Korean Augmentation to the United States Army facts for kids
The Korean Augmentation to the United States Army (often called KATUSA) is a special military program in South Korea. Under this program, South Korean soldiers serve alongside the U.S. Army on their bases in South Korea. These KATUSA soldiers follow orders from both the South Korean and U.S. military departments. The main goal of the KATUSA program has changed over time, depending on what was happening in Korea's history.
Contents
The Story of KATUSA
How KATUSA Began
The KATUSA program started in July 1950, right when the Korean War began. It was an agreement between South Korean President Syngman Rhee and U.S. General Douglas MacArthur. The U.S. Army needed help understanding Korea's geography. They also needed soldiers who could tell friendly troops from enemy troops. Good communication between U.S. and Korean soldiers was also very important.
Because of these needs, some Koreans were asked to join KATUSA. Others chose to join on their own. After their initial training, these soldiers joined different U.S. military groups. These included the 2nd, 7th, 24th, and 25th divisions. During the Korean War, about 43,660 KATUSA soldiers fought with U.S. forces. Sadly, 11,365 of these soldiers were either missing or killed in action.
Why KATUSA Continued
After the United States and North Korea agreed to a ceasefire, the U.S. government decided to keep the KATUSA system. This was done to help fill the gap when some U.S. forces left Korea. KATUSA soldiers also helped American soldiers who stayed in Korea. They worked to keep a good relationship with the Korean military. Because of this, the KATUSA system still operates in Korea today. It has changed a bit over the years, but its purpose remains important.
Becoming a KATUSA Soldier
Who Can Apply?
In South Korea, every male aged 18 to 28 must complete at least 18 months of military service. People who want to serve in the KATUSA program apply for it in September each year. This is for military service that will start the following year.
Applicants must show they are good at English. They need a valid score from tests like TOEIC, TEPS, or TOEFL. The Department of Defense sets the minimum scores needed for each test. These scores can change over time. After all applications are in, the department randomly picks the KATUSA soldiers. They announce the names of those accepted in November of the same year.
The Training Journey
When it is time to join the military, accepted applicants go to a Republic of Korea Army (ROKA) training camp. This camp is in Nonsan-si, Chungcheongnam-do. Like all ROKA soldiers, KATUSA trainees must complete five weeks of basic training.
After basic training, these new soldiers, who are usually Privates, go to the KATUSA Training Academy (KTA). The KTA is located in Uijeongbu. Here, they get special training for three weeks. This training helps them get used to life in the U.S. Army. It also teaches them to be "ambassadors" for cooperation between South Korea and the United States. After this training, soldiers are assigned to U.S. Army bases in South Korea. Their placement depends on scores they earned during their training.
