ID | 162445 |
Title Proper | Demystifying the U.S.–ROK Command and Control Structure |
Other Title Information | How “OPCON Transfer” Can Advance the Unity of Effort on the Korean Peninsula |
Language | ENG |
Author | Nishizuka, Chad R |
Summary / Abstract (Note) | The “transfer of wartime OPCON” from the United States to the Republic of Korea, in conjunction with the termination of the obsolete Armistice Agreement, may provide a unique opportunity for the Alliance to simplify and streamline its command and control (C2) processes. The C2 structure in South Korea is complicated by the coexistence of four distinct theater-level commands, the ROK Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), United States Forces Korea (USFK), the Combined Forces Command (CFC), and the United Nations Command (UNC), all of which have a unique command structure and set of objectives. As the ROK continues to grow stronger, both economically and politically, the four commands are experiencing increasing difficulties synchronizing competing government policies. The U.S. and ROK governments’ aptitude to address policy differences have a direct impact on the ability of the four commands to achieve their end-states, both individually and as a cohesive unit. This paper demonstrates that through the reorganization of the Combined Forces Command and the elimination of conflicting responsibilities emanating from the United Nations Command, the U.S.–ROK Alliance could become more formidable by increasing simplicity, the unity of command, and the span of control of the current C2 structure. |
`In' analytical Note | Korean Journal of Defence Analysis Vol. 30, No.4; Dec 2018: p.455-473 |
Journal Source | Korean Journal of Defence Analysis Vol: 30 No 4 |
Key Words | United States ; Republic of Korea ; Armistice ; Unity of Command ; Command and Control ; OPCON Transfe ; Panmunjom Declaration
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