POHANG, Republic of Korea -- Republic of Korea and U.S. Marines enhanced mobility capabilities by constructing a medium girder bridge April 25 during Korean Marine Exchange Program 14-6 in Pohang, Republic of Korea.
U.S. Marines are bilaterally training alongside ROK Marines in mobility and counter-mobility capabilities to enhance interoperability, river crossing proficiency, and develop an understanding of each other’s engineering capabilities, facilities, and programs.
“Our main mission right now is to work with the ROK Marines and teach them how to use our MGB,” said U.S. Marine Cpl. Adam R. Lambert, a combat engineer with 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force. “We’ve constructed a two-bay, double-story bridge and now we’re constructing an 11-bay, double-story bridge over an 89-foot gap. We’re getting them familiarized with our bridging assets, while at the same time building a stronger relationship through communication.”
This interoperability training with the ROK Marines demonstrated some of their mobility techniques using the MGB, according to U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Derek R. Smith, a combat engineer with the battalion.
“The MGB allows us to cross any kind of gap such as rivers, streams or ravines,” said Smith, a White Oak, Texas, native. “They are fairly simple to put together and can be used over an extended period of time, so long as the proper maintenance procedures are followed. It’s a temporary solution to allow mobility across a natural obstacle.”
KMEP is a series of exercises conducted regularly between the ROK and U.S. Marines to increase the forces’ interoperability and combined capability.
“Bridging exercises are especially important in the ROK because of all the different natural obstacles,” said U.S. Marine 2nd Lt. Kimberly E. White, a platoon commander with the battalion. “It is important that they learn how the pieces fit together, what works and what does not, and how to measure a gap to figure out how long the bridge needs to be. An MGB can be used to cross a gap of approximately 150 meters across. It is very important that they learn how to build these bridges so that they have more gap-crossing capabilities.”
The main thing Marines should take away from this exercise is to be able to adapt to any situation, whether in combat or partnering with an allied nation, according to Lambert, a Spokane, Wash., native.
“This is my first time training with ROK Marines,” said Lambert. “I have learned quite a few things from them as well. They are very disciplined and eager to train. The overall experience has been phenomenal.”