When I was there (1978-79 and 1981-82) we “joked” that we were there to keep the ROKs from going North. Many of the ROKA officers I served alongside were veterans of the Vietnam war, whereas the North Koreans haven’t fought since 1953.
I know a retired Army Ranger, of more recent vintage, who told me the same thing, except he wasn’t joking. Thanks for your service, Vet.
I’ve never been to Korea, but have a lot of Asian experience: Philippines, Japan, Taiwan and Vietnam when I was a much younger man. I’ve always been amused at looking at these KORCOM generals with their Iranian police type hats, and a chestful of medals. They’re some real geezers. Those ribbons they’re wearing have to be 60 years old. They must be awarded medals for eating babies and skinning rats.