Seoul: The US Army has conducted its inaugural training session focused on operating effectively in a nuclear environment in South Korea. This initiative, aimed at enhancing operational capabilities, was confirmed by the US Forces Korea (USFK).

According to Qatar News Agency, the two-day course took place at South Korea’s Strategic Command in Seoul from April 15 to 16. It is seen as a strategic move to strengthen the joint deterrence efforts of the allies against North Korea’s nuclear threats. The training was led by the US Army Nuclear and Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Agency (USANCA) and was specifically designed for the South Korean military. It involved 13 participants from South Korea, including six members of the Strategic Command staff.

The USFK emphasized in a release, as reported by Yonhap News Agency, that this Nuclear Weapon Effects Course in Korea underscores the critical role of the Republic of Korea (ROK) forces in advancing the integration of conventional and nuclear capabilities within the ROK-US Alliance. The training content is applicable to alliance tabletop exercises and wargames, which are focused on conventional-nuclear integration and enhancing the strategic understanding of the combined joint force.

Last August, South Korea and the United States concluded their first table-top exercise, “Iron Mace 24,” which concentrated on integrating nuclear and conventional capabilities. This effort is part of ongoing initiatives by both nations to counter the evolving nuclear threats posed by North Korea. During annual bilateral defense talks held in October last year, the allies agreed to include “realistic” scenarios, such as a North Korean nuclear attack, in their future combined military exercises.