Did a New Zealand Army Platoon Join the UN Command to Train with South Korean and US Troops?
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Synopsis
In a significant move for international defense collaboration, a New Zealand Army platoon has arrived in South Korea to join forces with US and South Korean troops at the UN Command. This deployment emphasizes New Zealand's ongoing commitment to peace and security in the region.
Key Takeaways
- New Zealand's Army platoon arrives in South Korea for training.
- Collaboration with US and South Korean troops emphasizes international commitment.
- Training will take place over the next 90 days.
- Another platoon will arrive next year for additional training.
- This deployment reflects New Zealand's dedication to peace and stability in the region.
Seoul, Aug 1 (NationPress) A platoon from the New Zealand Army has made its way to South Korea this week for deployment at the UN Command (UNC), as officials announced on Friday, marking another significant show of international dedication to preserving peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.
This deployment, involving 35 soldiers, represents the first occasion that New Zealand has dispatched a combat-ready infantry platoon to the headquarters of the US-led multinational force to engage in training exercises alongside both South Korean and US troops, according to the UNC.
The soldiers will integrate into the US 2nd Infantry Division and conduct training at various facilities throughout the Korean Peninsula over the upcoming 90 days, including the South Korean Army's Korea Combat Training Centre, as stated by the UNC.
In addition, another platoon is scheduled to arrive in South Korea next year for collaborative training with the South Korean Marine Corps, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
The UNC has praised this deployment as a testament to New Zealand’s “steadfast” commitment to the UNC and the Korean Peninsula.
“The platoon's presence here underscores New Zealand's unwavering commitment to the UNC and the ongoing peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula. For over seven decades, New Zealand has consistently supported the shared values we defend together,” remarked UNC Deputy Commander Lt. Gen. Derek Macaulay.
Brig. Jason Dyhrberg, Land Component Commander of the New Zealand Defence Force, expressed optimism that this training would enhance troop combat readiness and improve coalition integration.
“This is a valuable opportunity to gain essential experience, collaborate with personnel from the Republic of Korea and the United States, and utilize world-class combat training facilities employed by South Korea's elite,” Dyhrberg stated, referring to South Korea's formal name.
“After three months, our troops will become more acquainted with their counterparts' techniques and tactics, enabling better integration into a coalition warfighting environment,” he explained.
This deployment follows approximately a year after New Zealand's defence and foreign ministers revealed plans to send up to 41 additional personnel to South Korea, raising its contribution to the UNC and its Military Armistice Commission from 12 to 53 personnel.
The officials emphasized that this decision reflects New Zealand's commitment to collective security measures aimed at fostering peace and stability, as well as adherence to the international rules-based system in the Indo-Pacific region and on the Korean Peninsula.
The UNC was established under a UN mandate in 1950 to support South Korea against North Korean aggression during the 1950-53 Korean War, which technically remains unresolved as no peace treaty was signed.
A total of 22 countries, including the United States, Britain, and Australia, contributed troops or medical support to the South during and immediately following the war.
New Zealand sent both naval and ground forces during the three-year conflict, with over 6,000 New Zealanders serving in the Korean War. The country has been contributing to the UNC and its Military Armistice Commission since 1998.
Point of View
The deployment of New Zealand's Army platoon to South Korea signifies a proactive stance towards international security and the reinforcement of alliances in the Indo-Pacific region. By participating in joint training exercises with US and South Korean forces, New Zealand is not only honoring its commitments to the UN Command but also contributing to the broader efforts aimed at ensuring peace and stability in a historically volatile area. This action resonates with New Zealand's values of cooperation and collective security.
NationPress
19/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the New Zealand Army platoon deployment to South Korea?
The deployment aims to train alongside South Korean and US troops at the UN Command, enhancing combat readiness and fostering coalition integration.
How many soldiers are part of the New Zealand Army platoon?
The platoon comprises 35 soldiers.
What facilities will the New Zealand troops train at in South Korea?
The troops will train at various facilities, including the South Korean Army's Korea Combat Training Centre.
When is the next New Zealand platoon expected to arrive in South Korea?
Another platoon is set to arrive in South Korea next year for training with the South Korean Marine Corps.
Since when has New Zealand been contributing to the UN Command?
New Zealand has been contributing to the UN Command and its Military Armistice Commission since 1998.
