UFG ‘10 Ends With New Insight
1st Lt. Lucas Burke
okinawa marine staff

CAMP COURTNEY — Elements of the III Marine Expeditionary Force wrapped-up Exercise Ulchi Freedom Guardian 2010 throughout Okinawa and the Republic of Korea, yesterday. UFG 2010, like all other Combined Forces Command exercises, is designed to improve the ability of the ROK and U.S. Alliance to defend the ROK.

The CFC combines both U.S. Forces Korea and ROK forces as well as other components and commands from throughout the region.

III MEF in particular provides an integral component to the CFC and enhances the Alliance’s ability to support the ROK-U.S. Mutual Defense Treaty.

“The Alliance absolutely needs to be able to utilize the capabilities of III MEF. This exercise is a great way to show the other components what a MEF can bring to the fight,” said Lt. Col. John A. Ostrowski, assistant chief of staff, G-3, III MEF.

The integration of ROK Marines into the III MEF staff helped to create the Combined Marine Component Command, and helped foster mutual knowledge of the roles and capabilities of each country’s respective Marine Corps.

“Having the ROK Marines share their knowledge and experience contributed greatly to the success of this exercise,” Ostrowski said.

Not all Marines present were organic III MEF assets. Marine reservists and Army personnel also augmented the CMCC staff, and having service members from outside III MEF was crucial for overcoming challenges in the scenario.

Information operations Marines from the Marine Corps Information Operations Center in Quantico, Va. flew into Okinawa to provide support to the III MEF commander and staff with new ideas and capabilities that are currently shaping the battle in Afghanistan. They provided valuable insight into IO operations on the tactical level.

“Synchronization while planning was difficult between III MEF and our higher command, but as the exercise progressed and personnel became familiar with their counterparts, communication with them became easier,” said SSgt. Juan A. Gavilanes, psychological operations chief, MCIOC.

Working through challenges was just one part of the exercise, which was designed to evaluate, train and improve the combined coordination necessary for the conduct of contingency operations by the ROK and U.S. forces.

“I would say this was a very successful evolution. Honing our ability to integrate USMC forces into a combined, joint environment allows us to not only better prepare for the defense of the ROK, but also maintain security and stability throughout the Asia-Pacific region,” Ostrowski added.