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Ulchi Freedom Shield

Ulchi Freedom Shield – a combined, joint, all-domain, and interagency operating environment. This annual exercise aims to build understanding between Combined Forces Command, United States Forces Korea, the United Nations Command, and ROK Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), ensuring their ability to fortify the combined defense posture and enhance Alliance response capabilities against a spectrum of security threats. It will feature live, virtual, constructive and field-based training, engaging personnel from the various military services.

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Video by Sgt. Jerod Hathaway, Capt. Cortland Henderson, Spc. Dean Johnson, Sgt. Robert Swyers
Rising Thunder 2021 | Two Nations, One Team
2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division
Dec. 1, 2021 | 6:38
Members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (陸上自衛隊) trained alongside US Army Soldiers at Yakima Training Center, Wash. during a two week exercise called Operation Rising Thunder Dec. 2021.

Soldiers from both nations participated in one of the most complex tasks that can be done in the military; a Combined Arms Live Fire Exercise or "CALFEX." It is a complete integration of all of the different tools and capabilities the Army has to offer. Together infantry, mortars, helicopters, snipers, combat engineers, and unmanned aircraft systems must all work together to achieve a common goal – defeating the enemy.

2021 is a historic year for Rising Thunder. This is the first time that the JGSDF were able to fire Hellfire missiles at YTC.

This year, representing the US Army were Soldiers from Joint Base Lewis McChord including the 1-17 Infantry Battalion from Lancer Brigade, as well as Apaches from the 16th Combat Aviation Brigade, combat engineers from 555th Engineer Brigade, and advisors from the 5th Security Forces Assistance Brigade. The JGSDF consisted of Soldiers from the 32rd Infantry Regiment out of Camp Ōmiya in Saitama and the 1st Battle Helicopter Unit from Camp Metabaru in Saga.

Part of Pacific Pathways, Operation Rising Thunder is a strategic exercise that provides trained and ready units who are able to integrate and operate across multiple domains as a coalition.
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Rising Thunder 2021 | Two Nations, One Team
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U.S. Marines with 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marines, forward deployed with 4th Marine Regiment, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program, demonstrate how to clear a stairway during military operations in urban terrain training during the Korean Marine Exchange Program 25.2 in Pocheon, South Korea, July 22, 2025. KMEP is conducted regularly between the ROK and U.S. Marine Corps to increase their combined capabilities through realistic training geared towards deterring threats and maintaining peace in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Van Hoang)

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