YONGSAN GARRISON, South Korea, Aug. 26, 2011 -- Exercise Ulchi Freedom Guardian concluded Aug. 26 after two weeks of intense training across the Korean Peninsula.
Led by the Republic of Korea, or ROK-U.S. Combined Forces Command, the command post exercise gave commanders and staff at all levels the opportunity to train for full spectrum operations.
For the first time since transforming to a deployable field army, Eighth Army moved its operational headquarters from one post to another and set up a joint task force headquarters during the exercise.
Eighth Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. John D. Johnson said Eighth Army continues to transform to better maintain peace on the Korean Peninsula and stability throughout the entire region.
"Eighth Army is evolving to better support the Republic of Korea-U.S. Alliance. An important part of that evolution is our ability to seamlessly set up a deployable combined headquarters, with a U.S. and ROK integrated staff." said Johnson. "Following UFG 2011, I'm absolutely convinced that we can tackle whatever challenges are thrown at us. We are ready to deter or defeat any threat here on the Korean Peninsula."
The Eighth Army commanding general also praised the efforts of other U.S. Army units that supported UFG 2011, including U.S. Army Pacific, III Corps, 28th ID (Pennsylvania Army National Guard), 20th Support Command and 200th Military Police Command.
"I'm proud of how our entire Army team performed during this exercise," said Johnson. "This training helps prepare us to rapidly respond to any provocation or crisis, and be ready to fight and win."
The computer simulation exercise is held every summer to hone the warfighting skills of the combined defense team in South Korea.
"This exercise gave our Soldiers a chance to train like they would fight," said Eighth Army Command Sgt. Maj. Rodney D. Harris, "and I was thoroughly impressed by their pride, professionalism and dedication."
UFG is one of the largest annual command post exercises in the world. The second of two annual exercises, UFG follows exercise Key Resolve/Foal Eagle, which occurs early every Spring.
Related Links:
Eighth Army trains for full-spectrum operations in UFG
200th MPC prepares for wartime mission during Ulchi Freedom Guardian 2011
Ulchi Freedom Guardian underway in Korea
Social Sharing