The Official USFK Homepage. The United States Forces Korea (USFK) web site contains information for inbound newcomer or TDY personnel, deployment info, USFK Command information, information on US Army, US Air Force (AirForce), US Navy, US Marines, Special Operations Forces in Korea, and other information pertaining to the United Nations Command - Korea (UNC-K), Republic of Korea-United States (ROK-US) Alliance, Combined Forces Command (CFC) and United States Forces in Korea (USFK). Major USFK Elements include the Eighth US Army (EUSA, 8USA, US Army in Korea, US Army Korea), US Air Forces Korea (Seventh Air Force, 7AF, US Air Force Korea, US Air Force in Korea, US AirForce Korea, US AirForce in Korea), US Naval Forces Korea (US Navy in Korea, US Navy Korea), US Marine Forces Korea (MARFOR-K, US Marines in Korea, US Marines Korea), and Special Operations Command Korea (SOCKOR)
Information provided on this site includes information on: USFK, Republic of Korea, United States Forces Korea, Military, U.S. Military, U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Air Force, Army, Navy, Air Force Marine Corps, Combined Forces Command, CFC, United Nations Command, UNC, Eighth United States Army, EUSA, General Burwell B. Bell, US Army, US Navy, US Marine Corps, US Air Force, US AirForce, US Army Korea, US Navy Korea, US Marine Corps Korea, US Air Force Korea, US AirForce Korea, US Army in Korea, US Navy in Korea, US Marine Corps in Korea, US Air Force in Korea, US AirForce in Korea, US Marine Forces Korea, US Marines in Korea, Information for inbound, newcomer or TDY personnel, deployment info, and command information. The USFK Homepage contains information and links on US Air Force in Korea (7th Air Force, Osan AB, Kunsan AB), US Navy in Korea (CNFK, Combined Naval Forces Korea), US Army in Korea (Eighth United States Army, GCC), US Marines in Korea (MARFOR-K).
HTML Site Map: This sitemap contains the key portions of our site.
More than 46 years of fragile peace have marked the history of "post-war" Korea, where the longest armistice ever remains tenuously in force. For most of these years,the directing headquarters was the United Nations Command (UNC), which had also directed combat operations in the 1950-53 war. The defense structure in Korea was eventually overtaken by the professional growth and development of the Republic of Korea’s (ROK) armed forces. As early as 1965 it was recognized that what worked in the war could be significantly improved by increasing ROK participation in the planning structure. A combined operational planning staff, developed in 1968 as an adjunct to United Nations Command/United States Forces Korea/ Eighth United States Army Headquarters and the U.S.-led ‘I?Corps (Group), evolved in 1971 as an integrated field army headquarters. However, it was not until 1978, as a bilateral agreement related to the planned U.S. ground combat force withdrawal of that time (subsequently canceled in 1981), that the senior headquarters in Korea was organized, as a combined staff. Hostilities today are deterred by this binational defense team that evolved from the multi-national UNC. Established on November 7, 1978, the ROK/U.S. Combined Forces Command (CFC) is the warfighting headquarters. Its role is to deter, or defeat if necessary, outside aggression against the ROK. To accomplish that mission, the CFC has operational control over more than 600,000 active-duty military personnel of all services, of both countries. In wartime, augmentation could include some 3.5 million ROK reservists as well as additional U.S. forces deployed from outside the ROK. If North Korea attacked, the CFC would provide a coordinated defense through its Air, Ground, Naval and Combined Marine Forces Component Commands and the Combined Unconventional Warfare Task Force. In-country and augmentation U.S. forces would be provided to the CFC for employment by the respective combat component. The CFC is commanded by a four-star U.S. general, with a four-star ROK Army general as deputy commander. Throughout the command structure, binational manning is readily apparent: if the chief of a staff section is Korean, the deputy is American and vice versa. This integrated structure exists within the component commands as well as the headquarters. All CFC components are tactically integrated through continuous combined and joint planning, training and exercises. The major field training exercise was the Team Spirit series that began in 1976 and grew to nearly 200,000 ROK and U.S. participants commensurate with increased perceptions of the North Korean threat. U.S. participation in the exercise included augmentation forces of all services tactically deployed to the ROK from other Pacific bases and the continental United States. This exercise was last held in 1993. Separate ROK and U.S. command post exercises were combined as Ulchi Focus Lens (UFL) in 1976. UFL is an annual joint and combined simulation-supported command post exercise that trains Combined Forces Command personnel and major component, subordinate and augmenting staffs using state-of-the-art wargaming computer simulations and support infrastructures. At the unit level, frequent no-notice alerts, musters, and operational readiness inspections insure combat preparedness for ROK and U.S. forces. Both countries are pursuing ambitious modernization programs to maintain a viable ROK/U.S. military posture that will convince North Korea that any form of aggression or adventurism will fail. The ROK is making strides in equipment improvement through a rapidly expanding domestic defense industry, as well as purchases from foreign sources. U.S. efforts toward modernization include newer, more powerful weapon systems, greater mobility and helicopter lift capability, and vastly increased anti-armor capability. In summary, the Combined Forces Command reflects the mutual commitment of the Republic of Korea and the United States to maintain peace and security, and the willingness and capability to take that commitment into battle, if the need arises.
