Transfer of Authority: The US-ROK Alliance
Abstract
The United States plays a critical role in the wartime defense of the Republic of Korea. The Mutual Defense Treaty between the United States (U.S.) and the Republic of Korea (ROK), signed in 1953, committed the United States to help defend South Korea against external threats. The U.S. military maintains a military presence in the region in support of this commitment. Formed in 1978, the Combined Forces Command commander (CFC), a U.S. General, also serves as the commander of the United Nations Command and U.S. Forces Korea. The wartime control of all forces in South Korea currently resides with the U.S.-led CFC. Emerging global commitments and the increasing capabilities of the ROK military led to the United States and ROK agreeing to transfer the U.S. role from supported to supporting in April 2012. A recent shift in dates was approved to December 2015 by Presidents Obama and Lee. This paper reviews the history of the U.S.-ROK Alliance, discusses changes in global diplomacy within the Asia-Pacific region, and examines the military capabilities of the Alliance. The author proposes policy recommendations for the United States and the ROK to consider as they plan to transfer wartime authority to the ROK.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 09, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA560093
Entities
People
- Terry A. Ivester
Organizations
- United States Army War College