Jonathan Smyrl - Army Strong Stories

ROK ROTC Training

Jonathan Smyrl — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 19:23:00 GMT

By: Jonathan Smyrl
While in Korea earlier this month, I got the chance to participate in some summer-time training provided courtesy of the Korean gov't.? It was a very interesting experience.? It amazes me how similar yet completely different our programs can be.? Their training is significantly more intensive in terms of summer training.? The Korean ROTC students have 4 weeks of training that includes everything from battle tactics to PT multiple times a day.? As their guests, we were given the...read more

Militaristic South Korea

Jonathan Smyrl — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 22:46:00 GMT

By: Jonathan Smyrl
I recently arrived in Korea on a Cultural Immersion Deployment. I have been experiencing Korean life and military training. One thing that has had a major impact on my concept of Korea is how militaristic the country has become due to the Korean war and an ever so threatening invasion force of communist North Korea. Everywhere one looks there are defensive measures to prevent the country from being overrun. Standing less than 30 miles from...read more

ROK ROTC Homestay

Jonathan Smyrl — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 22:43:00 GMT

By: Jonathan Smyrl
Earlier this week we were introduced to aproximately 20 graduating cadets. We started off with a bowling and lunch appointment. We instantly connected and made conversation of school and military experiences. While bowling, our bond strengthened and set a positive foundation for the rest of our intereaction. It was interesting to see another side of an ROTC experience. Although there are similarities in training and standards, there were many differences that...read more