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Hwaseong, South Korea — U.S. and South Korean Marines will launch the Korean Marine Exchange Program 26.2 on July 28, a bilateral training series running through Aug. 8 at sites across South Korea to sharpen combined readiness and alliance integration.
The event is the second installment of this year’s program, an annual field exercise that pairs III Marine Expeditionary Force with the Republic of Korea Marine Corps in realistic scenarios to enhance the capabilities of the joint ROK-U.S. force.
“The historic bond between the U.S. and ROK Marine Corps is the foundation of our combined readiness,” said Lt. Gen. Benjamin Watson, Commanding General of III MEF. “KMEP furthers that bond by providing essential training for our Marines to refine our combined capabilities, strengthen our alliance, and enhance our ability to operate effectively together as one team.”
This iteration will emphasize combined, multi-domain operations aimed at improving integration and responsiveness to evolving threats. Participating units plan to conduct combined live-fire events, close air support, amphibious operations, and logistics maneuvers alongside ROK Marines.
“Training side-by-side allows US and ROK Marines to build the mutual trust and tactical proficiency required of our alliance,” said Lt. Gen. Ju Il-seok, commandant of the Republic of Korea Marine Corps. “We remain dedicated to advancing our combined capabilities through realistic, challenging scenarios.”
“Every year, KMEP plays a critical role in advancing the alliance on the Korean Peninsula. Not only does it provide opportunities for interoperability between our two Marine Corps, but it also gives Marines from both nations the invaluable relationship-building that comes from sharing everything from a fighting position to a meal in the field,” said Maj. Gen. Valerie Jackson, Commander of Marine Forces Korea. “It is critical for Marines to come here, build that relationship with one of our oldest allies, and train on hallowed ground that so many Marines before them have trained.”
The exercise is designed to strengthen integration between the forces and maintain the high level of readiness needed to deter aggression and support a stable, secure Indo-Pacific.
