Chairman of the Republic of Korea Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Kim Myung-soo and Gen. Xavier Brunson, Commander of the United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command, and U.S. Forces Korea, visited the Joint Security Area at Panmunjom to assess operational readiness. During the visit, they also took the opportunity to encourage ROK and U.S. service members.
Adm. Kim and Gen. Brunson checked key operational facilities within the JSA, including areas along the Military Demarcation Line (MDL), to assess the current operational posture.
“You are the first line of defense for the Republic of Korea and a proud symbol of the ironclad ROK-U.S. alliance. Carry out your duties with a strong sense of pride,” Adm. Kim emphasized.
He reaffirmed, “The ROK-U.S. combined defense posture remains unwavering. Let’s continue our efforts to enhance combined operational capabilities to ensure an immediate and decisive response in case of DPRK provocations.”
“Maintaining our combined readiness posture is critical to the ROK’s defense,” stated Gen. Brunson. “We are fully committed to deterring any aggression and defending the ROK.”
Adm. Kim and Gen. Brunson emphasized, a key component of this commitment is the continued focus on realistic combined training and exercises. These are essential for strengthening interoperability and readiness, deterrence, and to defend the ROK.
This JSA visit marks the first joint field inspection by the ROK-U.S. military leadership since Gen. Brunson assumed command. The visit aimed to assess recent changes in the security situation near the DMZ.