[USMCRET6391]

By Lance Cpl. Travis V. Easter, MCB Camp Butler


NAVAL AIR STATION, POHANG, South Korea (Aug. 25, 2006) -- United States and Republic of Korea Marines worked together throughout most of August during the combined, joint training exercise Ulchi Focus Lens 2006.

For many U.S. Marines with III Marine Expeditionary Force, the exercise marked the first time they worked with Marines from another country.

Around 300 U.S. Marines arrived at Camp Mujuk July 29 to set up camp for the exercise. During that time, U.S. Marines learned a great deal about their ROK counterparts.

"The discipline they have is off the chart," said Lance Cpl. Ashley Ramos, a supply administrative and operations clerk with Marine Wing Headquarters Support 1. "Their attention to detail is what stood out to me."

Part of that attention to detail ties into customs and courtesies. ROK Marines, for example, salute all officers and staff non-commissioned officers. Also, if ROK Marines of a lower rank are in a vehicle with an officer or staff NCO, and the vehicle is saluted, they are required to respond with a salute as well.

While in Korea, U.S. Marines are required to extend these same courtesies.

"Our junior Marines are not used to being saluted," said Lt. Col. Stephen Wilson, UFL site commander and the operations officer for Marine Wing Support Group 17. "When the ROK Marines render us a salute, it is a sign of respect ... We want our Marines to respond with that same respect to help promote healthy relationships."

Many U.S. Marines were surprised by the fact that every male in Korea is required to serve two years in the military.

ROK Marine Cpl. Gun Ho Doo said when it comes to the pride of being a Marine, he doesn't think U.S. and ROK Marines are that different. He noted that though Korean males are required to serve two years in the military, they still must volunteer to be Marines.

"Even though we are from different countries, we are still brothers," Doo said. "In the past, we've fought together, and we're still fighting together today. In my eyes we're all the same."

ROK Marines take great pride in serving their country, said ROK Marine Pvt. Kim Hyunsu.

"The pride we have in serving our country is no different than (that of) U.S. Marines," Doo said. "I think every Marine whether U.S. or ROK feels the same way."