[Yang Nak-gyu's Defence Club] Next Year's Transfer of Wartime Operational Control Verification Evaluation... The Variables Are

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] On the 16th, the Ministry of National Defense, chaired by Minister Seo Wook, held the '2020 Year-end Major Commanders Meeting of the Entire Military' via video conference at the Seoul Yongsan-gu office, presenting five key focus tasks for next year: ▲ Establishing an all-domain military readiness posture ▲ Developing the ROK-US alliance and strengthening defense cooperation ▲ Building future-oriented defense capabilities ▲ Creating a happy defense environment ▲ Building a military trusted by the people.

Accordingly, while continuously enhancing the joint deterrence and response capabilities of the ROK-US against North Korean nuclear and missile threats, they agreed to conduct combined exercises and training by mobilizing advanced weapon systems and various training methods based on the strong ROK-US alliance. The military authorities also stated that to facilitate the transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON), they will "accelerate the OPCON transfer consultation process considering all factors such as COVID-19 and security conditions, and promote the early implementation of the Full Operational Capability (FOC) verification evaluation of the future Combined Forces Command." Furthermore, according to the 2021-2025 mid-term plan, they decided to secure the necessary capabilities early by investing a total budget exceeding 300 trillion won to meet the conditions for OPCON transfer.

Considering the trend of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), they plan to strengthen commander-centered unit training that prioritizes safety and effectiveness, and conduct practical education and training focused on combat missions linked with the establishment of a scientific training environment. They also plan to establish consultation procedures within the ROK-US alliance during nuclear crises and optimize deterrence measures against North Korean nuclear and weapons of mass destruction (WMD) by integrating economic sanctions, diplomatic measures, and military means.

Our military internally plans to conduct ROK-US combined exercises for 16 days in the second week of March next year and for 18 days in mid-August, with final scheduling to be coordinated with the United States within this month.

The ROK and the US agreed in 2014 on a condition-based OPCON transfer without setting a fixed timeline. To this end, they attempted to verify the Full Operational Capability (FOC) of the future Combined Forces Command during the late August combined command post exercise this year, but it was not properly conducted due to the reduction in exercise scale caused by the spread of COVID-19. Our military plans to complete the FOC verification in the combined exercise early next year and agree with the US on the target timing for the transfer. If OPCON transfer within President Moon Jae-in's term is impossible, they intend to at least set a target date. However, if COVID-19 does not subside, even this plan becomes uncertain, which is a concern.

Additionally, the Ministry of National Defense evaluated that the implementation of the September 19 Inter-Korean Military Agreement has concretely and substantially contributed to reducing military tensions and building trust between the two Koreas. They also announced that next year, they will expand the excavation areas for remains within the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) and continue tours of the southern area in preparation for free movement between the North and South in the Joint Security Area (JSA) at Panmunjom.

The meeting was attended by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Won In-chul, Army Chief of Staff Nam Young-shin, Navy Chief of Naval Operations Bu Seok-jong, Air Force Chief of Staff Lee Seong-yong, Marine Corps Commandant Lee Seung-do, Military Manpower Administration Commissioner Mo Jong-hwa, Deputy Administrator of the Defense Acquisition Program Administration Seo Hyung-jin, as well as key commanders and staff from the Ministry of National Defense, Joint Chiefs of Staff, and each military branch.