Korean Service Corps

The Korean Service Corps Battalion(KSC), a flagged Battalion commanded by an U.S. Army Lieutenant colonel. The battalion has subordinate 18 organic task companies that are spread across the peninsula from the Panmunjom in the north to Busan in the south.[1]

Korean porters supporting the 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, November 1951.

History

The formation was made necessary by the need to support the American troops during the Korean War. The Eighth Army commander Lt. Gen. Walton H. Walker, faced by a severe shortage of fighting strength along the Busan perimeter, decided to request a backup of the Korean manpower. The manpower was specifically aimed at providing support in the distribution of suppliers. This would relieve the soldiers of such duties and allow them to concentrate on fighting. [2]

When caller made this request the president of Korea by then Syngman Rhee, signed an emergency decree as a response to that request. The order was signed on July 25 1950 and gave explicit directions to the Republic of Korea Army (ROKA) to avail civilians to act as carriers for the Eighth Army. The carriers were required to carry suppliers to the soldiers in the frontline. Initially the created entity was referred to as the Civilian Transportation Corps, before it was renamed to be Korean Service Corps. The formation of the KSC would be a significant aspect in the unique relationship between Korea and the American people, notably the Eighth Army. The KSC was nicknamed by the US soldiers as “A-frame Army”, because of the wooden backpacks they carried. [3]

The KSC has metamorphosed to the KSC Battalion and continues to be part of the US Army and is nowadays commanded by a lieutenant colonel of the US Army. [4]. It has 18 companies, which continue to operate in the Korean peninsula in between Panmunjom and Busan It is the largest battalion in the US Army, with over 2178 soldiers and paramilitary. [5]

This battalion has continued to ensure that it is prepared and ready for war through training events and mandatory Army Warrior Training (AWT) that happens yearly. This allows the battalion to maintain the same readiness exhibited by soldiers. The AWT ensures that the battalion is able to maintain their preparedness and maintain proficiency in aspects such as weapons familiarisation, first aid, and map reading. At the same time maintain their ability to defend themselves from the chemical, biological and nuclear attacks. The battalion, just like during the Korean War, is well aware of the vital role they perform in supporting the war effort more so to the eighth army. Since their support will contribute to the success of the war effort by providing essential and critical needs to the soldiers in the battlefront, they need always to be sure of their preparedness and readiness. Through the conduction of the mobilisation exercises, the battalion continues to gauge that ability and preparation. The battalion continues to test their ability to mobilise and test their preparedness by conducting a full-scale operation at least once every year. [6]

So many mobilisation drills have been done with a recent one being held in the Turner Fitness Center Camp Humphreys on October 17, 2019. The exercise was conducted with the aim of ensuring that the staff of the battalion understands what the operation entails so as to gauge their ability to execute the mission successfully. The drill was attended by the senior leaders in the Korean ministry of defence and the Korean army. It also had senior leaders of the eighth army. [7].

Date	Content
1950.07.26	“Presidential Emergency Decree No. 6” (signed by President Syngman Rhee) - In August, supported each U.S. Army Division (24^th, 25^th Inf Div and,  1^st Cav Div) with an average of 500 Korean laborers for transportation
1951.03.15	The Civilian Transportation Corps (CTC) was created in the Eighth United States Army - At the end of March, CTC was organized into 85 carrier companies, a total of 19,680 men, equipped with A-frames
1951.07.14	CTC was reorganized as the Korean Service Corps (KSC) (directed by LTG James Van Fleet) - The 101^st, 103^rd, and 105^th KSC Divisions were authorized 60,000 personnel
1951.09	The CTC Processing Center (HQs: Daegu) was renamed as the KSC Processing Center - Detachment (Dec 51): Seoul (at Yongsan), Incheon
1952.04.01	The 200^th and 100^th KSC Brigades were newly formed
1952.11	Was authorized 100,000 KSC personnel
1953.07.27	The Korean War Armistice Agreement was signed - KSC Casualties: 2,064 killed, 4,282 wounded, and 2,448 missing in action
1953.10.30	Reduced in size to 45,000 personnel
1955.03.15	Organized the KSC Control Detachment (3 officers and 3 enlisted men) - Placed under the Eighth United States Army G-1
1967.02.23	Agreement Regarding the Status of the Korean Service Corps (signed by the ROK and US Governments on SOFA)
1971.11	Named the KSC Control Detachment as Camp Kim
1994.07.16	The KSC Control Detachment redesignated as the KSC Battalion, a TDA Battalion commanded by a LTC with 13 companies
2013.01.15	The Operational Control was assigned to the Materiel Support Command-Korea (MSC-K) and the 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command (ESC)
2018.05.31	Relocated from Camp Kim, Yongsan to Camp Humphreys - The KSC Battalion HQ and 3 Companies(HHC, 9^th, and 28^th )
2019.06.01	Formed 34^th KSC CO - Support directly the 8A HQ and USFK HQ.
Present	Executes daily mission command of 2,185 mission essential Korean Nationals (KN) in 18 companies augmenting on-Peninsula (on-Pen) US forces with embedded, multi-functional, and sustainment support. On order, KSC BN executes rapid wartime mobilization of 22,932 paramilitary KNs into 187 companies at four mobilization stations ISO on-Pen, Joint, and TPFDD forces during contingency operations

