United States Forces Korea

United States Forces Korea
Unit name	United States Forces Korea
Caption	Emblem of United States Forces Korea
Dates	1 July 1957 – present
Country	United States
Type	Subunified Command
Size	Approximately 28,500 personnel
Command structure	United States Indo-Pacific Command
Garrison	Camp Humphreys, Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea
Garrison label	Headquarters
Nickname	USFK
Motto	"Fight Tonight"
Battles	Korean War, Korean DMZ Conflict, War on Terror
Current commander	General Paul J. LaCamera
Current commander label	Commander
Notable commanders	General Douglas MacArthur, General Matthew Ridgway, General James F. Hollingsworth, General John W. Vessey Jr.

United States Forces Korea is a subunified command of the United States Indo-Pacific Command responsible for coordinating and overseeing all American military forces stationed in the Republic of Korea. Headquartered at Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, it serves as the primary instrument of the United States–South Korea alliance and a key deterrent against aggression from North Korea. Its formation traces directly to the Korean War and the subsequent signing of the Mutual Defense Treaty Between the United States and the Republic of Korea.

History

The command's origins lie in the United Nations Command established during the Korean War, which was led by American generals like Douglas MacArthur and Matthew Ridgway. Following the Korean Armistice Agreement, the United States Army Garrison Yongsan in Seoul became its long-term headquarters. Significant moments in its history include the Pueblo incident, the Korean axe murder incident in the Joint Security Area, and the continual tensions along the Korean Demilitarized Zone. The command was formally activated in 1957, evolving through the Cold War and post-September 11 attacks era, with forces participating in the War on Terror.

Organization and structure

The command exercises operational control over its major components, including the Eighth United States Army, Seventh Air Force, United States Naval Forces Korea, and United States Marine Forces Korea. These forces are supported by United States Special Operations Command Korea and other enabling units. The commander also serves as the head of the United Nations Command and the Combined Forces Command, creating a unique tri-hatted leadership structure that integrates American and Republic of Korea Armed Forces under a single wartime operational plan.

Mission and responsibilities

Its primary mission is to deter external aggression and, if necessary, defend the Republic of Korea in concert with ROK-U.S. Combined Forces Command. This involves maintaining a high state of readiness, encapsulated in the motto "Fight Tonight," and executing annual joint exercises like Ulchi Freedom Shield. Secondary responsibilities include supporting regional stability in the Indo-Pacific, providing humanitarian assistance, and bolstering the broader United States national security strategy alongside allies such as Japan and Australia.

Bases and installations

Following the Yongsan Relocation Plan and Land Partnership Plan, the command consolidated most forces from the Yongsan Garrison and the 2nd Infantry Division area north of Seoul to the Pyongtaek region. The primary hub is now Camp Humphreys, one of the largest overseas United States Army installations, which hosts the headquarters. Other key facilities include Kunsan Air Base, Osan Air Base, Camp Walker in Daegu, and the Camp Bonifas complex near the Korean Demilitarized Zone.

Relations with the Republic of Korea

The alliance is governed by the Mutual Defense Treaty Between the United States and the Republic of Korea and operationalized through frameworks like the Security Consultative Meeting and Military Committee Meeting. Close coordination occurs through the Combined Forces Command and exercises such as Key Resolve and Foal Eagle. The Status of Forces Agreement defines the legal parameters for the presence of American personnel, while periodic Strategic Planning Talks address burden-sharing and future force posture.

Commanders

Commanders have historically been four-star generals from the United States Army or United States Air Force. Notable past commanders include John H. Tilelli Jr., Leon J. LaPorte, B. B. Bell, and Walter L. Sharp. The commander is dual-hatted as the leader of the United Nations Command and the Combined Forces Command, requiring close partnership with South Korean counterparts like the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (South Korea). The current commander, as of 2023, is General Paul J. LaCamera.

Category:Military of the United States Category:United States military in South Korea Category:Military units and formations established in 1957