Dec. 1, 2021
SEOUL, South Korea — Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark A. Milley met in-person today with Chairman of the Republic of Korea Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. In-Choul Won during the 46th Republic of Korea and United States Military Committee Meeting.
The engagement in Seoul marks the first face-to-face Military Committee Meeting since 2019 and the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Chairman of the Republic of Korea Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Won and Chief Director of the Republic of Korea Joint Chiefs of Staff Directorate for Strategic Planning Lt. Gen. Sanghwa Jung represented the Republic of Korea delegation. For the United States, Adm. John C. Aquilino, commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, joined Army Gen. Milley as the U.S. delegation at the Republic of Korea Joint Staff headquarters. Army Gen. Paul J. LaCamera, represented the ROK-U.S. Combined Forces Command as the bilateral commander.
During the discussions, Gen. Milley and Gen. Won recognized the enduring alliance and highlighted significant advancements made to strengthen cooperation. The generals received updates on the security of the Korean peninsula and the region.
The Chairmen acknowledged successful completion of the 21-2 Combined Command Post Training and progress wartime Conditions-based Operational Control Transition Plan (COTP).
The two leaders underscored the importance of conducting the United States-Republic of Korea Military Committee meeting in-person to demonstrate the strength, credibility, and flexibility of the military alliance. Gen. Milley emphasized the United States’ commitment to the Republic of Korea and its continued commitment to providing extended deterrence.
Gen. Milley and Gen. Won further stressed the vital role of multinational partnerships and the need to bolster efforts in the pursuit of regional peace and security, while continuing efforts to combat the pandemic.
The MCM is part of the U.S.-ROK bilateral consultation process, which convenes annually or as required. The committee provides strategic directives and operational guidance to the Combined Forces Command in defense of the Republic of Korea and addresses Alliance military issues. It has been hosted alternately by the ROK and the United States since the first meeting in 1978.
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