How valuable are KATUSA soldiers in the South Korean Theatre?

2013-12-03T20:58:06-05:00

Lately, I have been finding that KATUSA(Korean Augmentation To the United States Army) soldiers may be more of a headache than they are worth. I understand the importance of training alongside our foreign allied forces to build and keep good relations. But I am beginning to think that doing this on a daily basis makes it harder to complete even the most miniscule of tasks. I constantly have to repeat an order to them. I then must explain in very indepth detail how to accomplish the task. Then, remind them repeatedly to get it done. By the time all of this is over, I could have just done the job myself(which is what ends up happening most of the time) and then that leaves them to sit at thier desk nodding off. The only thing I find them most useful for is translating. So, is it really in the best interest of the U. S. Army to have these soldiers?

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 4 at 2013 6:17 PM

2013-12-04T18:17:30-05:00

Sounds like the way that my unit works as well. Granted that I am one of the people being told what to do. If I need to delegate some tasks to others, like you said by the time I get done asking and telling what needs to be done I could have just done it all myself (which is what ends up happening most of the time). Sometimes I think the Army has the mentality of a big babysitting job not a functional organization. I guess you will have that anywhere you go. So to answer your question I would say that no we do not need them or half of the soldiers that we have in right now. I would hope that the "draw-down" will hopefully get rid of the right soldiers and keep in the ones that actually do what they are supposed to do and you do not have to tell them 4-5 times what to do and how to do it.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 4 at 2013 10:17 PM

2013-12-04T22:17:41-05:00

I agree.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 4 at 2013 10:52 PM

2013-12-04T22:52:18-05:00

I was in KOREA in 2006 (and am heading back there currently) and my KATUSAs were smart, resourceful and helpful.  What I did realize is that the American Soldiers were very impatient with them, always wanted them to speak faster or just "know" everything faster.  I remember myself as a SPC, that I didn't know everything and the one thing I disliked was someone not "teaching me/training me" properly but wanting me to "handle" everything.  From that I have learned to remind myself, whenever I'm working with anyone that "I was once new to-to something" and to take just a minute more and be patient (if possible).  

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 4 at 2013 11:17 PM

2013-12-04T23:17:53-05:00

That does sound like a plan that both KATUSA and joes can utilize.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2013 3:05 AM

2013-12-05T03:05:45-05:00

I have 6 katusa soldiers yhat work directly for me with no issue. What I notice about what you are saying is the new katusas coming in seem uninterested in learning and working with you. Sounds to me just like most brand new joes straight out ait. Give them some time, work with them, and utilize that senior katusa. They are just like a soldier new to korea. Mad that they have to learn new customs and way of line. It is shell shock. The katusas are the smartest of the Korean youth. The poor villagers become ROK smart powerful ones become katusas to learn to deal with westerners for when they become businessman. Like the MSG said it is all about being an nco and training.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Feb 1 at 2019 12:50 AM

2019-02-01T00:50:57-05:00

Sxxt son! KATUSAs were much worse in 1955.

The Korean Army was worse than impossible to communicate w/ on an FTX. Zero English or motivation. No Sergeant was available to kick their asses!