South Korea-U.S. Combined Exercise Concludes on August 28... Some Field Training Postponed to Next Month

The annual South Korea-U.S. combined exercise for the defense of the Korean Peninsula, "Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS; Ulchi Freedom Shield)," concluded at approximately 9:30 a.m. on August 28. Although the scale of this year's exercise was similar to previous years, about 20 of the originally planned 40 field training exercises (FTX) were postponed to next month.

This exercise, which began on August 18, included combined and joint operations across all domains-land, sea, air, space, cyber, and information. The scenarios incorporated realistic threats identified through recent analyses of modern warfare trends. Additionally, the Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission (NNSC) observed the exercise to verify its defensive nature. The Combined Forces Command stated, "Through this exercise, we reaffirmed the robust defense posture of the South Korea-U.S. alliance and further strengthened our combined readiness. We have demonstrated our ability to deter any provocation and, if necessary, defend both nations."

This exercise went beyond the scope of military training, with the South Korean government, civilian agencies, and emergency response personnel participating in both planning and execution phases. They comprehensively reviewed crisis management, noncombatant evacuation operations, and civilian protection procedures. The command assessed, "This whole-of-government approach demonstrated that the alliance is committed not only to readiness but also to the safety of the Korean people."

The U.S. Eighth Army in Korea, as the ground component, conducted extensive combined training across the peninsula, confirming interoperability with the Republic of Korea Army and strengthening combat readiness. It led river crossing training, sustained support training with Korean logistics units, aviation asset operations, KATUSA mobilization training, maritime counter-special operations force training, and maneuver training with the Army Combat Training Center.

The U.S. Seventh Air Force and the Republic of Korea Air Force conducted thousands of sorties across the peninsula. They integrated a variety of air assets, including fifth-generation fighters, focusing on key missions such as air superiority, close air support, and interdiction operations.

The U.S. Space Forces Korea, in cooperation with the Air Force Space Operations Group, validated their ability to deliver combined space effects in support of operations on the Korean Peninsula.

The U.S. Navy in Korea, together with the Seventh Fleet and the Republic of Korea Navy Operations Command, enhanced combined maritime operations. The U.S. 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force, U.S. Marine Corps in Korea, and the Republic of Korea Marine Corps established a combined Marine component command during the exercise. They strengthened readiness for amphibious operations, integrated command and control, and combined maneuver capabilities.

The U.S. Special Operations Command Korea and the Republic of Korea Special Warfare Command honed their skills in missions such as countering weapons of mass destruction, direct action operations, and special reconnaissance.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff evaluated, "This exercise solidified the alliance's response capabilities and posture, including 'combined and joint all-domain operations.' It also enhanced the nation's ability to conduct total war through government-wide wartime preparedness exercises (Ulchi exercises) and actual training."