Welcome to United States Forces, Korea. Our mission is to defend the Republic of Korea (ROK) against external aggression and to maintain peace and stability in East Asia. The armed forces of the United States have been serving in Korea, defending freedom, since the outbreak of the Korean War in June 1950. Since then, the ROK – US Alliance has evolved into one of the strongest, most effective alliances in the world.
Korea is a great place to train and live. The Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, DOD Civilians, and family members that make up the USFK team are fortunate to participate in some of the most realistic and effective training throughout the armed forces. Additionally, those serving and living in Korea have ample opportunities to experience one of the most dynamic cultures in the world.
If you are being assigned to Korea, you can be assured that you will make a significant and immediate contribution to your unit, your service, your country, and the ROK-US Alliance. For those bringing their families, the housing, schools, day-care centers, hospitals, gyms, exchanges, commissaries, and other facilities are among the best anywhere and are constantly being improved and upgraded. The quality of life during an assignment in Korea is extremely high.
I invite those coming to Korea to use this Web site as your one-stop shop for command and community information. In the Command Info Corner, on the left-hand side of this site, you will find a list of links that will give you a good overview of my command vision, priorities, policies, messages, and more. I encourage everyone to take the time to read my Sharp Points where I send out critical, timely information that concerns all members of the USFK team. If you take the time to navigate through this Web site, you will undoubtedly be able to find answers to many of the questions you may have regarding an assignment in Korea, making your transition to USFK easier for both you and your family.
I am honored to command USFK - a professional organization with magnificent people. I appreciate the sacrifice and service of every service member, civilian, and family member in USFK. I look forward to your arrival in Korea and to your contribution to the ROK-US Alliance. I regard my service in Korea, past and present, as among the most rewarding in my career. I am sure that after you serve here you will feel the same.
Thank you and Katchi Kapshida! (We Go Together)
COMMANDER'S VISION & PRIORITIES
Vision UNC/CFC/USFK
A trained, ready, and disciplinedCombined and Joint Combatant Command that is ready to fight and win.
A command that:
Leads, integrates, and directs all available forces during armistice, crisis or war -constantly working to strengthen our ROK-US Alliance.
Continues transformation efforts leading to OPCON transfer in 2012 while remaining prepared to fight tonight. Develops and builds alliances and partnerships.
Improves the quality of life for all service members, DOD civilians and their families.
Priority #1: Be Prepared to Fight and Win
Be ready to fight and win our nations’wars. This is our nonnegotiable contract with the American and Korean people.
Know the enemy, the terrain, and your job –Do it better than anyone else.
Readiness –have your kit bag, equipment, and organization ready.
Maintain your warfightingskill sets through tough, realistic training and theater level exercises. Leverage all available ROK and US Training facilities and ranges.
Integrate and operate with ROK forces and supporting agencies; complement and mutually reinforce each others’capabilities.
Continue to improve, enhance, and adjust your war plans as the environment changes –adaptive planning and flexibility.
Priority #2: Strengthen the Alliance
Remain ready to Fight Tonight while working towards OPCON Transfer –Improve your current command structures, processes and procedures that will lead to world class combined warfightingcapabilities upon OPCON transfer on 17 April 2012.
