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President Trump shakes hands with Gen. Vincent K. Brooks, Commander of US Forces Korea (USFK) at the US 8TH Army Operational Commander Center in Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, on Nov. 17, 2017. (photo pool)
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House Committee of Armed Services says USFK numbers must remain at least 22,000
An amendment of the National Defense Authorization Act calling to maintain US Forces Korea (USFK) troop numbers at a minimum of 22,000 was recently passed by the US House Committee on Armed Services, and was confirmed on May 14. The amendment appears to reflect concerns among mainstream Washington politicians about the possibility of USFK numbers being cut after the upcoming North Korea-US summit. “Last night, the House Armed Services Committee approved an amendment to the FY2019 National Defense Authorization Act [. . .] that would commit the United States to a robust military presence in South Korea for the foreseeable future, in order to maintain peace and stability in the region,” Democratic Party Representative and committee member Ruben Gallego said in a press release. “Rep. Gallego’s amendment would ensure that U.S. active duty forces in the Republic of Korea will not fall below 22,000 troops without a certification by the Secretary of Defense that any drop below that number is necessary to the national defense and will not significantly undermine allied security in the region,” the press release explained. “As President Trump and world events cause greater uncertainty, we need to show our friends and allies that the United States remains a committed partner,” Gallego was quoted as saying. “I am proud that all of my colleagues on the Armed Services Committee believe that unity between the free peoples of the world is our great advantage as we seek a just and lasting peace in Korea and elsewhere.” USFK maintains an official current scale of 28,500 troops. The “22,000” figure mentioned in the amendment appears to reflect possible changes through rotations and replacements. Containing the US Congress’s recommended policy guidelines for national defense, the National Defense Authorization Act is finalized through coordination and agreement between the Senate and House and Representatives. Gallego’s home state of Arizona is home to many defense companies including Lockheed Martin, makers of the THAAD missile defense system. By Yi Yong-in, Washington correspondent Please direct comments or questions to [english@hani.co.kr]
