USFK commander calls for more frequent combined drills with S. Korea throughout year

The senior U.S. military representative in South Korea has advocated for more frequent joint training exercises between the two nations throughout the year, instead of the current biannual format. General Xavier Brunson, commanding U.S. Forces Korea (USFK), made this proposal during a discussion in Seoul, outlining his concerns about the need to adapt to an ever-changing security landscape.

Earlier this week, Brunson met with South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) Chairman, General Jin Yong-sung, to explore potential changes to their training schedule.

During a gathering organized by the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AMCHAM), Brunson emphasized that relying on just two exercises annually is insufficient to maintain readiness. He argued that continuous training throughout the entire year is necessary to ensure that their capabilities align with the objectives set forth by their national command authorities. Brunson stressed the importance of understanding that the evolving security environment requires a more flexible approach to military cooperation.