South Korean Marines Ordered to Halt Rifle Training at Yeonpyeong and Baeknyeong Islands

2020-6-18, Dong-A Ilbo [TRANSLATION]

ROK Marines patrol on Yeonpyeong Island, 2020-6-17

Controversy has arisen over the decision to halt the individual weapons proficiency training in the military units on the northwest islands in close proximity to North Korea, while North Korea officially abolished the September 19, 2018 inter-Korean military agreement.

It is unprecedented to stop rifle marksmanship proficiency training. [The small arms training] is interpreted as being able to give North Korea an excuse to conduct military provocations, but there is criticism that it is an undue measure, especially since North Korea can conduct provocations any time.

According to military sources on June 17, 2020, the Republic of Korea (ROK) Marine Corps Headquarters late last week ordered the units in the islands in the West Sea, including Yeonpyeong-do and Baeknyeong-do, to stop rifle marksmanship proficiency training.  It was during the time of North Korea’s continued slander against South Korea and before North Korea exploded the inter-Korea liaison office.  Units such as Yeonpyeong Unit and 6th Marine Brigade (Baeknyeongdo) were said to have conducted individual weapons firing training until the order was issued.

In accordance with the September 19, 2018 military agreement, the northwest island units have not conducted artillery fire training.  Because of this, these units trained by taking K-9 self-propelled artillery onto the mainland, shooting, and then bringing it back. Instead, training has been conducted in the northwestern islands involving  K-1 and K-2 individual weapons, K-6 heavy weapons, and small caliber 20 mm Vulcan guns.

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Source:  https://www.donga.com/news/article/all/20200618/101561415/1