US, Korean Marines charge forward in training exercise

The overall purpose of KITP is to continue to build and strengthen the U.S. and ROK alliance that has existed for more than 50 years, according to Lt. Col. Ricardo Miagany, the battalion commander for 3rd Bn., 12th Marines.

To accomplish this, Marines and their ROK counterparts participate in a variety of bilateral training scenarios including Military Operations in Urban Terrain, direct-fire artillery exercises and small-arms and medium machine gun training.

Additionally, the unit plans to conduct community relations events and a short class at the Demilitarized Zone.

Another highlight of the exercise was the command visit by the ROK Marine commandant April 21.

ROK and U.S. Marines are slated to conduct a direct-fire artillery shoot April 22.

“This is the first time in a long time that (3rd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment) has conducted training with it’s Korean counterparts,” said Miagany. “We’re starting with building on tactical level and small-unit training between the individual ROK and U.S. Marines.”

For Pfc. Carlos L. Torian and many of the junior Marines from Romeo Battery and 3rd Bn., 12th Marines, the exercise has presented another opportunity beyond firing weapons—the chance to share combat skills with the ROK Marines.

“They have us broken down into groups so that we can have one-on-one conversations with them,” said Torian, a motor transportation driver with the battalion. “A lot of the (ROK Marines) are very enthusiastic about training with us. They were kicking in doors harder and moving faster during buddy rushes than many of the Marines.”

A routine exercise, KITP is consistently adjusted to account for ongoing and future threats and involves a number of realistic scenarios beyond defeating a military attack, such as crisis management, amphibious operations and stability operations.

The exercise, which began April 2, is slated to complete May 8.