403rd AFSB and KAAY forge future ROK officers together

CAMP HENRY, South Korea - The 403rd Army Field Support Brigade and the Korea Army Academy at Yeongcheon successfully concluded series of engagements here, Oct. 7.

The program brought together KAAY cadets and 403rd AFSB Soldiers and Department of the Army civilians for professional mentorship, English-language practice and cultural exchange. The engagements were designed to build the cadets' confidence in communicating in English and help prepare them for their future responsibilities as Republic of Korea Army officers.

Nine mentors from the 403rd AFSB visited KAAY on Sept. 22 and 28. During the visits, each mentor was paired with a group of English major cadets. The cadets guided the mentors through academy facilities and queried them about their military careers, training experiences and the skills required to accomplish their missions.

"Cadets from the academy's English department partnered with leaders from the 403rd AFSB to exchange cultural perspectives and leadership lessons. These future ROK Army leaders had the opportunity to engage with and seek advice from experienced U.S. Army leaders," said Lt. Col. Curtis A. Gibbs, executive officer, 403rd AFSB. "The mentorship relationships established through these engagements will continue to benefit the ROK-U.S. Alliance for years to come."

The mentors also provided feedback on the cadets' use of English and shared their professional and personal experiences. Drawing on their extensive experience with the Army, the U.S. mentors shared the values, leadership lessons and practical knowledge essential for junior officers. These discussions not only allowed the cadets to practice English in a real-world setting but also provided a strong foundation for their development into capable and effective Army officers.

As part of the reciprocal engagement, KAAY cadets and faculty members visited Camp Henry. The visit started with a briefing on Contested Logistics presented by Col. Jason P. Book, commander, 403rd AFSB. The event also included lunch with mentors at the Sustainer Grill Warrior Restaurant, and tours of Camp Henry facilities and the brigade headquarters. The visit gave the cadets an opportunity to observe a U.S. Army installation, learn about the U.S. forces' role on the Korean Peninsula and reconnect with the mentors they had met at KAAY.

"The engagement with the Korea Army Academy at Yeongcheon cadets marked another important step in strengthening the alliance between the Republic of Korea Army and the U.S. Army," said Staff Sgt. Courtney B. Roberts, S3 maintenance noncommissioned officer, 403rd AFSB.

"These future leaders were highly inquisitive, professional and are well prepared to meet the challenges they will face as ROK Army officers," Roberts said. "Their questions and perspectives demonstrated a strong commitment to learning, teamwork and leading Soldiers. Based on my experience with them, I believe these cadets represent some of the Republic of Korea's brightest young leaders and have tremendous potential to serve with distinction. Opportunities like this allow us to learn from one another and reinforce the enduring strength of our alliance."

The engagements provided the cadets with valuable academic, military and cultural experiences while giving 403rd AFSB personnel an opportunity to contribute directly to the development of future ROK Army officers. The program also enhanced the U.S. participants' understanding of their role in South Korea and reinforced the importance of person-to-person relationships in maintaining the ROK-U.S. Alliance.

"I am a U.S. Army officer, and these cadets will soon become Republic of Korea Army officers. Together, we will be brothers and sisters in arms, standing shoulder to shoulder to strengthen the ironclad alliance between the United States and the Republic of Korea." said Lt. Col. Jung Y. Schorr, commander, Army Field Support Battalion-Northeast Asia. "I was once a brand-new second lieutenant, and I still remember what one of my company commanders told me, 'Your time as a lieutenant is the closest you will ever be to your Soldiers. It is the time to master the fundamentals of the Army and truly learn how to train and lead Soldiers.'"

"Spending these two days with the cadets at the Korea Army Academy at Yeongcheon reminded me exactly why I serve," Schorr said. "Sharing my experiences and hearing about the officers they aspire to become was deeply inspiring. Being an officer begins with being a good Soldier, but it also means leading these outstanding young men and women as they carry forward our proud Army traditions and values. Together, we are building a better, safer world where our children can grow up believing they can 'Be All They Can Be.'"

The 403rd AFSB and KAAY plan to continue engagements as a recurring program. The brigade has also been invited to participate in the KAAY Cadet Festival in November, and mentors may have an opportunity to attend the cadets' commissioning ceremony in February 2027.

Through continued mentorship and professional exchange, the two organizations seek to strengthen their partnership, support the development of future Army leaders and further reinforce the enduring ROK-U.S. Alliance.