Good Neighbor News

“Complementary war-fighting capabilities will be provided to South Korea after OPCON transition”

Defense Daily

Members of the 66th graduating class of the Korea Military Academy visited Yongsan Garrison in the afternoon February 3rd.

On a question that whether the ROK and the US have a specific and institutionalized stipulation on the nuclear umbrella and the wartime reinforcement after the OPCON transition, GEN Sharp replied, “South Korea will be provided with complementary war-fighting capabilities by the US on areas that the ROK forces are lacking in. This will be documented and will be signed by Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and Minister of Defense Kim Tae-young,” said ROK-US CFC Commander GEN Walter Sharp February 3rd.

“Earlier this year, Minister Kim and Secretary Gates agreed that the US will continuously provide South Korea with a capability such as the nuclear umbrella, or the national-level strategic information (IRS) in case a war breaks out in the future,” GEN Sharp added.

“complementary war-fighting capabilities was also agreed between Minister Kim and Secretary Gates. The nuclear umbrella will also continue to be provided. The US will observe the ROK-US Mutual Defense Treaty and its commitment will stay firm,” GEN Sharp emphasized.

“After the OPCON transition, the ROK and the US will have a single joint plan, which will be applied from the highest chain of command to each and every command. Details are listed out on the joint plan agreed between the two countries. A finished version of the plan will come out before the OPCON transition is completed,” said GEN Sharp.

“US servicemembers will be stationed for two to three years in South Korea instead of one-year rotation we have right now. The number of servicemembers stationed for two to three years will gradually expand. We are currently building facilities in order to accommodate them. This is a proof that the US has a long-term commitment on the Peninsula,” said GEN Sharp.

On strategic flexibility, GEN Sharp mentioned, “In the beginning, the USFK will be coordinating with partner countries in the region. Eventually, the whole world will be the stage for the USFK. This is to deal with issues that menace the security of the world.”

“These will occur gradually with time. In any rate, the US will not neglect its responsibility on defending the Peninsula,” said GEN Sharp re-emphasizing the firmness of the ROK-US alliance.

“Defending the Peninsula is the top priority of the USFK. However, if an agreement is reached between summits of both nations and the ROK forces become prepared, the USFK will answer the challenges on the issues threatening the peace of the world, side by side with the ROK forces,” explained GEN Sharp. “In order to do so, we will definitely confer with the South Korean government first,” GEN Sharp added.

“The ROK forces already started exchanges with different nations. The ROK forces will be stationed to various regions, and will become the leader of the security of the world according to the spirit of ‘global Korea’ proclaimed by President Lee Myung-bak,” said GEN Sharp.


[GEN Walter Sharp's Speech]

If you take care of your men, they will be loyal to you

Treat your men as you wanted to be treated. Then they will be more willing to take sacrifices for you.” USFK Commander GEN Walter Sharp talked to the cadets with sincerity and honesty about the leadership that an officer or a soldier must have. During his lecture in front of cadets of the Korea Military Academy, he emphasized the ‘devoted leadership to serve his men’.

The following is a short summary of what GEN Sharp has emphasized in his lecture.

Look after your men

All of your men are human resources who want to do the right things. Also, I hope you build a trust with your men and also authorize power to those men. Be considerate to your men so that they can use their time wisely and not waste their time on unimportant little things. You must treat your men as you want to be treated.

Through this, your men will be able to perform well and do the right things. By then you will have become successful leaders.

Leaders must do their duties faithfully and take responsibility in taking care of their men. When educating or training your men, you must educate your men with a high standard and train them through hard and intense exercises. Furthermore, you should instill the determination to win to your men. This is only possible when you have a positive mindset. A Leader with a positive mindset does not consider challenges as just another issue but as an opportunity.

A positive attitude can also be found through his/her word. If you build trust and grant authorities to your men, they will also be loyal to you.

Lead your men to do the right things and give them trust and authority. Have positive mindset toward your men.

Work with non-commissioned officers (NCO)

This also applies to most commanders in the US. The person I remember the most was a chief NCO than a platoon leader of a platoon I once belonged to. The chief NCO understood that I was willing to do the right thing, so he helped me through obstacles. Therefore, I was able become a successful commander. So go find experts in areas of tactics and strategies and listen carefully to their advice. These experts will give advice on how to treat and lead soldiers. Listen carefully to what they are saying, ask questions and try your best to build professionalism.

Enjoy your life in the military

Many commanders and I sometimes talk about how much we want to go back to the days as cadets. I hope all of you can show the spirit of comradeship and teamwork and enjoy the adventure in the military. The life in the military can be successful when you enjoy it.

Above all, you must first enjoy your life in the military. And then build a positive mindset. Keep a balance between spending your time with families and friends and working your duties 24hours a day. During my years in the military, I always placed emphasis on my regular leaves.

Before you go on leaves, make a prearranged plan what to do during leaves. Then your men can prepare themselves and understand the tasks that should be done during your absence. Through this opportunity, they can also grow leadership.

It is also important to tell and make your family understand about your military life. Because, sometimes you will need to get some help and support from your families. There are also times when you must hold together in helping out the families of other US service members. Work as one, share the precious moments and fight through hard times.