User:Lahelzz/Akh Unit

Summary
Republic of Korea Special Warfare Unit in UAE (or Akh Unit in UAE) is a detached group to promote military co-operation, training and instructing foreign military overseas. Its motto is "World's best SF warriors, Accomplish mission together!". "Akh" means brother in Arabic.

Its mission is to protect overseas Korean residents in middle east and to cooperate with UAE Armed Forces(UDF) It was deployed in Al-Ain in january, 2011. It consists of Special Warfare teams including airborne team, Counter-Terrorist teams(one from 707th Special Mission Group ), Naval operations teams(from Republic of Korea Navy Special Warfare Flotilla) and support teams.

Background
In May 2010, the UAE Crown Prince, who confirmed the excellence of the ROK Armed Forces through a visit by the ROK Army Special Forces, requested developmental exchange expansion such as overall training support and detailed cooperation plans for the ROK Armed Forces. In August of that year, when Korean minister of National Defense visited the UAE, he was officially requested the dispatch of Korean special forces. Accordingly, the Korean government, through the resolution of the National Assembly on December 8, 2010, at the request of the UAE and in order to promote cooperation and friendship between the two countries, on January 10, 2011, the first military cooperation dispatch unit of the Republic of Korea, aka 'UAE Military Training Cooperation Unit' 'Akh Unit' was created. After the dispatch of the 1st contingent on January 11, 2011, the 20th contingent is currently carrying out its mission.

Joint drills
AKH unit overcomes heat waves and sandstorms, demonstrating its excellent operation capabilities by conducting desert tactical training, high-altitude descent, building/aircraft/ship anti-terrorism operations, maritime/sea infiltration, etc. At the same time, it is contributing greatly to strengthening military cooperation with the UAE. In particular, through training using new environments and equipment, it's achieving great results in promoting the improvement of military's combat capability and expanding the operational radius. The commander of the UAE Armed Forces Special Forces said, “UAE Special Forces are learning a lot from the valor, spirit, and soldier-like appearance of AKH Unit members, and I am very satisfied with the way they focus on training while learning the entire process of special operations and training techniques through joint drills with AKH Unit.”

Operation Dawn of Gulf of Aden
Akh unit was assigned the task of escorting pirate prisoners captured by the 6th contingent of Cheonghae Unit through the ‘Operation Dawning of Gulf of Aden’ just two weeks after its initial deployment in 2011, and carried out various procedures sucessfully such as pirate takeover, air escort, and handover to the domestic coast guard of Republic Of Korea. In particular, the operation was carried out under the full support of the UAE military based on the defense cooperation between Republic of Korea and the UAE which has been accumulated so far.

Civic actions
Akh Unit is showing its excellence and culture of Korea by demonstrating martial arts and Taekwondo. Furthermore, it participates and supports events that represent Korea held in UAE to increase its presense among citizens. Likewise, Akh unit not only pursues military cooperation but also serves as a military diplomat that strengthens diplomatic power and and national status of South Korea.

Desination
Akh means 'brother' in arabic, which signifies brotherhood between UAE and South Korea

Insignia
It consists of the Taegeuk pattern, eagle, parachute, lightning, and great sword on a white background. The white background symbolizes the white-clad people, integrity, and innocence, and the Taegeuk pattern in the center represents the Republic of Korea. The eagle symbolizes invincible special forces and wide-ranging activity, the lightning symbolizes blitzkrieg, infiltration, and psychological warfare, and the great sword symbolizes silent weapons, guerrilla warfare, and the only special warfare unit.

Press

 * 아크부대 10주년
 * 아크부대 파병 11년 발자취
 * 한국-UAE 연합 특수전 훈련

Republic of Korea Armed Forces AKH UNIT description video

'Akh' Unit Introduction movie

Combined training between UAE-Korea


 * UAE 태권도대회서 아크부대 시범
 * “아빠, 잘 다녀오세요”
 * '아버지와 함께 떠납니다'
 * MB 성과 꺼낸 文 “아크부대·바라카 원전, UAE와 굳건한 관계 보여줘”