The US Army has conducted its first “nuclear weapon effects” training in South Korea, aimed at strengthening its ability to operate effectively in a nuclear-contaminated environment.
The two-day drill took place at South Korea’s Strategic Command in Seoul, with participation from the army’s dedicated nuclear and weapons of mass destruction (WMD) response unit, along with 13 South Korean representatives.
Led by instructors from the US Army Nuclear and Countering WMD Agency (USANCA), the exercise included sessions on nuclear deterrence and Seoul’s role in combined nuclear and conventional operations.
While full details of the training were not disclosed, US Forces Korea (USFK) emphasized that the drill focused on building operational knowledge and skills necessary for operating in nuclear-threat environments.
“The training content is directly applicable to the alliance’s tabletop exercises and wargames focused on conventional-nuclear integration, and enhancing the combined joint force’s strategic understanding,” USFK stated.
Evolving Nuclear Threats
The unprecedented training comes amid escalating concerns over North Korea’s advancing nuclear weapons program.
Despite renewed diplomatic overtures from US President Donald Trump, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has vowed to continue developing nuclear capabilities.
He even warned that his forces would use nuclear weapons “without hesitation” if the country were attacked by the South and its allies.
Just last month, Kim inspected a nuclear-powered submarine project designed to “radically” boost the country’s naval deterrence.
In response, the US, South Korea, and Japan recently reaffirmed their commitment to the “complete denuclearization” of the Korean Peninsula, warning that they “will not tolerate any provocations or threats” to regional security.
“This provision of Nuclear Weapon Effects Course – Korea highlights the vital role ROK forces play in advancing conventional-nuclear integration within the ROK-US Alliance,” USFK noted, using the acronym of South Korea’s formal name.