Tasks

The Korean Service Corps shall support the United States Armed Forces by transporting ammunition and supplies, evacuating the sick and wounded, constructing field fortifications, building and maintaining roads, operating supply points and, performing other functions in connection with the mission of the United States Armed Forces. The mobility and flexibility of the Korean Service Corps, which are essential for United States-Republic of Korea mutual defense purposes and required by the nature of KSC missions and operations, will be maintained.

Role and Importance

The primary role of the KSC was to support the Eighth Army in performing supply distribution duties so that the soldiers would concentrate on fighting the opponent. Their duties therefore involved getting these supplies to the soldiers engaging the enemy in the frontlines. They supplied mainly ammunition, food, and fortification materials. The importance of their role is seen in the conditions on which they operated. Faced by harsh weather and unsafe environment due to being exposed to the frontline, their contribution to this war was massive. They served in areas like the Pork Chop Hill, Old Baldy, Carson, Las Vegas, among other locations that experienced intense fights. Their roles, however, also went beyond just delivering supplies to the soldiers. They also took up some duties in the frontline, such as the digging and building of bunkers and the evacuation of fallen soldiers. [8]

The role of the KSC battalion has changed over the years as they now focus on different tasks after the Korean War ended. However, just like it was evident 60 years ago, the KSC has continued to play an essential role in advancing the realisation of various needs in the Korean peninsula. It continues to support the United States Forces Korea (USFK) and Eighth Army.

The KSC battalion is one of the largest battalions in the US Army with over 2,100 soldiers and paramilitary whose main aim is to help in the transportation of the heavy equipment. It is organized in 17 companies stationed in various parts of the Korean peninsula. The battalion continues to undertake the role of transportation and offers other kinds of support.[9] Apart from transporting heavy equipment, they also provide fire support, engage in traffic control, offer water survival training, provide medical evacuations and offer linguistic support to the Eighth Army. The mission for this battalion also includes providing mission command to the HET Company, the 7th KSC Company (HET) which engages in transport mission across the Korean peninsula. This company has made 1651 missions tallying to some 72,460 miles and most of them associated to the risk of moving at night.[10]

The KSC battalion is involved in so many other activities apart from the ones already mentioned. Through the Incheon Reception Centre, it supports the military personnel and their dependents and other members of the defense department. The centre facilitates their reception and onward transportation. The centre also provides linguistic support to every member of the eight army and the USFK. It ensures that the battalion has access to the linguist with proven ability to translate English to Korean and vice versa.[11]

Influence

The influence of KSC can be seen in the formation of the KSC battalion. When the Korean War started, logistics were handled by the soldiers. However, as the fighting continued, there was a need to relive the soldiers of such logistical duties and allow them to concentrate in combat. Years later, after the war ended, the KSC metamorphosed to KSC Battalion a logistical force based on the peninsula and continues to provide logistical support to the soldiers based in that region.[12] The KSC, therefore, had an influence in the design of war effort and expanded the role played by civilians in case war breaks out. This role is a relief to soldiers now as it was during the Korean War, and while it continues to grow and become more sophisticated, the more people realise how important it is. It is critical to making life easy for the soldiers, thereby influencing the way that modern war is organized. [13]

