Special Forces' winter survival exercise

Published on 2012/01/28 | Source

Troops hurl snow on their bare upper body as part of a winter survival drill. / Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul

By Shim Hyun-chul

Every winter, Special Forces troops undergo an extreme survival exercise on a snowy mountain in PyeongChang, Gangwon Province. The biting-cold temperature is no excuse for soldiers to skip the grueling nine-day annual training that continues until February.

They practice infiltration skills as they wade through thick snow or glide down slopes with a rifle and a 30-kilogram pack. Shirtless soldiers hurl snow at their best chests, break thick ice and submerge themselves in icy water without a moment's hesitation at temperatures below minus 20 degrees Celsius.

Army Chief of Staff Gen. Kim Sang-ki also participated in the exercise, eating MREs (meal, ready to eat) and skiing together with the young soldiers to boost morale.

"Today, I'm here to be one of you, Special Forces soldiers, and to undergo training together", Kim said.