[Yang Nak-gyu's Defense Club] US Joint Chiefs Chairman "Carefully Reviewing Adjustment of Joint Exercises"

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu Reporter] Mark Milley, Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff (photo), stated on the 26th (local time) that he is closely examining whether to continue, postpone, or adjust the combined South Korea-U.S. military exercises in response to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

Chairman Milley appeared at the House Armed Services Committee budget hearing that day and explained that consultations are underway between Robert Abrams, Commander of U.S. Forces Korea, and Park Han-gi, Chairman of the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff, and that he is awaiting their final recommendations. This is the first time a U.S. military official has mentioned the possibility of postponing the South Korea-U.S. combined military exercises due to the impact of COVID-19.

Regarding the spread of COVID-19, he said, "The main focus is on China, but since South Korea, Japan, and Italy are the next countries with many infections, such consultations are taking place concerning the combined exercises."

The U.S. Department of Defense has also issued a travel ban to South Korea.

The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) announced via Twitter and Facebook, "COVID-19 confirmed cases continue to increase in South Korea," and stated, "Effective immediately, all unnecessary Department of Defense visits to South Korea are restricted in accordance with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) travel advisory." The Indo-Pacific Command added that this measure applies to all military personnel, civilian employees, and contractors under its jurisdiction.

A soldier stationed at Camp Carroll, a U.S. military base in Chilgok County, Gyeongbuk Province, was confirmed positive for COVID-19 the day before. This is the first case of a U.S. service member in South Korea contracting COVID-19.

In a press release on the 26th, U.S. Forces Korea stated, "A U.S. service member serving at Camp Carroll tested positive for COVID-19," and added, "This is the first confirmed case of COVID-19 among personnel serving with U.S. Forces Korea."

The confirmed patient visited Camp Walker, a U.S. military base in Daegu, on the 24th and stayed at Camp Carroll in Chilgok, Gyeongbuk, from the 21st to the 25th. The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and U.S. Forces Korea medical staff are tracing the detailed movements of the confirmed patient to identify contacts.