MISSION: WELCOME JR KIM

AFTER-ACTION ANALYSIS

Dates: March 20 - 22, 2026

Area of Operations: Gaithersburg, MD; Front Royal, VA – Shenandoah National Park

Participants: SS Lee, SCT Jang, JR Jang, JR Kim

Mission Objective:

A three-day onboarding and training operation focused on integrating JR Kim into the Flock while delivering foundational lessons in discipline, mechanics, and real-world awareness.

Execution:

PHASE I - ARRIVAL

 JR Kim arrived on Base at 1600 on March 20, 2026 and was processed by SCT Jang. After introductions to JR Jang, the Flock transitioned quickly into an exercise activity (basketball).

SCT Jang then led the Flock to the local Safeway to purchase ingredients for dinner, as well as breakfast tomorrow.

SCT Jang prepared a vegetable and fruit smoothie for dessert. It was JR Kim's first time trying "green juice." 

PHASE II - OPERATION MECHANICS EDUCATION (cont'd)

The Flock rose at 0630 and began preparing breakfast as well as to leave Base. The Flock departed for Gaithersburg at 0800 and met up with SS Yang at 0930.

While waiting for SS Yang's arrival, SS Lee reviewed with the Flock the material that was covered by SS Yang the prior week (engine oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and power steering checks; under-the-hood component identification; tire tread inspection). An unsatisfactory series of responses resulted in push-ups.

In today's session, SS Yang covered brake pad fundamentals and how to check a tire's air pressure.

1 (From left to right) JR Jang, Jr Kim, and SCT Jang watch SS Yang (far right) explaining brake pad fundamentals

2 (From left to right) JR Jang, JR Kim, SCT Jang, and SS Yang identifying car components

3 Manjyu observing the garage

After returning to Base, SCT Jang prepared ramen for the Flock. It was JR Kim's first time trying ramen.

PHASE III - OPERATION ROSE RIVER HIKE

After a relatively relaxed morning doing chores to ensure the Base was in order, the Flock departed for Shenandoah National Park at 1200 on March 22, 2026 to complete the Rose River Loop Trail. The Flock arrived at the trailhead at approximately 1430 and reached the Rose River Falls at approximately 1630. The Flock completed the hike back to the trailhead at 1800 and returned to Base at 2015.

1  JR Jang (left), SCT Jang (center), JR Kim (right), and Manjyu (front)

2 JR Jang (left), SCT Jang (center), and JR Kim (right) at the start of the hike

3  (From left to right) SCT Jang, JR Kim, JR Jang, and Manjyu with the sign marking the start of the trail

4 JR Jang (front) and SCT Jang (back) resting by the Rose River

5 Manjyu (front) and JR Kim (back) having some rest by the water

Results:

Education Time (OPERATION MECHANICS EDUCATION): ~ 3 hours

Total Distance (OPERATION ROSE RIVER HIKE): ~ 2 miles

Total Elevation (OPERATION ROSE RIVER HIKE): ~ 910 feet (for the whole trail; unclear what we covered)

Total Time (OPERATION ROSE RIVER HIKE): ~ 3.5 hours

Mission concluded at 2030 on March 22, 2026, with the discharge of JR Kim from the Base.

Lessons Learned: 

1. Foundational car maintenance skills.
2. Do not be afraid of trying new things (including foods).
3. How to prepare for and carry water on long hiking expeditions.
4. Explanation of how sunblock works (including the need to reapply regularly) and how it prevents skin cancer.
5. How to move through unfamiliar territory in a group without stable communications (radio).