enlarge

Years ago up to the late 1970s, open houses were standard annual events at Kunsan AB involving both the ROKAF and USAF. However, after the anti-American protests in the early 1980s, the open houses disappeared. When the anti-USFK demonstrations started -- especially after the Kwangju Uprising in which the USFK was blamed for Chun Doo-hwan's heavy-handed putdown of the uprising -- the 8th TFW withdrew behind its walls. All open houses ceased. The Democracy Movement of the late-80s continued with fire-bomb hurling protests at the base's main gates caused the base to retreat even more behind its gates. (SEE 8th TFW History (1976-1989.) and 8th TFW History (1990-1995.))

Transportation from the main gate could be provided by buses from OUTSIDE the main gate to a cordoned off area. Everyone will be briefed that they cannot leave the cordon area unless escorted by authorized USAF personnel. The cordoned off an area for an openhouse display of aircraft -- probably best in the south end of base. People could sign up for guided tours for areas like CE or Services using their squadron trucks for transportation to and from the cordoned area. If possible military hardware like the Patriot missile -- unclassified sections of course -- could be included in the tours. The Food Court could be encouraged to participate with hamburger, sandwich and pizza booths -- and of course, squadrons could also operate booths for beefing up their squadron funds. RoKAF volunteers to help each squadron would be helpful to handle translation for the visitors. Those units in the secured area of Kunsan could move static display aircraft into the cordoned area such as the F-16, F-5 and armament (inert) displays. APCs, humvees and other military vehicles are always a crowd pleaser as the kids get to sit in them.

If the base turned their young tigers loose on this idea, it would succeed with no problem at all.


A-10 Visit to Base
Mr. Kwan Young-chol, Wing PA, translates for Koreans (1977) (NOTE: Mr. Kwan became the Korean advisor to the Wing Commander in the 1980s.)
(Courtesy Philip Hom)

UPDATE: In the 23 Apr 2004 Wolf Pack Warrior, it was announced, "Thunderbirds: The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds will be at Kunsan for an air show and open house Sept .17." We hoped that this would be a true "open house" -- not one only for USFK military members, invited guests, and escorted guests of military members. We sincerely hoped it will be a true open house for Kunsan City in general. As Kunsan AB had NOT hosted a true open house in over thirty years, it would be a FIRST and much welcomed event. We understood the transportation problems with parking outside the gate, buses to transport the people to the area, security to restrict people to the main base area, but the goodwill garnered would have been immense.

However, intervening was the announcement from Osan that the "2004 Air and Space Power Day air show" scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 19 was changed from an open house air show to a ticket only event. Although the air show schedule of events had not changed, access to the base is restricted to ID card holders and ticket holders. Force Protection was the top priority and therefore uncontrolled and open access to the base was not possible. Tickets were distributed to community leaders, specific civilian workers, U.S. and ROK military/civilian I.D. card holders and families.

The Sept 15 "open house" came and went. There were 5,000 people in attendance. This was great -- but wait. Something was strange. Let's see, some 3,000 GIs and 1,000 ROKAF with dependents plus the signed in guests...hmmm. Was this a real "open house"? We didn't attend, but we heard reports and it didn't appear to be so. It was for USAF and ROKAF base personnel and their invited guests -- not really an open house where all of Kunsan was invited. It was the same as Osan -- where force protection issues prevailed.

The Security Forces praised themselves on their control of the crowd without incident and it was a great photo op for all. True that a REAL open house would have been a nightmare. There were no incidents getting the escorted foreign nationals off-base. There were the F-117 folks with their bird on static display and a booth set up selling t-shirts and trinkets. The EOD put on a robot demo for defusing a bomb. The Security Police dog handlers and such were all present. Little tots from the orphanage were the center of attention on the photo ops. A good PR for the USAF, but as we mentioned before the orphanage PR impacts on the US -- and the Koreans don't want to be reminded of their failure in social welfare.

The bottom line for improvement of community relations...NADA. As far as I know, there was no announcement on Kunsan TV News or newspapers about the "open house." Net effect on the local community -- ZERO!!! Perhaps in these times of heightened alerts for terrorism, NOT having a REAL open house is reasonable -- but the base needs to see their "open house" for what it was. It was NOT a Kunsan City community event -- it was a Kunsan Air Base community event. Another year and another missed opportunity because of world events.

