Posted on Dec 3, 2013

How valuable are KATUSA soldiers in the South Korean Theatre?

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Lately, I have been finding that KATUSA(Korean Augmentation To the United States Army) soldiers may be more of a headache than they are worth. I understand the importance of training alongside our foreign allied forces to build and keep good relations. But I am beginning to think that doing this on a daily basis makes it harder to complete even the most miniscule of tasks. I constantly have to repeat an order to them. I then must explain in very indepth detail how to accomplish the task. Then, remind them repeatedly to get it done. By the time all of this is over, I could have just done the job myself(which is what ends up happening most of the time) and then that leaves them to sit at thier desk nodding off. The only thing I find them most useful for is translating. So, is it really in the best interest of the U. S. Army to have these soldiers?

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Posted 12 y ago

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Responses: 6

1SG (Join to see)

Posted 12 y ago

I have 6 katusa soldiers yhat work directly for me with no issue. What I notice about what you are saying is the new katusas coming in seem uninterested in learning and working with you. Sounds to me just like most brand new joes straight out ait. Give them some time, work with them, and utilize that senior katusa. They are just like a soldier new to korea. Mad that they have to learn new customs and way of line. It is shell shock. The katusas are the smartest of the Korean youth. The poor villagers become ROK smart powerful ones become katusas to learn to deal with westerners for when they become businessman. Like the MSG said it is all about being an nco and training.

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SFC (Join to see)

Posted 12 y ago

I was in KOREA in 2006 (and am heading back there currently) and my KATUSAs were smart, resourceful and helpful.  What I did realize is that the American Soldiers were very impatient with them, always wanted them to speak faster or just "know" everything faster.  I remember myself as a SPC, that I didn't know everything and the one thing I disliked was someone not "teaching me/training me" properly but wanting me to "handle" everything.  From that I have learned to remind myself, whenever I'm working with anyone that "I was once new to-to something" and to take just a minute more and be patient (if possible).  

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SGT (Join to see)

12 y

When I first arrived to Korea, the KATUSAs I worked with were outstanding. I learned alot from them and they learned alot form me. We had a great working relationship and friendship outside the work place. When their replacements came though, the attitude that they brought with them was total disinterest. I try my best to converse with them but I always get the feeling they don't want to listen.

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SPC (Join to see)

Posted 12 y ago

That does sound like a plan that both KATUSA and joes can utilize.

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SPC (Join to see)

Posted 12 y ago

Sounds like the way that my unit works as well. Granted that I am one of the people being told what to do. If I need to delegate some tasks to others, like you said by the time I get done asking and telling what needs to be done I could have just done it all myself (which is what ends up happening most of the time). Sometimes I think the Army has the mentality of a big babysitting job not a functional organization. I guess you will have that anywhere you go. So to answer your question I would say that no we do not need them or half of the soldiers that we have in right now. I would hope that the "draw-down" will hopefully get rid of the right soldiers and keep in the ones that actually do what they are supposed to do and you do not have to tell them 4-5 times what to do and how to do it.

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SGT (Join to see)

12 y

There is a difference in KATUSA soldiers and your everyday U. S. Soldier. A KATUSA soldier is a Korean civilian who is mandated by the Korean goverment to serve a minimum of 2yrs. on active duty in the Army. They have to take an English proficiency test as part of the application to serve as a KATUSA. Almost all of them apply for this program and are then selected to serve alongside the U. S. Army instead of the ROKA(Republic Of Korea Army). So in this case, the draw down doesn't effect them. They receive no individual training in specific job areas until they arrive to the unit, where they get OJT(on the job training) on the MOS that has been chosen for them. They come to the unit having no idea how to do their job. So for the first 3-6 months they spend learning as they go what they are supposed to do. It wastes time and tends to make things difficult during the transition. Even after that time period they care little about performing well because they know that after their service they will leave and go back to college. I believe that instead of having KATUSA soldiers coming in and out, it would be alot wiser to keep U. S. Soldiers in these positions. That way the time that is put in to train them to be good at what they do isn't lost after only 2yrs. They will be able to carry what they learn with them to their next duty station. None of the sister services have this program and they appear, in my eyes, to perform and be more proficient in their duties.

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SGT (Join to see)

12 y

MSG Cunningham,

While you may be correct that some KATUSA soldiers receive training, I have asked and been told by the ones I work with that they didn't. The only training they get is OJT from their predecessor. I realize that soldiers that come to Korea straight from AIT know usually just the basics of their job and require this as well. I always try to help them the best I can. But because their job isn't the same as mine, this can be difficult. It's not that I don't have the willingness to train them. I know that I can contact the ROKA SGM to file complaints against them, but in the past was unable to do that because I was their peer, not their supervisor. I'm newly promoted and have just assumed responsibility over them. So before that type of thing was left for our senior NCO and Senior KATUSA. Our unit is extremely small and very busy which makes it hard to have functions together. I personally have invited them to do things with myslef or family, but as I'm sure you know they always wish to just go home to family and friends as often as possible. As a unit we try to ensure we make them understand that they are an important part of team. It's their lack of interest making the effort fall short.

I appreciate your feedback and with it try to take in consideration implementing some of those ideas.

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CSM Charles Hayden Passed 7/29/2025

Posted 7 y ago

Sxxt son! KATUSAs were much worse in 1955.

The Korean Army was worse than impossible to communicate w/ on an FTX. Zero English or motivation. No Sergeant was available to kick their asses!

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SPC (Join to see)

Posted 12 y ago

I agree.

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How valuable are KATUSA soldiers in the South Korean Theatre?

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