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?
Army
Soldiers
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 6
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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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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)
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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