OKINAWA, Japan –
The Republic of Korea and Marines from III Marine Expeditionary Force are currently participating in Key Resolve 2015. Key Resolve will culminate for the Marines of both countries with the Combined Marine Component Command, Command Post Exercise (CMCC-CPX) 17-22 March 2015.
Key Resolve, which began March 2, is an annual exercise that ensures the ROK-U.S. Alliance is prepared to defend the ROK, while training Alliance forces to respond to any potential event on the peninsula.
“Key Resolve strengthens the ROK-U.S. alliance and demonstrates the U.S. commitment to interoperability and the alliance,” said Lt. Gen. John Wissler, commanding general, III Marine Expeditionary Force. “This exercise provides an ideal opportunity to maintain high levels of interoperability by training alongside our ROK and United Nations Sending State partners. Exercises like Key Resolve maintain our combined ROK-US readiness and hone our ability to work closely with our allies and partners on any contingency in the region.”
The final event, CMCC CPX, offer U.S. and ROK Marines the opportunity to train together, strengthening relationships and refining interoperability. According to Wissler, “The command post exercise in Korea provides III MEF Marines and our ROK Marine partners a realistic opportunity to test the necessary command and control for employment of our combined Marine force.” He added that “working shoulder to shoulder with our ROK Marine brothers and sisters we gain crucial knowledge and experience that enhances our ability to fight as a seamless and cohesive team.”
Five United Nations Sending States are scheduled to participate in KR15. They include Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, and Great Britain. Additionally, the Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission will observe and monitor the exercise, fulfilling duties prescribed by the Armistice Agreement.
The United Nations Command has informed the Korean People's Army in North Korea through their Panmunjom mission about Key Resolve dates and the non-provocative nature of this training.