Pyeongtaek: The commander of the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) has expressed concerns over taking "shortcuts" during the transition of wartime operational control (OPCON) from Washington to Seoul, warning that such actions could compromise readiness on the Korean Peninsula.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Gen. Xavier Brunson emphasized the importance of adhering to bilaterally agreed-upon conditions for the OPCON transfer. This issue is expected to become a key topic related to "alliance modernization" during the upcoming summit between South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and U.S. President Donald Trump later this month. Brunson, speaking to reporters at Camp Humphreys, south of Seoul, cautioned that rushing the process could jeopardize the readiness of forces in the region.
Brunson highlighted that conditions for the transfer were established for specific reasons, and any changes to the plan should ensure military peace on the peninsula. The OPCON transfer, originally scheduled for 2015, was delayed due to Pyongyang's advancing nuclear and missile threats, leading to a shift from a timeline-based to a conditions-based handover.
The USFK commander underscored the need for changes to reflect the altered security landscape in Northeast Asia, emphasizing the presence of a nuclear-armed adversary and increasing involvement from Russia and China. Brunson called for alliance modernization to maintain readiness and relevance in facing evolving security challenges.
A Pentagon official also noted ongoing efforts to modernize the alliance, focusing on credible deterrence on the Korean Peninsula and beyond, particularly against North Korean threats. Brunson mentioned the necessity for changes within the 28,500-strong USFK force but refrained from discussing potential reductions, emphasizing capabilities over numbers.
The commander cited the temporary relocation of Patriot batteries to the Middle East for strategic flexibility as an example, indicating such capabilities would return to Korea for the latest upgrades. He also stressed the importance of South Korea enhancing its capabilities to address North Korean threats, allowing flexibility in alliance modernization.
Despite the challenges, Brunson expressed confidence in the 75-year alliance, calling it the "envy of the world," capable of countering threats from DPRK, China, and Russia. He highlighted the alliance as an asymmetric advantage that ensures collective security against external threats.