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Editor’s Note: The UN Command/Republic of Korea-U.S. Combined Forces Command (UNC/CFC) does not come under the Command of the Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Command (USCINCPAC). However, the Commander of U.S. Forces, Korea, a sub-unified commander under USCINCPAC, is “dual hatted” as the Commander in Chief of UNC/CFC. Also, U.S. Forces, Korea is closely integrated into the support structure for UNC/CFC, the primary warfighting command in Korea. For this reason, this sub-unified commander’s article is unusual in that it describes a primarily binational military relationship that is unique, except in NATO, and difficult to separate the purely USCINCPAC command, U.S. Forces, Korea, from the binational command.
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The daily reality of U.S. Forces, Korea is the DMZ which divides the Republic of Korea (ROK) from hostilities that can begin at any time from North Korea.
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U.S. Army M2/A2 Bradley Fighting Vehicles and an Engineer M113 of the 7th Cavalry Regiment proceed to the Korea Training Center live gunnery training range to maintain combat skills.
Photo by TSgt. James Mossman, USAF |
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A U.S. Air Force F-16 based at Kunsan Air Base taxis for takeoff in a FOAL EAGLE defense exercise.
Photo by SSgt. Steve Faulisi, USAF |
The U.S. alliance with the Republic of Korea (ROK) stands as a model relationship among democratic nations. It is a powerful alliance that is fully inter-operable in all aspects of joint and combined warfighting. Through our incredible power and might, we enforce the Armistice while supporting peace and regional security.
For the past 50 years, this alliance has stood the test of time proudly defending the Republic of Korea along “Freedom’s Frontier.” The alliance grows stronger everyday through a valued friendship and shared sacrifices. As we move forward together, this alliance is prepared to keep the peace for another 50 years and beyond! Our powerful alliance is built on the values of trust, mutual respect, and transparency. We have not forgotten, nor will we ever forget, the sacrifices of those who went before us. To understand the present, we must reflect upon our glorious past.
This alliance was born in blood, in the crucible of combat at the onset of the Korean War. We will never forget that 37,000 Americans and over 240,000 South Koreans died in combat so that the Republic of Korea could remain free. Likewise, we have not forgotten the tremendous contribution of UN forces. During the Korean War, 21nations joined under the UN banner – 16 provided combat forces. The remaining five provided much needed medical support. Sacrifices were equally made by all participating nations.
Today, 14 nations continue to provide liaison support to the command. Clearly, the UN Command remains a viable deterrent to aggression. More importantly, the international community favorably recognizes our UN team and encourages economic investment and growth in Korea and throughout Northeast Asia. Again, it is strength through friendship!
Needless to say, the Combined Forces Command (CFC) team shares the mutual responsibilities for planning, coordinating and executing our operational plans and exercises. The CFC is an awesome team of active and reserve forces embodying a powerful and pervasive winning spirit. It is a team that maintains the Armistice through steadfast vigilance and unmistakable deterrence. A team fully prepared to execute force build-up operations and skilled in applying joint and combined combat power to conduct decisive combat operations to achieve total victory. Simply put: Our CFC mission is to plan and exercise the defense of the ROK to deter war. Should deterrence fail, CFC directs combat forces to fight tonight and win!
For over 50 years, our service members have proudly stood shoulder to shoulder with their Korean counterparts. Let me just say this: The Republic of Korea armed forces are awesome! They are among the best warriors in the world! Their pride, discipline, tenacity, and commitment set the standard for all to emulate. Most notably, their ability to train and fight in some of the most challenging terrain and weather in the world is without peer. We are so proud of them!
In addition, their leaders are among the most professional officers in the free world. From the prestigious Korea Military Academy to their well-organized Reserve Officer Training Corps programs, the Korean armed forces officer possesses incredible skill, vision, and ability. Absolutely second to none!
Together, the power and might of this alliance deters war and keeps the peace. A snap shot of this power and might includes the ability to:
• Mobilize over 4.5 million troops
• Deploy over 250 combat ships and over four aircraft carrier battle groups
• Deploy over 1,000 helicopters
• Deploy over 1,500 strike aircraft
• Mobilize over 3,000 tanks
• Mobilize over 6,000 artillery pieces
• And mobilize over 5,000 other tracked vehicles.
Simply put: that’s power and might for any potential foe to reckon with.
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