START OPEN BLOCK PARTIES/CONCERTS NEAR GATE Another idea would be USO events open to the Korean public. Fill in the sump hole area between the Transportation squadron building and the old Antenna farm. If they can do a USO block party for their servicemen with the whole base showing up, why not also invite the local community to these events. If there is a USO rock band to appear at the base in the summer dry season, why not have it near the main gate -- say at the open field near the Transportation Squadron. The security problems would be the greatest concern, but they can be worked out with tighter security in the cordoned area by restricting the Koreans to an area between the Transportation Squadron and the old MARS antennas. (NOTE: Brainstorming suggestion. The Transportation squadron area was built up on land that was once used for a contingency tent city long ago. In fact, the area was originally prepped by the 808th EAB back in 1951 for the Marine VMF-513 "Flying Nightmare" hardstand area during the Korean War. That's why it was possible for the 8th CES to do the groundwork without Red Horse assistance. The sump area could be treated similarly as a builtup area through landfill. It could serve as a contingency tent city -- but in peacetime as an outdoor concert area instead of Hangar Three.)

With the addition of the new security gate at the railroad track cross-over, the potential for crowd control becomes easier...with another cordoned off area at the T-junction near base supply, this would contain the area. The Main Gate would be closed to vehicular traffic and Korean visitors could walk from the main gate past the Transportation Squadron area to the cordoned area. Normal base traffic would be through the North Gate. Community relations would definitely improve -- and influence the younger generation of Koreans through the common thread of music. (ADDED NOTE FOR STATIC DISPLAYS: The flying squadrons both ROKAF AND USAF could easily tow aircraft down the blocked-off roads -- through the arch area -- to the Supply area parking lot across from the field to setup static displays.)

EXPAND CONTACTS WITH ROKAF ON KUNSAN Another area the base needs to work on is the actual cooperation and interfaces of the base ROKAF personnel and the USAF. Up till now most of the contacts between the units has been mostly photo opportunities such as celebrating the Korean national holidays with ceremonies or banquets with the USAF/ROKAF officers. Other programs have been "sister squadron" programs where F-16 ROKAF units send a few pilots periodically to Kunsan to train with the 35th or 80th FS.

We feel there are better ways. The sports programs pitting the ROKAF against the USAF are excellent examples. We have witnessed the ROKAF and USAF in sports exhibitions dealing with soccer. These sports activities should to be expanded so that they can field teams to participate in ALL base squadron sports programs could be expanded -- not as special events, but as integral parts of the base sports program. The ROKAF could field a baseball or basketball team with some assistance in the loan of sports equipment. What if the ROKAF wins the base championship? Well, then the base needs to realize that it wasn't good enough to compete at an Air Force-level competition anyway -- and no USAF team will be sent. Perhaps special categories could be worked out so the ROKAF team could compete representing the base. Intra-service rivalry would be expanded to Intra-allies competition. How about swimming meets between the two units in the summer months? How about one-on-one basketball competitions? The possibilities are limitless as the Koreans are great sportsmen. As the lower ranks are conscriptees, there are a lot of college-level athletic talent hidden in the ROKAF ranks. These programs fall under the "Good Neighbor Program" (8th Fighter Wing Instruction 35-1 16 May 2003) to foster goodwill in the ROKAF community.

Up along the DMZ back in the early 60s 2d ID folks used to play sports against the ROK units. Area I sports specialist Kim Pok Man at Camp Red Cloud since 1958, said he used to organize tackle football, baseball and fast-pitch softball for soldiers serving here. “During those years they [South Koreans] didn’t play much baseball … but we had matches against the [South Korea] Army and ROK Marines,” he said. Perhaps it could be like that again. We have seen the competition in soccer between the ROKAF and USAF -- perhaps it could be expanded to other sports competitions. REMEMBER THAT KUNSAN AB IS SURROUNDED BY SIZABLE ROK ARMY UNITS THAT COULD ALSO COMPETE. If you look closely on the hilltops they are located within the three mile exclusionary zone.

We understand the problems with interfacing the ROKAF of the 38th TFG with the 8th FW in real world activities. The big areas of aircraft maintenance and operations must be kept separate due to security, host-tenant support agreements, etc. In addition, the ROKAF plays their exercises FOR REAL. Ever notice how the ROKAF pilots wear firearms on their exercises?

