2014 Green Book: Building Army Capabilities to Maintain Stability, Prosperity on Korean Peninsula

By Lt. Gen. Bernard S. Champoux, Commanding General, Eighth ArmySeptember 30, 2014

Forward-deployed and combat ready, Eighth Army serves as a disciplined and lethal partner of the Combined, Joint Force securing the Republic of Korea (ROK). Proud of our legacy earned with the blood and sacrifice of generations past, we remain an evolving, values-based organization strengthened through the character of our Soldiers, Civilians, and Families. The Warfighter's premier assignment, Eighth Army is strong and getting stronger.

From the sinking of the ROK Navy ship Cheonan and attack on Yeonpyeong Island, to threatening an attack on the U.S. homeland, North Korea (nK) continues its deliberate provocation cycle. nK maintains an extensive weapons of mass destruction (WMD) capability, with continued development in its nuclear weapons program in addition to its biological and chemical weapons production facilities and stockpiles. In the last four years, nK's deadly provocations resulted in the deaths of 50 South Korean military and civilian personnel, more ballistic missile launches, a third nuclear test, and bellicose rhetoric directed toward the U.S., ROK, and other northeast Asia nations. The trajectory of nK's provocations requires a U.S. force poised to deter nK aggression and prepared to fight with our ROK allies at any time.

Should deterrence fail, Eighth Army's mission is to lead Non-combatant Evacuation Operations and generate combat power for U.S. Forces-Korea/United Nations Command/Combined Forces Command decisive operations in the Korean Theater. On order, Eighth Army will form a Combined Joint Task Force and conduct Unified Land Operations.

At the center of the Department of Defense's Pacific Rebalance strategy, Eighth Army maintains the largest Army footprint in the region as the nation's only Field Army Headquarters. In 2009, Eighth Army transformed from an Army Service Component Command to a warfighting headquarters capable of conducting Unified Land Operations, Noncombatant Evacuation Operations, and Theater Sustainment with joint, interagency, and multinational partners. Additionally, Eighth Army supports the theater counter-fire mission, ballistic missile defense, WMD counter-proliferation, and provides mission command of U.S., ROK, and United Nations sending state forces. Unique to this theater and the U.S. Army, Eighth Army provides forces and integrates enabler units for decisive action to facilitate counter WMD operations and prevent the proliferation of WMD material and technology.

Despite Army-wide resource constraints, Eighth Army remains a key priority for manning, training, and funding, working daily in a unique combined environment within one of the longest standing alliances in modern history. With the highest levels of manning in the Army and ongoing investments in world-class training facilities and state-of-the-art installations, Eighth Army remains one of the most rewarding opportunities for Soldiers, Civilians, and Families in Korea.

Joint and Combined -- A Special Alliance

Eighth Army -- America's Pacific Victors -- stands shoulder-to-shoulder with our Alliance partners to maintain peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. We conduct two major combined and joint military exercises annually, Ulchi Freedom Guardian and Key Resolve, which focus on ROK-U.S. interoperability and routinely involve forces from United Nations Command sending states. Moreover, Eighth Army participates in several other combined and joint exercises in the Asia Pacific region, including Yama Sakura in Japan, Balikatan in the Philippines, and Cobra Gold in Thailand, enhancing our ability to work with regional partners across a broad spectrum of operations.

There is no greater example of the strength of the U.S.-ROK Alliance than the Korea Augmentation to the U. S. Army (KATUSA) program, established in 1950. KATUSAs, qualified ROK Army soldiers serving in Eighth Army, are among the best and brightest in Korean society. Many attend top U.S. universities and later serve in important positions in Korean business and government. They represent a cornerstone of the Alliance, working alongside U.S. Army soldiers and filling critical roles across the command. With roughly 3,000 KATUSAs in our formations today, these ROK Army soldiers greatly enhance Eighth Army's combined defense capability and interoperability on the peninsula.

