Ground Operations Command Conducts S. Korea-US Combined Counter-Fire Exercise, Testing Operations Under All-Out War Scenario

The Army's Ground Operations Command announced today (October 23) that it conducted the "Combined Ground Component Command Counter-Fire Field Training Exercise (FTX)" from October 19 to 23 in conjunction with the 2026 Hoguk exercise.

The Ground Operations Command concurrently serves as the Combined Ground Component Command (CGCC), a South Korea-U.S. combined unit that commands and controls joint operations of South Korean and U.S. Forces Korea ground troops. More than 4,100 South Korean and U.S. service members assigned to the CGCC participated in this exercise.

The CGCC task force, composed of intelligence and fire support units from both the South Korean and U.S. militaries, practiced occupying positions and executing procedures for each phase of operations based on an all-out war scenario on the Korean Peninsula.

It also verified the operational execution system of acquiring, detecting, and striking targets by linking task force assets.

Combined surveillance and detection assets deployed included South Korean and U.S. unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), counter-battery radars, and deep reconnaissance teams. Combined joint strike assets mobilized included the Korean Tactical Surface-to-Surface Missile (KTSSM), K9 self-propelled howitzers, the Chunmoo multiple launch rocket system, and the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS).

In addition, the task force practiced response procedures for contingencies such as enemy attacks and communications network disruptions. It also conducted drills on position fortification, ammunition resupply, and gun barrel and engine replacement to sustain the task force's operational capabilities.

Meanwhile, the Ground Operations Command stated that it also conducted an "Air Defense Guided Weapon Live-Fire" drill from October 19 to this day at a training range in Boryeong, South Chungcheong Province, in connection with the Hoguk exercise.

The drill was conducted by detecting simulated enemy drones in real time via the military's local air defense radar and having units fire surface-to-air guided weapons, such as the Hybrid Biho and Shingung, to strike the targets.

The Ground Operations Command and CGCC plan to discuss areas for improvement and further development through an after-action review late this month, applying the results to operational plans and future training programs to enhance combined and joint combat capabilities.

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.