An annual joint military drill between South Korea and the United States, aimed at strengthening their interoperability, will take place next month, South Korea-U.S. Combined Forces Command (CFC) said on July 18.
In its official statement, CFC said that the annual joint exercise Ulchi Freedom Guardian (UFG) will last for 11 days beginning on Aug. 16.
“UFG is a defense-oriented, routine exercise designed to improve the South Korea-U.S. alliance’s capability to defend South Korea,” CFC said. “The exercise will be conducting by operating computer simulation and commanding post.”
CFC said that the joint drill will be focused on enhancing troops’ comprehensive combat capabilities and commanding officers’ decision-making process.
“During this year’s UFG, we are planning to apply some of upper command structure revised plan included in a defense reform within the bounds of the rule,” said a defense official.
“UFC is designed to enhance the interoperability of the Republic of Korea and the United States military forces while enhancing the combat readiness of the alliance,” Gen. James D. Thurman, commander of CFC and the United States Forces Korea, was quoted as saying.
“This year’s UFG will present the alliance with tough and realistic training events focused on preparing, preventing and prevailing against the full range of current and future threats to the Republic of Korea and the region,” Gen. Thurman said.
CFC said the United Nations Command has informed the North Korean Army, through their mission in the truce village of Panmunjom, of the exercise dates and the “non-provocative nature” of the exercise.