LaPorte Addresses 'Change'

Chosun Ilbo ^ | 02/20/03 | Yoo Yong-won

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LaPorte Addresses 'Change'

by Yoo Yong-won (kysu@chosun.com)

General Leon J. LaPorte, the commander of the United States Forces Korea said Thursday that with the advent of a new administration it was time to change the makeup of the USFK-Korea alliance. General LaPorte said the alliance could be improved by closely studying the respective roles, missions, structure, deployment and leadership of the American and Korean militaries, with respect to future requirements and capability.

In a keynote speech at a seminar sponsored by the Korea Institute for Defense Analysis, the Heritage Foundation, and the Korea-US Exchange Council, LaPorte noted it was necessary to study and review the two countries' Mutual Defense Treaty concluded in 1953. He said the basics of the MDT; the strengthening of a combined defense, respect of the United Nations peaceful objectives, deterring armed provocation, the deployment of US forces on and around the peninsula, and a continued pledge by the US to maintain Korea's national security remained in force to this day.

This is the first time for a USFK commander to comment on a review of the alliance and MDT.

LaPorte said last year the defense ministers of the two countries ordered a study on new operational procedures and concepts for the alliance, namely actively using improved and advanced military technology, while utilizing lessons from other theaters of engagement.

Analysts say that this indicates original operational plans, calling for the use of large numbers of troops, will be replaced by ones using smaller forces with high technology weaponry. They also add that the speech hinted that discussions to be held in April will include the reduction and redeployment of the USFK, overall force control in war time, and possible Status of Forces Agreement.

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FYI