The U.S. Forces commander in South Korea said combat power is more important than the number of troops, possibly hinting at a possible adjustment in deployment.

Han Media: U.S. Forces Korea Commander Brennen said "The important thing is combat power, not the number," implying the reduction of U.S. forces in South Korea

Commander of U.S. Forces Korea, Xavier Brunson, stated, "The important thing for U.S. forces in South Korea is not the number, but the combat capability such as deployed forces." This statement did not rule out the possibility of reducing U.S. forces in South Korea, and instead, it very much aligned with the U.S. desire to reduce the conventional military presence on the Korean Peninsula and adjust the U.S. forces in South Korea to be more suitable for containing China, which is part of the "alliance modernization" requirements. He also mentioned that related topics would be discussed during the upcoming South Korea-U.S. summit meeting scheduled for the 25th of this month, and he hinted that there might be some high-level information regarding the expansion of the role of U.S. forces in South Korea at that time.

On the 8th, Commander Brunson held his first domestic media forum at the Humphreys Base, the U.S. Forces Korea base in Pyeongtaek City, Gyeonggi Province. At the forum, he stated, "As a commander, I believe that U.S. forces in South Korea need to change." He gave an example, saying that plans to enhance the combat power of U.S. forces in South Korea include deploying fifth-generation fighter jets (F-35). This means that even if the current 28,500 troops are reduced, the impact can be offset by deploying advanced equipment. However, the U.S. Forces Korea emphasized, "He did not mention any reduction."

When asked whether the South Korea-U.S. summit meeting would involve the adjustment of U.S. forces in South Korea, he said, "I don't know what will be discussed, but I think there will be relevant decisions." He added, "I think the discussion will not only focus on the number, but rather on the forces that can be mobilized when carrying out missions."

In May this year, Commander Brunson had also said that "everything is up for discussion" regarding the re-deployment of U.S. forces overseas, including those in South Korea.

On that day, he referred to the relocation of three Patriot missile batteries and their personnel from the U.S. Forces Korea in April to the Middle East as an example of applying strategic flexibility to global U.S. forces.

He explained, "The ability to deploy forces according to time, place, and needs is strategic flexibility. Having forces fixed in one place is militarily impractical. If we can perform other tasks besides a specific mission, then it's fine."

However, Commander Brunson stated, "You don't have to assume that there is a requirement that 'if the United States supports Taiwan, South Korea must also participate together.' Our requirements for South Korea are that they play a greater role in dealing with North Korea, and while being able to take on other tasks, demonstrate flexibility through alliance modernization." This statement aligns with the requirements of the U.S. Department of Defense, which calls for South Korea to contribute to the U.S. strategy of containing China, while ensuring its own independent capability to defend against North Korea.

When asked if the transfer of wartime operational command authority would accelerate under the Lee Jae-myung government, Commander Brunson said, "There is a plan between South Korea and the U.S. to transfer wartime operational command authority based on conditions. If you take shortcuts, it may endanger the readiness of forces on the Korean Peninsula." He took a negative stance towards the "cutting through the chaos" approach. Some outside voices believe that the adjustment of the size and role of U.S. forces in South Korea may speed up the transfer of wartime operational command authority, but he clearly stated that this is a completely different matter.

Regarding the adjustment of part of the field training exercises (FTX) in the original August "Ulchi Freedom Shield" (UFS) joint exercises to September, he explained that the South Korean side requested the time adjustment due to the need to deploy forces for flood control. He emphasized, "Although some of the exercises were adjusted, all necessary training to maintain the readiness will be carried out."

Sources: JoongAng Ilbo

Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1840121880124618/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.