The Korean War was initially considered disorganized, and the creation of the KSC was a big step in improving the efficiency of the ongoing war. Initially, American soldiers were required to carry their supply even though these soldiers were in the battle to help repel the North Korean soldiers who had invaded the South Koreans. Requesting the help of the South Koreans to take up such duties was one way of ensuring that the American soldiers got a reprieve from these exhausting tasks. It therefore contributed to the success of the war effort. [14]

The creation of the KSC was also a significant contribution to the massive number of civilian deaths. The KSC were exposed to the frontline, and as the war waged on, they died in their numbers. There was a lot of reported deaths of its conscripts.[15] The position of the KSC and its massive role in the Korean War can never be overlooked. To cement this role and to appreciate the members of KSC especially those who died during the war, a monument was unveiled in 1985 in Camp Kim. However, the Camp was closed in 2018 and converted into a learning centre. To maintain the legacy of the KSC and to ensure that its role doesn’t disappear into oblivion, another monument was unveiled and dedicated to the fallen KSC members in June 2019. The monuments were as a result of the need to document the importance of the KSC in the Korean history, especially following their role in the Korean War. It was also a reminder of what the battalion stand for, which is sacrifice. The monuments are seen as a reminder to the current members of what their role is and how much the Korean nation and the eighth army appreciates their service and what they do to help advance the war effort. [16]

The KSC battalion has played an essential role in fostering the relationship between the Korean people and the American army. Through the good neighbor program, the battalion has come out to support the host-nation communities. The events organized by the program has received sponsorship from the battalion. The program also has continued to paint the force positively by providing school scholarships, textbooks, food donations, supporting the elderly and any other necessary support. By reaching to these communities, the battalion responds to the need for keeping their relevance in those communities alive, making it easy to get their help in times of need.

Commanders

• Labor Officer, G4, Eighth United States Army (15 July 1951 ~ 14 April 1954)

Rank / Name	Inauguration	Ending
LTC James McCarthy	15 Jul 51	Feb 52
COL Frank Silliman	Feb 52	29 Nov 52
COL James H. Robinson	29 Nov 52	29 Jan 54
COL Elmer L. Lintz	29 Jan 54	14 Apr 54

• The Korean Service Corps Control Detachment (Mar 1955 ~ July 1994)

Rank / Name	Inauguration	Ending
LTC Finson	Mar 55	Dec 55
LTC Cox	Dec 55	1956
LTC John G. Dunroff	1956	1957
LTC Charles A. Custer	1957	1958
LTC Rolland H. Stimson	1958	1959
LTC Earle W. Schroeder	1959	1960
LTC Raymond H. Poore	1960	Oct 60
LTC John L. Tanner	Oct 60	Dec 60
MAJ Chester A. Rogasky	Jan 61	Jan 62
MAJ James H. Kirby	Jan 62	Jun 62
MAJ Bernard U. Poster	Jun 62	Oct 62
MAJ Raymond E. Yong	Oct 62	Oct 63
MAJ John L. Buckley	Oct 63	Oct 64
CPT George R. Kennedy	Oct 64	Apr 65
MAJ Lyle J. Mach	Apr 65	Apr 66
LTC Charles F. Reedy	Apr 66	Apr 67
CPT Walter A. Olszewsky	Apr 67	Jan 68
CPT Jon A. Sampson	Jan 68	Sept 68
CPT George R. Kennedy	Sept 68	Sept 69
MAJ William A. Younis	Sept 69	Oct 70
MAJ John D. Swaim	Oct 70	Sept 71
1LT Thomas H. Shuff & 1LT John M. Freud * Tentative Acting Cdr	Sept 71	Oct 71
MAJ Robert E. Kavanaugh	Oct 71	18 Jul 72
MAJ George O. Stenzel	18 Jul 72	16 Nov 73
MAJ Roger E. Popham	16 Nov 73	9 Dec 74
MAJ Ray L. Sandlin	9 Dec 74	20 Nov 75
MAJ Richard L. Hidalgo	20 Nov 75	18 Sept 80
MAJ Phillip J. Wargo	18 Sept 80	29 Aug 84
CPT Walter W. Wininger	29 Aug 84	Sept 84
MAJ Roger E. Urbaniak	Sept 84	19 Mar 86
MAJ Byron F. Nettrour	19 Mar 86	16 May 89
MAJ Larry J. Hicks	16 May 89	30 Aug 91
MAJ Michael E. Nettrour	30 Aug 91	Jul 92
CPT Samuel Niles	Jul 92	18 Sept 92
MAJ Elmer R. Caves	18 Sept 92	21 Jun 93
MAJ Donald E. Jackson	21 Jun 93	7 Jun 94
MAJ Ray F. Grandin	7 Jun 94	16 Jul 94

