Former USFK commanders raise concerns over command structure after OPCON transfer
WASHINGTON — Two former U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) commanders on Tuesday raised concerns that Korea's envisioned wartime operational control (OPCON) transfer could weaken the bilateral alliance and undermine military effectiveness if Seoul and Washington fail to preserve a robust combined command structure. In an online symposium hosted by the Institute for Corean-American Studies, retired Gen.…
Two former U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) commanders have expressed worries that the envisioned transfer of operational control (OPCON) to South Korea could weaken the alliance between the two nations and diminish military effectiveness. In an online symposium organized by the Institute for Corean-American Studies, retired Gen. Walter Sharp cautioned that changes to the Combined Forces Command (CFC) following the OPCON transfer could have significant implications for the alliance.
He stated that the combined nature of the CFC would be eliminated, and this could lead to a substantial reduction in collaboration between the U.S. and South Korea. Sharp also questioned whether the future CFC would remain a truly bilateral arrangement, particularly concerning the roles of the Military Committee Meeting and Security Consultative Meeting, as well as the approval process for wartime operational plans.
Retired Gen. Paul LaCamera, another former USFK commander, echoed similar concerns about the future command structure.
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