Transfer, enhance, and improve our shared U.S. and ROK military capabilities –Collaborate and work together in the planning process; operational systems development; and lessons learned in order to seamlessly transferoperational control to the ROK.
Train and exercise our combined forces –Expand opportunities to conduct combined training with ROK, US, and other forces in Northeast Asia.
Support ROK initiatives to improve warfightingcapability which will maximize ROK potential to excel as the Supported command.
Strengthen our Good Neighbor program -this will directly increase our deterrent value and increase our combined warfightingcapability.
Priority #3: Improve Quality of Life for Service Members, DoD Civilians, and Families –“Make Korea the Station of Choice”
Safety –Leaders stay engaged at all levels; our service members, families and civilians are too valuable to lose
Strengthen your Good Neighbor Program –this will provide more opportunities to see and learn about this wonderful country.
Improve facilities and housing –Be aware of the living and working conditions of all subordinates and families…would you like to live and work there?
Continue to increase Command Sponsorship in order to move towards tour normalization.
Execute our plan to move to enduring installations while maintaining facilities at all bases until these installations are returned to the ROK.
Expand and improve schools and health care –Unequaled education and health care systems.
Increase opportunities for spouses –Provide education, employment, and family support programs for Family Members.
Increase support for and access to our families back in the US –Affordable phone, internet, and airlines.
Support family members residing in Korea whose sponsors are deployed.
UNITED NATIONS COMMAND
The predawn quiet of a rainy, peaceful Sunday morning, June 25, 1950, was abruptly shattered by the crash of cannons and the snarl of automatic weapons as soldiers of North Korea marched southward. The invading hordes breached the 38th parallel and rolled back the lightly-armed Republic of Korea Army constabulary forces toward their capital of Seoul.
Two days later, the United Nations called on the countries of the world to unite and assist in driving the invader from the ROK. In its resolution, the UN Security Council named the United States as executive agent to implement the resolution and direct UN military operations in Korea.
President Harry S. Truman, armed with the UN resolution and recognizing a threat to the free world, determined the U.S. could no longer remain neutral while communist powers trampled the free nations of the world. General of the Army.
Douglas MacArthur, Commander-in-Chief, Far East Command, was ordered to provide whatever assistance was needed to repel this invasion. General MacArthur committed U.S. air and naval forces and on July 24, in Tokyo, established General Headquarters, United Nations Command.
UNITED NATIONS APPEAL
By then, the UN had issued a further appeal to all member nations to provide what military and other aid they could to assist the ROK Government in repelling the invaders. The first ground troops to enter battle on the side of the ROK were advance elements of the U.S. 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division. Units were airlifted from occupation duties in Japan to form "Task Force Smith." The unit was committed on July 5th a few miles north of Osan.
In the face of overpowering enemy strength, the UNC fought delaying actions as ROK and U.S. units withdrew down the peninsula. Outnumbered and out-gunned, they traded space for time as they waited for the pledged assistance from other countries of the UN.
On August 29, 1950, the British Commonwealth's 27th Brigade arrived at Pusan to join the UNC, which until then included only ROK and U.S. forces. The 27th Brigade moved into the Naktong River line west of Taegu.
Troop units from other countries of the UN followed in rapid succession; Australia, Belgium, Canada, Colombia, Ethiopia, France, Greece, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the Philippines, Thailand and Turkey. The Union of South Africa provided air units which fought along side the air forces of other member nations. Denmark, India, Norway, and Sweden provided medical units. Italy provided a hospital, even though it was not a UN member.
KEEP THE FREE WORLD FREE
During the three years of the Korean War, military forces of these nations fought and died together as members of the UNC. They fought for the freedom of the Korean people and to demonstrate UN resolve to stop unprovoked aggression.
Through the freezing winters and the sweltering heat of the Korean summers, men from Britain, Ethiopia, the Republic of Korea, Thailand, Turkey, United States, and other contributing countries demonstrated individual and collective heroism in facing human waves of north Korean and Chinese aggressors. Few battles in the history of modern warfare have wrought the heartbreak and the frustration of this struggle.
