# Defense Logistics Agency supports Ulchi Freedom Guardian 2015

/ Published Sept. 14, 2015
CAMP CARROLL, Korea, 
Led by Defense Logistics Agency Pacific Korea, DLA Distribution and other DLA organizations in the pacific theater provided simulated sustainment and logistics services to United States and Republic of Korea forces within the Korean Theater of Operations in support of Ulchi Freedom Guardian from Aug. 17 to 29, 2015. UFG is a computer-based command post exercise that triggers ROK-US Forces to respond to destabilizing events and work through challenges in mission command in defense of the ROK.     

In accordance with the operations plan, DLA Pacific formed an Initial Response Team, which analyzed the mission and determined capability requirements for a DLA Support Team.  Working with the DLA Pacific Logistics Operations Center in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and the DLA Joint Logistics Operations Center at DLA Headquarters in Fort Belvoir, Va., they received augmentation from DLA Distribution as well as other Primary-Level Field Activities, including DLA Pacific, DLA Energy, DLA Troop Support, DLA Information Operations, Joint Contingency Acquisition Support Office, DLA Disposition Services, DLA HQ Joint Logistics Operations Center and liaison officers from the Service components in Korea.  

The DST provided 24/7 logistics support to their customers in the critical areas of distribution, subsistence, fuel, personal protective equipment, repair parts and barrier materials.  

According to DLA Distribution Korea commander Army Lt. Col. Mark Wolf, the biggest improvement from previous exercises was that all PLFA commanders in Korea worked out of Camp Henry. He says the leadership focus not only contributed to a robust DST, but also more closely replicated what would happen in a contingency, during which time DLA Pacific has the authority to take operational control of all PLFAs in Korea.  

“The DST also benefited extensively from having strategic planner Maj. Rachael Ramos from DLA PACOM with us, primarily due to her ability to synchronize contingency plans with the respective PLFAs and supported units,” said Wolf. 

“Participating in UFG 15 enabled me to better understand the battlespace and the unique challenges in Korea.  History has proven that planning, specifically strategic planning, is the bedrock to tactical success,” explained Ramos. “I am proud to be part of the DLA Distribution family and a joint planner. I may not be putting bombs on target or leading tactical maneuvers, but without all the planning of my team and fellow service planners, none of it would be possible.”   

Simulations replicated challenging scenarios with varying levels of realism and success.  Additionally, recent real world tensions between South and North Korea added a sense of urgency.  

“Land mine explosions in the demilitarized zone, loud speaker psychological operations, and exchanges of artillery fire almost derailed the exercise completely.  Tensions peaked at the end of the first week, which spurred the DST to redirect attention to real world logistics planning and coordination,” said Wolf. “Tensions receded during the second week when the two Koreas reached an agreement to de-escalate military actions.  Add in bouts of severe weather, and it is safe to say that all members of the DST had an eventful two weeks in Korea, the ‘Land of the Morning Calm.’”