As Republic of Korea (ROK) Soldiers enter the Korean Augmentation to the United States Army (KATUSA) Soldier program, one of their first steps is receiving U.S. Army uniforms and essential gear, marking the beginning of their integration into a combined-forces environment.
This mission is supported by the USAG Humphreys Exchange’s Military Clothing store, the only location in Korea that supports KATUSA troops in this manner.
KATUSAs are a special part of the Korean Army who serve with U.S. Forces Korea, wearing the same uniforms as their U.S counterparts. Their name tapes distinguish them as KATUSAs.
At Humphreys, each KATUSA is outfitted with an initial clothing issue, including winter and summer uniforms, undergarments, fleece caps, gloves, a duffel bag and other essentials. The Military Clothing team receives outfits groups of KATUSAs once per month with an average of 150 troops per group.
“Using Military Clothing … helps streamline in-processing and gives candidates immediate access to uniforms without delaying training,” said Master Sgt. Servando Koschny, chief of the KATUSA Training Academy (KTA). “The uniform issue process may seem routine, but it plays an important role in integration. From the first day at KTA, candidates are introduced to U.S. Army standards and begin training in the same uniform they will wear when they report to their units.”
KATUSA Soldiers attend the 8th Army Wightman NCO Academy for three weeks for Warrior Task Training, an Army fitness test, English language training, U.S. Army customs and courtesies and combined-force development before being assigned to a U.S. Army unit.
“For many candidates, receiving their uniform on Day 0 is one of the first moments the KATUSA assignment feels real,” Koschny said. “The most common reactions I see are pride in earning the assignment, excitement for the training ahead and a sense of belonging in the formation.”
Stephen Shaw, Exchange Korea region vice president, said that it’s an honor to supply the uniforms. “It reinforces the relationship between our two countries to rely on and support each other,” Shaw said. “This is one more way that reflects the great relationship that’s been developed over the years.”
The KATUSA program started under Gen. Douglas McArthur and ROK President Syng-Man Rhee in July 1950 during the Korean War to fill critical shortages.
Today 3,444 KATUSA Soldiers work with the 8th U.S. Army in 18-month assignments, enabling the cooperation and commitment between the ROK and the U.S. forces.
Military service is compulsory for men in Korea, and KATUSA is one of the branches they can apply to serve in.
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