US Army Commander in South Korea Emphasizes Readiness for Broader Threats
US Eighth Army commander Lt. Gen. Joseph Hilbert stresses readiness for threats beyond Korean Peninsula
The commander of US forces in South Korea has stated. Lt. Gen. Joseph Hilbert said on Wednesday that his troops must be prepared to respond to threats beyond the Korean Peninsula, Yonhap News Agency, South Korea's national news agency roported.
He made the remarks in an interview, highlighting the US military's focus on strategic flexibility.
He emphasized that it would be irresponsible to focus solely on the Korean Peninsula and that his forces must be ready to address any threat.-
Hilbert's comments come as the US considers a more flexible approach to its military presence in South Korea. The US National Defense Strategy, released earlier this year, suggests that South Korea should take primary responsibility for deterring North Korea, with US support.
A Pentagon official reaffirmed the US commitment to defending South Korea under their mutual defense treaty.
The US military's approach to readiness is described as "threat-agnostic," meaning that a well-trained force can adapt to various threats. Hilbert said that US forces in Korea train daily with their Korean allies against the primary threat, while also preparing for other potential missions.
US forces in Korea remain focused on maintaining readiness, deterring aggression, and defending South Korea alongside their Korean allies, according to the Pentagon.