• The Korean Service Corps Battalion (16 July 1994 ~ Present)

Rank / Name	Inauguration	Ending
MAJ Jay F. Grandin	16 Jul 94	14 Sept 94
LTC Peter H. Borosky	14 Sept 94	16 Jul 96
LTC Russell L. Prewittcampbell	16 Jul 96	10 Jun 98
LTC Stephen D. Austin	10 Jun 98	7 Jun 00
LTC Mark J. Cain	7 Jun 00	5 Jun 01
LTC Kelly E. Slaven	5 Jun 01	5 Jun 03
LTC Emmett C. Harleston	5 Jun 03	10 Jun 05
LTC Robert J. Paquin	10 Jun 05	28 Jun 07
LTC Douglas M. Fields	28 Jun 07	17 Jun 08
LTC Charles N. Parker	17 Jun 08	6 Jul 11
LTC Robert F. Hynes	6 Jul 11	14 Jun 13
COL Devon D. Nudelman	14 Jun 13	20 Jul 16
LTC Adam L. Lowmaster	20 Jul 16	14 Jun 18
LTC John E. Cooper	14 Jun 18	Present

Conscription and Terms of Service

The KSC battalion ensures that anyone that signs with it has enough skills. They are taken through 40 hours of mandatory Army warrior training (AWT) each year. They have to ensure that they have proficiency in areas such as first aid, weapons familiarisation, map reading, and chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear defense. Each member of the battalion that can end up in a war situation is provided with Army combat uniforms, personal protective equipment, and a full set of organisational clothing and individual equipment. Each KSC is also issued a complete set of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear gear such as M50 protective mask. [17]

References

Notes

1. Lee, Michael J. , The Korean Service Corps Battalion, South Korea, Nov/Dec 2014,46(6), PP.26-28.
2. Haruki, W. The Korean war: An international history. Rowman & Littlefield., 2018.
3. Matray, James I; Kawashima, Fujiya; Kawashima, Fujiya. , Historical dictionary of the Korean war, Vol. 18, 1994, PP.229-231.
4. Kevin Bell. , Korean Service Corps Battalion conducts mobilization ROC drill, 27, SOUTH KOREA,10.17.2019.
5. Cpl. Sung Guk Byun. , The Korean Service Corps Battalion Conducts Mobilization Exercise and Wartime Host Nation Support Exercise, Jan. 17, 2017.
6. Lee, Michael J. , The Korean Service Corps Battalion, South Korea, Nov/Dec 2014,46(6), PP.26-28.
7. Kevin Bell. , Korean Service Corps Battalion conducts mobilization ROC drill, 27, SOUTH KOREA,10.17.2019.
8. "The Korean Service Corps Battalion Conducts Mobilization Exercise and Wartime Host Nation". U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. Retrieved 2020-07-29.
9. "Signing into eresources, The University of Sydney Library". login.ezproxy2.library.usyd.edu.au. Retrieved 2020-07-29.
10. "Signing into eresources, The University of Sydney Library". login.ezproxy2.library.usyd.edu.au. Retrieved 2020-07-29.
11. "The Korean Service Corps Battalion Conducts Mobilization Exercise and Wartime Host Nation". U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. Retrieved 2020-07-29.
12. Cpl. Sung Guk Byun. , The Korean Service Corps Battalion Conducts Mobilization Exercise and Wartime Host Nation Support Exercise, Jan. 17, 2017.
13. Lee, Michael J. , The Korean Service Corps Battalion, South Korea, Nov/Dec 2014,46(6), PP.26-28.
14. Prewittcampbell, Russell L., The Korean Service Corps: Eighth Army's three-dimensional asset, Vol. 31, Iss. 2, (Mar/Apr 1999), PP.34-38.
15. David Jay Bercuson., Blood on the Hills: The Canadian Army in the Korean War, University of Toronto Press Incorporated 1999.
16. MATTHEW KEELER., Korean Service Corps rededicates monument to little known heroes who support troops on peninsula, June 11, 2019.
17. Lee, Michael J. , The Korean Service Corps Battalion, South Korea, Nov/Dec 2014,46(6), PP.26-28.