U.S. and South Korean troops conducting an offensive operation together during a small-unit training exercise by the U.S. NTC coalition &#40;Provided by the Korean Army&#41; 2026.3.17 / News1

The Army announced on Tuesday that it conducted joint small unit training at the National Training Center (NTC) in California's Mojave Desert from March 4 to 15.

This annual U.S.-Republic of Korea (ROK) combined exercise, now in its 10th iteration since 2014, is a cornerstone of bilateral military cooperation. The NTC, covering an area of about 2,400 square kilometers (about 25.8 billion square feet) - four times the size of Seoul - is renowned for its harsh desert environment, including blistering heat and arid conditions.

For this exercise, the Army deployed a company-level task force (TF) of over 120 soldiers, primarily from the 5th Armored Brigade. Following two months of pre-deployment training in South Korea, the troops arrived in the U.S. on February 19. This marks the fourth time a mechanized infantry unit at the company level has participated.

Upon arrival at the NTC, the South Korean contingent was welcomed by the U.S. 3rd Cavalry Regiment Combat Team. They immediately began refining the training plan, conducting terrain reconnaissance, war gaming, and combined arms rehearsals. The troops then progressed to live-fire exercises and day-night tactical drills against specialized U.S. opposition forces.

An Army spokesperson described the challenging conditions: The soldiers maneuvered through scorching heat and sandstorms during daytime operations, while continuing missions at night despite limited visibility and plummeting temperatures. The spokesperson added that throughout the exercise, the troops honed their combat skills with support from U.S. mortar teams, air defense units, and fire support elements.

The training emphasized mastering command and control procedures for surveillance, decision-making, and strike operations, with a focus on enhancing real-time battlefield awareness and rapid response capabilities. Given recent developments in modern warfare, the exercise incorporated anti-drone tactics and technologies. Command posts practiced survivability techniques, including dispersed placement, concealment, and frequent relocation.

Brig. Gen. Brandon Anderson, commander of the NTC, praised the ROK soldiers: The Korean troops demonstrated remarkable adaptability and teamwork in this unfamiliar terrain. This exercise has further strengthened the already robust ROK-U.S. alliance, deepening tactical understanding and interoperability between the forces.

Col. Jeong Young-min, who oversaw the ROK contingent at the NTC, reflected on the training's impact: This intense environment, with its unprecedented battlefield friction and psychological pressures, significantly enhanced the troops' marksmanship and tactical maneuver capabilities. Training alongside U.S. forces reinforced the critical importance of combined operations and the strength of the alliance.

Soldiers participating in the U.S. NTC joint small-unit training pose for a commemorative photo &#40;Provided by the Korean Army&#41; 2026.3.17 / News1

The Army announced on Tuesday that it conducted joint small unit training at the National …

How the U.S.-Korea Joint Training at NTC Enhances Combat Readiness: Key Takeaways