The combined U.S. and ROK elements conducted field-based training that honed direct action, special reconnaissance, countering weapons of mass destruction, and other special operations forces’ skills-based, core activities.

With the 75th anniversary of the Korean War approaching in June of this year, these training sessions continue a decades’ long investment between both nations’ SOF. This investment enhances interoperability between the two nations, deters aggression through a ready and lethal force, and elevates combat readiness to meet mutual homeland defense priorities, if called upon.

“We must never forget that today’s training, exercises, and the readiness generated by them comes out of the blood of those who perished in the brutal Korean War that unnecessarily tore this great nation’s people apart,” said Brig. Gen. Derek N. Lipson, Special Operations Command Korea commander, United Nations Command Special Operations Component Command commander, and Combined Special Operations Component Command deputy commander. “As we continue to seek peace and stability through strength in the region, we must also leave no doubt in our adversaries’ minds that we maintain the most lethal force they would face, if they mistakenly choose to disrupt the status quo through aggression.”

U.S. personnel in the SOF community routinely participate in combined training as a means to continue a high level of proficiency in skills known as the SOF core activities.

During FS25, Joint and combined SOF elements on the Korean Peninsula honed their technical skills, ability to plan and conduct multinational missions, and integrated information sharing toward a combined, Joint, and all-domain awareness, targeting, and operations process.

“Because of the SOF mindset, unique capabilities, specialized training, and commitment to maintaining readiness, our people have outsized impacts on our national interests,” said Lipson. “Our people are our competitive advantage, and they exert the ability to wield the most primitive to advanced technologies.”

FS25 is an 11-day exercise conducted by U.S. and ROK combined forces set to reflect the Korea Theater of Operations – a combined, joint, all domain, and interagency operating environment. The annual exercise validates the integrated readiness of a lethal force that directly empowers U.S. and ROK homeland defense while promoting security and stability through the Northeast Asia and the broader Indo-Pacific regions.

“Testing our lethality in the field is just one more way we invest in our readiness to maintain peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and the Northeast Asia region,” said Lipson.

During FS25, Joint and combined special operations teams conducted field training exercises that enhanced proficiency in military freefall and static line airborne operations, special reconnaissance, tactical air control and terminal guidance operations, and air assault in support of direct action and CWMD, and time sensitive target seizure skills at a variety of locations in the ROK and through rear-area support.

The Freedom Shield exercise series continues to feature various types of virtual and field-based training, with engagement from the military services and other federal agencies.
Additionally, it builds greater understanding between the U.S.-ROK Combined Forces Command, United States Forces Korea, the United Nations Command, and ROK Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), ensuring their ability to fortify the combined defense posture and enhance Alliance response capabilities against a spectrum of security threats.

The exercise is defensive in nature, ensures a ready, lethal, and deterrent force, and is not associated with any current real-world situation. Specific dates, locations, and detailed dispositions of ROK and U.S. SOF units and personnel may be withheld to preserve operational security.