707 Special Mission Unit to Conduct High-Altitude Jump in the US Mainland Next Month [Yang Nak-gyu's Defence Club]

The Republic of Korea Army's 707th Special Mission Battalion (Special Mission Unit) will conduct High Altitude Low Opening (HALO) jumps on the U.S. mainland next month. The Special Mission Unit performs missions by infiltrating enemy rear areas in times of emergency, jumping from altitudes above 2,500 feet (approximately 760 meters).

Regardless of the background of its establishment, the 707 Special Mission Unit is recognized as the Republic of Korea Army's top counterterrorism unit. The military has various special forces units.

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According to the military on the 21st, from April 21 to May 10, more than 20 personnel, including 16 members of the 707th Special Mission Battalion's High Altitude Special Reconnaissance Team, will conduct high-altitude parachute training at the High Altitude Center in Florida, USA. The Florida High Altitude Center is known to be suitable for various parachute training exercises. This training is a solo exercise by the Republic of Korea Armed Forces and also aims to prepare for this year's International Military Sports Council (CISM) High Altitude Parachuting Competition. Therefore, U.S. military aircraft will not be used. Instead, local civilian aircraft will be leased. During the high-altitude jumps, parachuting from 17,000 feet is also planned.

In the second half of the year, joint high-altitude parachute training with the U.S. Army 1st Special Forces Group is also under discussion. The U.S. Army 1st Special Forces Group is known by the nickname "Green Berets." It is one of the seven Special Forces Groups that make up the U.S. Army Special Forces. Some troops are rotationally deployed to Korea under the name 39th Detachment and conduct joint unconventional warfare (UW) training with the Republic of Korea Armed Forces through high-altitude parachuting. Subsequently, South Korea and the U.S. plan to conduct joint jungle training at Schofield Barracks in Honolulu, Hawaii. Last year was the first time the Republic of Korea Armed Forces participated in this training.

A military official stated, "We are in discussions with the U.S. side to expand joint and solo training of ROK-U.S. special operations forces conducted on the U.S. mainland."

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