United States Forces Korea

The United States Forces Korea (USFK) is a sub-unified command of the United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM), with the mission of deterring aggression and defending the Republic of Korea (ROK). The USFK was established on July 1, 1957, and is headquartered at Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, South Korea. The command is led by the Commander, United States Forces Korea, who also serves as the Commander, Eighth United States Army, and the Commander, Combined Forces Command (CFC).

History of United States Forces Korea

The history of the USFK dates back to the Korean War, when United States forces were deployed to the Korean Peninsula to support the ROK against the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the People’s Republic of China. The USFK played a crucial role in the war, with the Eighth United States Army serving as the primary ground component. After the Armistice Agreement was signed in 1953, the USFK remained in Korea to maintain a stable security environment and to deter aggression from the DPRK.

Organization and Structure

The USFK is organized into several major commands, including the Eighth United States Army, the Seventh Air Force, the Commander Naval Forces Korea, and the Marine Forces Korea. The command also has several supporting units, including the USFK Joint Intelligence Operations Center, the USFK Logistics Command, and the USFK Medical Command. The USFK works closely with the ROK military, with the two countries conducting regular joint exercises and training events to enhance their interoperability and readiness.

The USFK is also responsible for maintaining a robust alliance with the ROK, with the two countries sharing a mutual defense treaty that provides a foundation for their security cooperation. The USFK works closely with the ROK government and military to develop and implement joint strategies and plans, including the Combined Forces Command (CFC) plan, which outlines the military strategy for the defense of the Korean Peninsula.

Operations and Training

The USFK conducts a range of operations and training events to maintain its readiness and to enhance its interoperability with the ROK military. These events include joint exercises, such as the Key Resolve and Ulchi-Freedom Guardian exercises, which are designed to test the military’s ability to respond to a range of scenarios, including a potential attack by the DPRK. The USFK also participates in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, providing support to the ROK government and people in the event of a natural disaster or other crisis.

Cybersecurity and Intelligence

The USFK also places a high priority on cybersecurity and intelligence, recognizing the importance of these capabilities in maintaining a robust defense against potential threats. The command has established a range of initiatives and programs to enhance its cybersecurity posture, including the USFK Cybersecurity Task Force, which is responsible for coordinating the command’s cybersecurity efforts and for providing support to the ROK military.

The USFK also works closely with the ROK government and military to share intelligence and to coordinate their efforts to counter potential threats. This cooperation includes the sharing of signals intelligence and imagery intelligence, as well as the coordination of counterterrorism and countering weapons of mass destruction efforts.