ROK/U.S. Combined Division Strengthens Alliance with ROK Army's 26th Infantry Division

21 October 2016

From Sgt. Robert Larson

Commanders of the U.S. Army's 2nd Infantry Division ROK/US Combined Division and the Republic of Korea's 26th Mechanized Infantry Division signed memorandum of understanding October 21, 2016 outlining a training model for combined fires training and missions.

Maj. Gen. Ted Martin, 2ID/RUCD commander, and Maj. Gen. Shin In Ho, ROK 26th Mech. Inf. Div. commander, signed the MOU during a meeting at the 2ID headquarters building on Camp Red Cloud, South Korea. The memo outlined the way ahead for combined training and missions conducted by 210th Field Artillery Brigade, 2ID/RUCD and the ROK 76th Infantry Brigade, 26th Mech. Inf. Div.

Martin said he was pleased with the performance of ROK soldiers within the combined division and was looking forward to continuing the arrangement with the ROK 26th Mech. Inf. and the ROK 76th Bde.

"The 76th Brigade stands as a model of what right looks like for combined operations, combined training and partnership," said Martin.

Shin was involved with the initial planning of the RUCD as an execution officer assigned to the Joint Security Area of the Korean Demilitarized Zone. He said that he was proud of how the division had taken shape and it was his honor to visit with Martin and the soldiers of 2ID and sited the common history the two units share.

"I was a privilege and honor visiting the ROK/US Combined Division, which is also our partner unit," said Shin. "My division has been partnered with 2nd Infantry Division since 1982, and over the course of the last 30 years we have continued to partner with them for combined training."

Shin said that he looks forward to continuing the relationship between the two divisions.

"I wish all the best to the ROK/US combined Division and I know we will continue to follow in the example of Col. [Paul] Freeman and how he led his unit to victory at Chipyong-ni."

Freeman was regimental commander in the 2nd Infantry Division during the Korean War and was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions.

The two commanders exchanged gifts and unit coins upon completion of the signing. The meeting concluded with a luncheon and a tour of the 2nd Infantry Division Museum.