Bloody Ridge, Chosin Reservoir, Hamhung, Heartbreak Ridge, Hwachan Reservoir, Iron Triangle, Punch Bowl and Pusan Perimeter -- all were mileposts in the seesaw battle for Korea's freedom. The dust of Old Baldy was crimsoned with blood of valiant members of the UNC; the Han and Imjin Rivers ran red with blood of UN fighting men.
On July 27,1953, the shooting ended. An armistice was signed at Panmunjom which provided for the end of the fighting and eventual political settlement of the war. The shooting ended, but the troops remained, each side pulling back 2,000 meters from the last line of military contact to insure peace, to watch the Demilitarized Zone, and to guard against any resumption of hostilities.
THE PRICE OF FREEDOM
In a green field at Tanggok, located near the port of Pusan, stand myriad reminders of the Korean War. Simple white crosses, standing near the sign of the "Crescent and the Star" and the "Star of David" are bleak, symbolic representatives of the 33,629 Americans, numberless Koreans, 717 Turkish soldiers, and 1,109 soldiers of the United Kingdom who gave their lives during the struggle. Also sharing this place of honor are the symbols for the dead of the 12 other nations whose fighting men died to keep Korea free.
With the coming of the armistice, UNC members turned their attention to the tremendous task of assisting in rebuilding a war-torn economy. Assisting the people of the ROK in restoring and reconstructing a nation almost completely devastated by a war that leveled cities and destroyed farmlands was a gigantic project that was years in the accomplishment.
TROOP STRENGTHS
Peak strength for the UNC was 932,964 on July 27, 1953 -- the day the Armistice Agreement was signed:
Republic of Korea -- 590,911
Columbia -- 1,068
United States -- 302,483
Belgium -- 900
United Kingdom -- 14,198
South Africa -- 826
Canada -- 6,146
The Netherlands -- 819
Turkey -- 5,453
Luxembourg -- 44
Australia -- 2,282
Philippines -- 1,496
New Zealand -- 1,385
Thailand -- 1,204
Ethiopia -- 1,271
Greece -- 1,263
France -- 1,119
7th Air Force (US Air Force in Korea) Mission
"Organize, equip, train, and sustain the warfighting forces and resources needed to support the Air Component Command of the bi-national Combined Forces Command."
8th Army Mission (US Army in Korea) Mission
Mission of the Eighth United States Army: Eighth United States Army (EUSA) supports deterrence of NK aggression against the Republic of Korea (ROK). Should deterrence fail, Eighth United States Army supports Non-combatant Evacuation Operations (NEO), transitions to hostilities, generates combat power to support CINC UNC/CFC 's campaign, and provides combat support and combat service support to assigned, attached, and other designated forces within the KTO. On order, conducts combat operations.
Combined Naval Forces Korea (US Navy/Naval Forces Korea) Mission
Provide US Naval leadership and expertise to Joint, Combined and Naval commands
Assist USFK, C7F, and ROKN with plans, policies, training
Liaison in armistice and wartime to United States and Republic of Korea Naval Forces Afloat
US Marines Korea/US Marines in Korea/MARFORK-K/Marine Forces Korea Mission
During the Armistice period, the Assistant Chief of Staff, C/J5, UNC/CFC and USFK, is assigned the duty as COMUSMARFORK. In this Capacity, he will represent Commander, Marine Forces Pacific (COMMARFORPAC), who is designated wartime commander, US Marine Forces-Korea for planning purposes, to Commander, US Forces Korea (COMUSKOREA). In addition, he will serve as COMMARFORPAC’s representative to Commander, Combined Marine Forces Command of the ROK/US Combined Forces Command.
COMUSMARFORK, as the U.S. Marine Corps Service Component Commander for Commander, United States Forces Korea (COMUSKOREA), commands all U.S. Marine Corps Forces assigned to COMUSKOREA; advises COMUSKOREA on the proper employment, capabilities, and support of U.S. Marine Corps Forces; conducts employment/redeployment planning and execution for assigned and attached forces; and accomplishes assigned operational missions. COMUSMARFORK functions as the deputy commander, combined Marine Forces Command (DEPCOMCMFC) (armistice), Commander, Combined Marine Forces Command (COMCMFC) (wartime) and Commander, United Nations Command Marine Forces Component (COMUNCMARFORCOMP) to the Commander United Nations Command/Combined Forces Command(CDRUNC/CFC); as the U.S. Marine Corps representative to COMCMFC (armistice); and as the U.S. Marine Corps representative to the Commandant, Republic of Korea Marine Corps. During armistice, COMUSMARFORK conveys COMMARFORPAC's (the designated wartime COMUSMARFORK) intent and advice on the use of U.S. Marine Corps Forces during wartime.
