A KATUSA, who has just finished his military service, flies through the air during a customary KATUSA send-off at Camp Red Cloud’s Village Green June 16, 2014. – U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Noh Ha-kyung
CAMP RED CLOUD – For South Korean Soldiers assigned to the U.S. Army, known as KATUSAs, the last day of their 21 months of military service is marked with an ETS ceremony.
For those stationed in Warrior Country ETS ceremonies are held inside the post theater on Camp Red Cloud in Uijeongbu.
The KATUSAs file in, take seats, hear formal remarks from several speakers, and are given certificates recognizing their military service. Toward the end of the cermony they extend a farewell handshake to various senior NCOS and other leaders, as well as any KATUSA parents who may have attended the ceremony.
Then, they make their way outdoors to the nearby Village Green parade field where they pose for photos and say their last goodbyes. A customary KATUSA final gesture of sendoff: the remaining KATUSA's toss those departing in the air.
