U.S. 2nd Infantry Division to Transform into a Next-Generation Unit This Summer

Stars and Stripes, a U.S. military journal, reported yesterday that the Military Transformation of United States Forces Korea (USFK), which includes transforming the currently deployed U.S. 2nd Infantry Division into a new class of unit, UEx (Unit of Employment X), is being promoted two years ahead of its original plan.

According to the journal, U.S. 2nd Infantry Division Commander (major general) George Higgins said in a recent interview, “The task of transforming the 2nd Infantry Division into a UEx unit, integrating the functions of a division and a corps, will be finished this summer. It has not yet been decided whether to call it the 2nd Infantry Division as we do now after the process.”

He stated, “Although the USFK’s military transformation, including the 2nd Infantry Division’s transformation into a UEx division, was scheduled for 2007, U.S. 8th Corps Commander Charles Campbell moved the timetable up for the 2nd Infantry Division and U.S. 8th Corps’ transformation plans.”

Regarding the detailed plans for the 2nd Infantry Division’s transformation into a UEx unit, he explained, “The existing division command will reorganize into one central command, two tactical commands, and a battalion-size special unit in the following months. The UEx-transformed 2nd Infantry Division will be assigned and lead five BCTs (Brigade Combat Teams) in various forms depending on the characteristics of its mission. In a military drill scheduled in June, the first test for the plan will be made.”

The journal conveyed that in addition, he stated that the 1st Brigade of the UEx-transformed 2nd Infantry Division’s ability to conduct reconnaissance will be greatly increased by new M1 Abrams tanks equipped with state-of-the-art fire control systems, the newest M270A1 MLRS artillery system, and various unmanned aerial vehicles.

Last October, the USFK announced an all-out unit reorganization plan with the gist of transforming the U.S. 2nd Infantry Division into a UEx as part of augmenting the forces to complement force reduction, but it did not open to the public the specific promotion schedules.

Sang-Ho Yun ysh1005@donga.com