RODRIGUEZ LIVE-FIRE COMPLEX, Republic of Korea -- Republic of Korea and U.S. Marines conducted artillery training together at the Rodriguez Live-Fire Complex Aug. 17, beginning the bilateral portion of Korean Marine Exchange Program 13-8.

KMEP 13-8 is a regularly-scheduled, combined training exercise which enhances the combat readiness and interoperability of ROK and U.S. Marine forces. The exercise is just one in a series of continuous combined-training exercises designed to enhance the alliance, promote stability on the Korean Peninsula, and strengthen ROK-U.S. military capabilities.

The artillerymen from both countries began the evolution with individual training before working together to combine their fires. The ROK Marines with 5th Battalion, 2nd ROK Regiment, 2nd ROK Division, fired more than 60 rounds from a K-55 self-propelled gun. Afterwards, the U.S. Marines from Battery I, 3rd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 3rd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, under the unit deployment program, fired more than 100 rounds from the M777A2 155 mm lightweight howitzer during the training.

Marines from both countries took advantage of the opportunity to examine their counterpart’s weapons and equipment while working side by side.

“The opportunity to exchange capabilities and let some of our (ROK) Marines fire with the U.S. Marines has been incredible for us,” said ROK Marine Lt. Col. Guk Heom Park, the commander of 5th Bn. “Many of the U.S. Marines have used artillery in battle and we can benefit from learning from those experiences. This relationship has been going for 60-plus years and we hope to continue to better each other by conducting exercises like these in the future.”

While each country’s weapon system was unique, similarities were found in the way they were operated, according to 1st Lt. Lane C. Avery, a platoon commander with Battery I.

“I noticed the ROK Marines fired their weapon systems with a lot of intensity,” said Avery. “Our Marines take every fire mission very seriously. It is good to know that if we are ever in battle together, the ROK Marines have the same view.”

While significant planning and precaution goes into ensuring a safe training evolution, U.S. and ROK Marines still enjoyed themselves during the exercise.

“This was the first time I have worked with another country’s Marine Corps,” said Lance Cpl. Cameron M. Wehr, an artilleryman with the battery. “I had a great time explaining our capabilities to the ROK Marines and allowing them to pull the cord on our howitzer.”

KMEP 13-8 is carried out in accordance with the ROK-U.S. Mutual Defense Treaty signed October 1, 1953. The exercise demonstrates the enduring alliance and friendship between the two nations and their combined commitment to the defense of South Korea and lasting peace and security in the region.

Throughout the remainder of the exercise, ROK and U.S. Marines will conduct live-fire training, helicopter operations, military operations in urban terrain training, as well as cultural exchanges and tours of historical sites.