However, there are some exercises that the ROKAF could join with the USAF in an integrated base exercise. On the base defense exercises, on seldom hears about the ROKAF role in the base newspaper -- though ROK Army/ROKAF K-9 are commonly seen in the major exercises. About five years ago the ROKAF was supposedly incorporated into the the base defense plan. However, in recent years, it is not known if they are still integrated into the base's defense exercises. Nothing is heard of the ROKAF participation -- except during major nationwide joint exercises. The ROK Army/ROKAF K-9 units are involved, but we are uncertain about the rest of the ROKAF.

Another idea would be a permanent ride-along program for the USAF Security Forces and ROKAF Security Police forces to join each other in performing similar duties. For example, the ROKAF could accompany Security Police patrols dispatched from the SFCC on routine trouble calls. The USAF could perform a reciprocal duty as well. Security patrols could be meshed for orientation training. (NOTE: We do not recommend any melding of Town Patrol duties as this area is still a sensitive area for Koreans.)

USAF and ROKAF POL units could work start a program to train on each others equipment and to learn the others duties. All it requires is a little thinking of what the two units -- 8th FW and 38th FG -- have in common instead of how they are dissimilar. Then build on the similarities in operations. The Kunsan AB fire fighters could work out orientation programs for ROK procedures to assist the Kunsan firefighters if called upon -- like the fire fighters up in the 2nd ID areas who assist the local fire fighters. There's a lot of good PR value when you save somebody's house off-base.

At lower levels, units could have a "cross-training" program for ROKAF and USAF units to be "CUT" trained in the other's equipment. In case of war, this would be a definite positive. Another area that could be expanded is the Combat Cross-Servicing Certification which is similar to the Kwangju CUT certifications ... but at Kunsan AB it would be implemented on a smaller scale. At Osan, South Korean aircraft mechanics go to Osan Air Base several times a year for instruction in the basics of A-10 maintenance and brings U.S. airmen to ROKAF bases to learn the basics of servicing the F-4s and F-5s as well. (FB52CX-MOUI-2016, International Memorandum of Understanding Between the United States Air Force and the Republic of Korea Air Force Concerning Combat Cross-Servicing of United States Air Force and Republic of Korea Air Force Aircraft.)

The same could be done on a permanent basis with ROKAF F-5E and USAF F-16 crew chiefs at Kunsan AB. Crewchiefs from the ROKAF could be CUT on F-16s -- which is a definite plus for them as they have KF-16s in their inventory. The USAF crewchiefs would gain insights into the operations of a different country's procedures which might pay off in finding better ways to do their jobs. The amount of goodwill generated by crewchiefs working together is incalculable.

Has anyone considered F-5 orientation flights with ROKAF pilots and vice-versa with the F-16s? The USAF pilots would see and FEEL how the ROKAF does its job. The same would be true for the ROKAF pilots. Expansion of good relations through shared experiences may possibly lead to lifelong friendships.

If the wing commander set his young tigers down for a brainstorming session, they could probably come up with a lot better ideas on how to make things better.

EXPAND CONTACTS WITH LOCAL COLLEGE STUDENTS More could be done. Conversational English classes by volunteers have been isolated at the elementary school level and have been mostly photo opportunities -- rather than substantive long-term projects. The efforts result in one or two visits and then stop. Unlike the 8th Army program which has regular weekly visits scheduled at schools with long-term goodwill benefits, the Kunsan program has been a hit-and-miss proposition for the past two years. Some progress in this area was seen when college students were allowed to work with base agencies but again only a one-shot process. (See University students shadow airmen at Kunsan.) This type of idea should be expanded. These contacts with Kunsan National University and the ROTC Program fall under the "Good Neighbor Program" (8th Fighter Wing Instruction 35-1 16 May 2003) to foster goodwill in the community.

An idea might be temporary summer work programs specifically identified for Kunsan college students -- those with a financial need and recommended by their professors -- in various specialties that are present on base. (Many college students at Kunsan University work part-time jobs delivering noodles or other minimum wage jobs to make money for school.) Engineering students could assist with CE projects. Legal students in the Judge Advocate office. The main gist would be to allow the students to interface with AMERICANS -- not the Korean work staff -- in an attempt to change the attitudes of the students in a small way.

We propose that instead of having Conversational English classes downtown, have these classes on base and FREE for the ROKAF airmen/dependents and COLLEGE age students. Open them up to interested college kids with assigned volunteer escorts (teachers/students of the class) to escort them from the gate to the class and back. This will be a way to expand friendships between Koreans and Americans. The intent is to influence just a few of the college age students who are the primary adversaries in the emotional anti-American feelings that are sitting just below the surface in Korea. It is very hard to throw a molatov cocktail at someone you know personally. The base should use its programs to reach out to touch people at a personal level.

