U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Stephen Lanza, center right, is briefed by his staff during a combined arms rehearsal meeting for Ulchi Freedom Guardian at Camp Yongin, South Korea, on Aug. 21, 2014. (Sgt. Daniel Schroeder/U.S. Army)
Defense News: South Korea could soon take control of its own wartime operations from the US
SEOUL — South Korea may soon take over the primary leadership role from the U.S. for wartime operations on the peninsula, following 65 years of American control.
During the 50th U.S.-Republic of Korea Security Consultative Meeting at the Pentagon on Oct. 31, U.S. and South Korean defense chiefs agreed on a set of measures to transform their military alliance. The agreement is meant to hand over more responsibility to the South for its national defense.
Currently, the U.S. four-star general of the ROK-U.S. Combined Forces Command, or CFC, has the authority over the maneuvers of both U.S. and South Korean troops during wartime. South Korea retrieved its peacetime OPCON in 1994. The talks of OPCON transfer began a decade ago, but the transition effort has been hampered in the face of North Korea’s increasing military threats, including nuclear capabilities.
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WNU Editor: It is their country. In the end they will have to be responsible for their own security.
