Air Force counter-terrorism units short on equipment, training: report

By Kim Eun-jung
SEOUL, Sept. 29 (Yonhap) -- Air Force commando squads formed earlier this year to guard against surprise attacks on military air bases are nothing but nominal without proper weapons, equipment and training, a military report showed Thursday.
Personal rifles are the only weapons provided so far for the 10-member anti-terrorism commando units established at 12 military airports in February to beef up defense in case of North Korean attacks, according to an Air Force report submitted for a parliamentary audit.
The squads are supposed to be equipped with sniper rifles, anti-terror gear, bullet-proof jackets, shields and special vehicles, but only K-1 rifles that are given to all soldiers have been provided, said Rep. Kim Hak-song of the Grand National Party.
Though the Air Force says it will provide the special units with such weapons and equipment between 2012-2013, Kim pointed out that the military has not yet made a request to secure the budget needed for the project.
"Air Force should clarify the counter-terrorism unit's role and prepare specific measures in regard to equipment, unit organization and the training system," Kim said in a release.
The squads are also deemed not ready to carry out their assignments as they have not received specialized warfare training in the last eight months, Kim said.
ejkim@yna.co.kr
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