8th FW Volunteers to Teach English Much applause to the airmen who volunteered to teach the students English is Kunsan. Conversational English classes by volunteers have been isolated at the elementary school level and have been mostly photo opportunities -- rather than substantive long-term projects. The efforts result in one or two visits and then stop. Unlike the 8th Army program which has regular weekly visits scheduled at schools with long-term goodwill benefits, the Kunsan program has been a hit-and-miss proposition. (See 8th Army: Rock Steady Jan-Mar 2004 issue.) These interfaces with the schools and the Kunsan Board of Education fall under the "Good Neighbor Program" (8th Fighter Wing Instruction 35-1 16 May 2003) to foster goodwill in the community.

According to the 8th PAO, 35 members of the wing had volunteered to teach English on Saturdays, but the school system has indicated it could use about 100. "There are like 50 schools out there who'd love volunteers," said Carlos, "but we just haven't had the names this year to fill all their requests." We have heard reports that a volunteer at Miryong Elementary School is also assisting not only with the children, but also helping the teachers in improving their pronunciation. The volunteer teaches two times a week...and his efforts are much appreciated.

However, there may be some bad news on the horizon due to an experimental program that will be aimed at eliminating the Saturday school day -- but it will be a while before it impacts the program. Starting in April selected middle schools in Kunsan will extend their study days by one hour on Thursdays so that the last Saturday of the month will be off. Eventually the aim is to have the Saturday school day eliminated completely -- if the test grades of the experimental schools do not drop off. For example, on 17 April, the Sambukdong Middle School will no longer have Saturday school on the last day of the month. On 25 April, the school was off -- but some students went to school to study for the mid-terms (my daughter included). We believe that the kids will love this -- and parents who have jobs that have been brought in line with the 40-hour work week will enjoy the extra time with their kids as well. (NOTE: Starting July 1, the five-day workweek will be obligatory for 8,374 working places: corporations with more than 1,000 workers, finance and insurance firms, and state-invested companies. As many as 1,798,000 workers will become the beneficiaries of the new system.) However, if the experimental program succeeds, there will be no school on Saturdays and this volunteer program will be hard-pressed to survive. The time available for the weekdays during normal work hours are not conducive for volunteers -- unless they are shift workers.

SITE NOTE: ADVICE TO VOLUNTEERS: The volunteer efforts are a big plus to the Korean teachers -- and the cash strapped education system needs all the help it can get. We have personally observed the teachers being individually picked up at the main gate by the Korean teachers. The goodwill these Kunsan volunteers are generating is commendable.

However, we hope the volunteers approach this project realistically with an eye to the needs of the student. Most Korean teachers and parents are under the misconception that simply letting an American talk to the kids will aid the kids' speech. Many "hagwons" (academies) import native English-speakers who have no teaching experience or language training and say "teach." This is what you'll find at the middle-schools in using the volunteers. Do NOT fall into this trap. Use the Korean teacher as your interface and keep them involved. Remember that the best hagwons use a Korean to explain the grammar and an American to conduct simple question-answer sessions based upon the text. Find out what they are studying and seek ways you can COMPLEMENT their learning of English.

The majority of the Korean middle-school students have VERY limited speaking skills. Try to keep in mind that those students that have moderate English-speaking skills normally have learned them through after-school institutes -- NOT the school curriculum. Be wary that these students may try to monopolize the conversations or question-and-answer periods -- while the students with little skills remain mute. Do not fall into this trap. The worst thing is the "pregnant pause" that the teacher must control. It is very easy to keep going to the same speakers repeatedly. Try to find others to speak. Long pauses will be normal, but try to keep up the chit-chat while circulating amongst the students. After a bit, simply pick an individual. He will be embarrassed, but try to get them to speak...and if after a while, they still try and stammer. Smile at the student and complement them on trying -- and tell him you will be back. Find another student who will answer the simple question. Then go back to the original student who now knows the response from listening. If they don't speak, don't push it.

If the volunteers are looking for question-answer sessions which is the norm for intermediate speakers, they may be very disappointed. Middle school kids are by-and-large beginning speakers with low grammar skills and almost non-existent speaking skills. Their listening skills of English are very low and most of what you will be saying will sound like mumblings.

Do not be discouraged -- you have a Korean teacher to translate. Use them to explain what you said