Special Operations Command Korea (SOCKOR, Special Forces) Mission
The primary responsibility of the Special Operations Command Korea (SOCKOR) is to exercise operational control over all assigned or attached special operation forces in the United States Forces Korea (USFK). When directed, SOCKOR combines with the Republic of Korea Army's Special Warfare Command (SWC) to establish the Combined Unconventional Warfare Task Force (CUWTF) to plan, coordinate, and conduct special operations.
Additionally, SOCKOR satisfies certain service responsibilities, including conducting a theater exercise program to ensure the readiness of assigned and/or attached Special Operations Forces (SOF).
FEDE (Far East District Engineers, US Army Engineers in Korea)
Welcome to the Far East Engineer District, the engineering and construction agency of choice in Korea! FED has a long history of overseeing the design and construction of outstanding quality of life and operational facilities for the Department of Defense community in Korea.
Today, our mission is three-fold:
To execute the military construction and government of Korea-
funded host nation construction program as the DoD design
and construction agent for the U.S. forces in Korea;
To support U.S. installations through engineering and
environmental services, designs and construction management;
To provide U.S. forces Korea professional, cost-effective, responsive engineering and construction services in armistice and war.
To find out more about FED, its people and the work we do to support the soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, and their families living and working in Korea, please look through the remainder of our web site.
Thanks for visiting and we hope your stay with us will be interesting and informative!
The Corps Maneuver District
2nd Infantry Division Mission
2nd Infantry Division trains and remains ready to "Fight Tonight" and deter aggression as part of the Combined Forces Command and Republic of Korea - United States Alliance; On order, fights and wins decisively if deterrence fails.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF
ROK/US COMBINED FORCES COMMAND
GENERAL JOHN W. VESSEY 7-Nov-78 10-Jul-79
GENERAL JOHN A. WICKHAM, Jr. 10-Jul-79 4-Jun-82
GENERAL ROBERT W. SENNEWALD 4-Jun-82 1-Jun-84
GENERAL WILLIAM J. LIVSEY 1-Jun-84 25-Jun-87
GENERAL LOUIS C. MENETREY, Jr. 25-Jun-87 26-Jun-90
GENERAL ROBERT W. RisCASSI 26-Jun-90 15-Jun-93
GENERAL GARY E. LUCK 15-Jun-93 9-Jul-96
GENERAL JOHN H. TILELLI, JR. 9-Jul-96 9-Dec-99
GENERAL THOMAS A. SCHWARTZ 9-Dec-99 1-May-02
GENERAL LEON J. LAPORTE 1-May-02 3-Feb-06
GENERAL B. B. BELL 3-Feb-06 3-Jun-08
GENERAL WALTER "SKIP" SHARP 3-Jun-08 PRESENT
The Official USFK Homepage. Information for inbound, newcomer or TDY personnel, deployment info, and command information. USFK, Homepage, Korea, United States Forces Korea, Military, U.S. Military, U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Air Force, Army, Navy, Air Force Marine Corps, Combined Forces Command, CFC, United Nations Command, UNC, Eighth United States Army, EUSA, General Burwell B. Bell, US Army, US Navy, US Marine Corps, US Air Force, US AirForce, US Army Korea, US Navy Korea, US Marine Corps Korea, US Air Force Korea, US AirForce Korea, US Army in Korea, US Navy in Korea, US Marine Corps in Korea, US Air Force in Korea, US AirForce in Korea
US Army in Korea (US Army in Korea, GCC),
US Air Force in Korea (US Air Force in Korea, Osan AB, Kunsan AB),
US Navy in Korea (US Navy in Korea, Combined Naval Forces Korea),
US Marines in Korea (US Marines in Korea).
Last Updated: November 04, 2008