By Honorary Reporter George Barker from U.K.
Photos = dvidshub.net

Korean Augmentation to the U.S. Army (KATUSA) is a program in which selected Korean soldiers serve alongside their American counterparts in Korea, live on U.S. bases and must use English. 

Established during the 1950-53 Korean War, it continues to strengthen the Korea-U.S. alliance. To learn more, I interviewed Park Hee-chan, 24, a global finance major at Chung-Ang University in Seoul who is serving as a KATUSA to perform his mandatory military service. 

 
The following are excerpts from an Oct. 3 email interview with Park.

How did you join the program and what are the requirements?
I applied for the program because an upperclassman from my major was a KATUSA and highly recommended it. He said serving side by side with the U.S. Army was a meaningful experience and that the living conditions, such as getting a private room instead of a crowded barrack, were much better than in the Korean military. He also mentioned the opportunity to improve my English-language skills. After hearing this, I decided to apply and was selected in November 2023.

The requirements included being 20-30 years old and receiving designated grades in physical fitness and English proficiency.

KATUSA soldiers undergo training at a U.S military base in Korea.

What is the difference between serving in the Korean military and KATUSA?
The main differences are leave, personal space and facilities. KATUSAs get regular weekend passes, one- or two-person rooms, and access to U.S. base amenities like shuttle buses, stores, restaurants, gyms, billiard halls, movie theaters and hospitals. Korean soldiers have limited leave and fewer facilities and have to share rooms with about 10 people.

What was your first impression of a U.S. Army base?
When I first arrived at Camp Casey in Dongducheon (Gyeonggi-do Province), I was impressed by how modern and well-organized it was. It felt like a small American town rather than just a military base. 

What do you consider your biggest accomplishment as a KATUSA?

I was assigned to the medical company, where my main responsibility was transporting and treating wounded soldiers during training or emergencies. My biggest achievement was supporting injured personnel and ensuring their immediate care, as it directly helped save lives and maintain unit readiness

Describe your daily routine as a KATUSA.
My day begins with physical training from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. From 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., I have breakfast and personal maintenance time. From 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., I perform morning duties that vary depending on the day. Since I belong to the medical company, my tasks often include administrative paperwork, maintaining U.S. military vehicles, and organizing medical equipment and supplies.

After lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., I have afternoon work from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., which is generally similar to my morning duties. After work, I have personal time in the barracks until 9 p.m., when all KATUSAs gather for roll call before going to bed.

In addition to this daily routine, I have field training exercises in which I transport or treat American soldiers who are "injured" in combat scenarios. While not real emergencies, they are designed to prepare us for real-life situations and give me valuable experience in medical support and teamwork under pressure.

KATUSAs review medical procedures for a mobilization exercise.

How was your enlistment experience?
Once I was selected, I first went through five weeks of basic training at the Korean Army Training Center, where all Korean soldiers receive basic training. Afterward, KATUSAs complete another three weeks of specialized training at Camp Humphreys, the largest U.S. military base in Korea. There, we learn the skills and knowledge required to serve alongside U.S. soldiers. This two-step process was challenging but rewarding as it prepared me both as a Korean soldier and a KATUSA.

What is the best thing about being a KATUSA?
The best part is serving in an international environment while still fulfilling my duty to my country. Building friendships with American soldiers and experiencing their culture are other things KATUSAs can enjoy.

How has being a KATUSA changed you?
Working in a multicultural environment changed my worldview. I learned to respect cultural differences, adapt quickly and communicate across languages. These experiences made me more confident, flexible and globally minded.

msjeon22@korea.kr

*This article was written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.