Graduating cadets from the Republic of Korea Military Academy and Air
Force Academy visited the ROK-U.S. Combined Forces Command during the
first week of February to learn more about the role and importance of
the ROK-US Alliance.
This visit shapes the development of young ROK leaders by encouraging
awareness of the strategic importance of the ROK-US Alliance and the
shared values and cross-cultural affinity that have flourished over the
course of the 63-year partnership.
About 200 cadets from the Korean Military Academy – the ROK’s
equivalent to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point – visited the
command Feb. 4 and were briefed by Gen. Curtis Scaparrotti, commander,
United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command and U.S. Forces Korea,
and by ROK Army Gen. Park Seon-Woo, deputy commander, CFC.
“You are the future of our ROK-U.S. Alliance,” said Scaparrotti, to the
class of 183 males and 17 females. The class of cadets also includes
one visiting Mongolian officer. “For more than 60 years, our Alliance
has enjoyed great success in preserving the terms of the Armistice
Agreement, promoting democracy, and providing security for the citizens
of South Korea and Northeast Asia.”
Cadets had different perspectives on the Alliance, but agreed it is
vital, and were grateful for the opportunity to hear directly from top
U.S. and ROK military leaders.
“Today, I can feel the decades-old alliance between South Korea and the
U.S. is still alive and well,” said cadet Lee Sung-Gyu, in Korean. “I
was able to ask several questions and (Gen. Scaparrotti) answered.”
Cadets from the Korean Air Force Academy visited the CFC Feb. 7 and received briefings from Gen. Scaparrotti and Gen. Park.
Scaparrotti told cadets he was confident in their ability serve and lead in the Korean military.
“On Feb. 24, you will become leaders in one of the strongest and
longest-standing alliances in the modern world, responsible for
deterring North Korean provocations and aggression,” said Scaparrotti.
“If deterrence fails, you and the men and women under your leadership
will fight and win. As I look at you and sense your spirit, I can
confidently say the future of our Alliance looks bright and strong in
large part because we share such an important history.”
More Photos