Readiness through Rotations

To remain prepared for world-wide contingencies, the Army initiated the Regionally Aligned Forces (RAF) initiative. In Korea, RAF provides Eighth Army with additional trained and combat-ready units that enhance the U.S. commitment to the Alliance and meet current and emerging mission requirements. An Attack Reconnaissance Squadron and a Combined Arms Battalion launched their historic nine-month deployments in 2013.

Combined Training

Maintaining a combat advantage through tough, realistic, combined training ensures the highest levels of unit and individual readiness. Eighth Army's training facilities, including the Army's newest digital multi-purpose range complex and the Rodriguez Life Fire Complex, offer world class opportunities to conduct live, full spectrum operations with the most advanced equipment and facilities. Eighth Army and ROK Army units conduct training events on the very terrain where, one day, they may find themselves executing real world missions.

All rotational units deploying to the Korea Theater of Operations train at Combat Training Centers (CTCs) prior to joining units permanently stationed on the peninsula. At the Army Chief of Staff's request, the ROK Army will begin sending units to participate in rotational forces' CTC training, further enhancing combined capabilities and interoperability of ROK-U.S. forces.

Transformation

Improved ROK capabilities have influenced Eighth Army's dramatic transformation and stationing initiatives to re-locate U.S. forces from the Greater Seoul Metropolitan Area to two enduring hubs south of the Han River. Buildings and property that once held imperialist forces over a century ago will return to Korean authority, a symbolic gesture affirming the tremendous political and economic progress in the country over the last 60 years. Signaling the beginning of a new era for the Alliance, Eighth Army is consolidating its footprint on the peninsula and enhancing facilities, services, and capabilities as it continues to meet operational requirements.

A $10.7 billion investment is expanding USAG Humphreys from 1,200 to 3,500 acres to accommodate 655 new buildings; state-of-the-art facilities such as new schools, barracks and family quarters, a new hospital, and corresponding quality of life services that mark the Humphreys garrison as a model Army installation. Modernization is also occurring at USAG Daegu, the other enduring hub in Korea, where vital sustainment and logistics operations support Eighth Army's missions.

Eighth Army will continue to support Soldiers, Civilians, and Families during the re-stationing period. Maintaining quality of life services honors their dedication and service; bolsters unit cohesion and morale with close proximity to schools, new facilities, and readily available emergency services; and reduces personnel turbulence. It also signals the level of commitment to our ROK ally and other regional partners.

Fit and Disciplined Soldiers

Deterrence demands the holistic fitness and discipline of every soldier. A focus on physical, spiritual, familial, emotional, and social resilience must exist so that every person can thrive and achieve their full potential. Examples of Eighth Army's balanced work environment are its physical readiness training program and its emphasis on professional and personal responsibility. Both serve to strengthen standards and reinforce the Army Values. Eighth Army provides an exceptional opportunity for the individual soldier to grow and excel in the Army profession.

The Warfighters' Premier Assignment

The relationship between Eighth Army and Korean communities across the peninsula forms the cultural basis of the ROK-U.S. Alliance. Our Soldiers, Civilians, and Families immerse themselves in the Korean culture through cultural exchanges, community partnerships, military-to-military interactions, and exploring Korea's 5,000 year history. From shopping that rivals any international venue, to historical sites demonstrating Korea's contributions to art, science, and literature, to outdoor recreation and travel opportunities across the vibrant Pacific region, Korea offers opportunities unique to Army assignments. In every respect, our Korean hosts make service in the Land of the Morning Calm a personally and professionally rewarding experience.

Eighth Army's historic partnership with our Korean friends reinforces the 60-year Armistice that paused the Korean War and brought stability to the Asia Pacific region. Through the admirable resolve of our Soldiers, Families, and Civilians, we continue our enduring commitment to the Korean people and their freedom. The challenges we face have never been more real, yet our partnership with the Republic of Korea has never been more determined or more capable. With pride in our history and confidence in the future, we proudly proclaim that…

Eighth Army is strong…and getting stronger!