South Koreans Set to Join Airmen in Protecting Bagram

South Korean special forces soldiers will begin standing watch on Sunday at various security towers at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, joining airmen of the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing in protecting the installation. “This is the first time the Korean soldiers have actually secured a base in Afghanistan with the Americans,” said Maj. Chul Woo, the South Korean security force company commander. Thirty South Koreans have been training with security forces airmen in preparation for their integration into the base’s defense plan. Another 20 are expected to arrive at Bagram this summer. “They are helping augment our force,” said Capt. Timothy Slater, 455th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron Bravo Sector commander. The South Korean security forces will stay until 2012. Their presence will help free up some USAF personnel to secure additional sectors. (Bagram report by MSgt. Michael Voss)