Special forces drill for strengthening bilateral alliance . SEPTEMBER 07, 2012 05:55. . Special forces of Korea and the U.S. board a helicopter Thursday to conduct a joint airborne exercise in Gwangju. The drill was intended to commemorate the completion of Ulchi Freedom Guardian, a joint military exercise, and strengthen ties between the militaries of the two allies. Participating in the event were about 130 troops, including the commanders of the airborne commands of the Korean military and the U.S. Forces Korea.