SECDEF Praises Choice to Lead U.S. Forces in Korea

22 March 2016

From DoD News

WASHINGTON — Defense Secretary Ash Carter offered his congratulations to Army Gen. Vincent K. Brooks following the announcement today that President Barack Obama intends to nominate Brooks to be commander of U.S. Forces Korea, Combined Forces Command and United Nations Command.

Brooks currently serves as commander of U.S. Army Pacific at Fort Schafter, Hawaii.

“[He] has served our military with distinction and has been a pioneer and trailblazer from his first days as an officer,” Carter said in a statement. “As an operational leader in multiple theaters including the Korean Peninsula, the Balkans, and the Middle East, General Brooks has developed a keen appreciation for the responsibilities of command and the importance of partnerships as a force multiplier.”

Brooks’ deep understanding of the needs of U.S. service members is complimented by his skills as a communicator and strategic planner, the defense secretary said. These skills were developed during demanding tours at U.S. Central Command and at the Pentagon, he said. As commander of the Army’s Pacific forces, he played a critical role in the U.S. rebalance, Carter added.

“These experiences will serve him well as he assumes command of U.S. Forces Korea and builds upon the partnerships and alliances which were strengthened under the excellent leadership of [Army] Gen. Curtis Scaparrotti,” the defense secretary said.

Scaparrotti has been nominated to serve as commander of United States European Command and Supreme Allied Commander in Europe.

Statement by Secretary of Defense Ash Carter on Gen. Vincent K. Brooks

I want to congratulate Gen. Vincent Brooks, who will soon be nominated as commander, US Forces Korea; commander, Combined Forces Command; and commander, United Nations Command.

Gen. Brooks has served our military with distinction and has been a pioneer and trailblazer from his first days as an officer. As an operational leader in multiple theaters including the Korean Peninsula, the Balkans, and the Middle East, Gen. Brooks has developed a keen appreciation for the responsibilities of command and the importance of partnerships as a force multiplier. His deep understanding of the needs of our men and women on the ground is complimented by his skills as a communicator and strategic planner, developed during demanding tours at U.S. Central Command and at the Pentagon. And as commander of U.S. Army, Pacific, he has played a critical role in the U.S. rebalance to that critical region.

These experiences will serve him well as he assumes command of U.S. Forces Korea and builds upon the partnerships and alliances which were strengthened under the excellent leadership of Gen. Curtis Scaparrotti, who has been nominated to serve as commander of United States European Command (EUCOM) and Supreme Allied Commander in Europe (SACEUR).