The US Army conducted underground tactical training in South Korea during the 11-day Warrior Shield situational exercise.
The drills were led by the 8th Army’s 2nd Infantry Division. Practices centered on operating through tunnels beneath cities to avoid sensors and monitoring surface activity.
“When you look at the ability to move underground, in some ways the tunnels are completely unseen by other sensors,” Commander Lt. Gen. Bill Burleson stated.
“We’ve got to be able to do that and fight in terrain. And in cities, some of that involves tactics and techniques. There’s a leader development aspect to that. There’s a [communications] aspect to that.”
Underground Training
The training was carried out in four underground tunnels spanning a 150-mile (241-kilometer) demilitarized zone between North and South Korea.
Along the zone, the infantry division worked with Korean soldiers to establish subterranean training facilities in preparation for future conflicts.
Lessons involved simulated entrance breaching of underground buildings.
“They have actually acquired some material solutions to operate underground better without constraints,” Burleson said. “That will allow them to operate in underground facilities … and we know there’s facilities under North Korea that we’ve got to be prepared for should conflict come.”
Urban Warfare Preparation
Burleson said that soldiers must be proficient in applying precision capabilities in tight spaces while considering the dangers of utilizing weapons within the perimeter of a civilian population.
“Increased urbanization is unavoidable,” Burleson explained. “Conflict in urban areas is unavoidable. Although warfare has evolved, we’ve just got to accept the fact that there’s more to be done if we want to be prepared.”
US National Guard Former Commander Laura Yeager added, “You might have to use fires but you’re going to want to understand what those weapons’ systems’ effects are on the urban environment. They may not have the effect that you expect.”
The 8th Army’s Camp Humphreys headquarters is located 40 miles (64 kilometers) outside of Seoul. Around 10 million people live in the city, most relying on the subway system.
