Combined Forces Command to Begin Ulchi Freedom Guardian 2015

17 August 2015

From Staff Report

YONGSAN GARRISON, SEOUL, South Korea — The Republic of Korea – United States Combined Forces Command will conduct the annual exercise Ulchi Freedom Guardian 2015 Aug. 17 to Aug. 28.

UFG is a routine and defense-oriented exercise designed to enhance CFC readiness, protect the region and maintain stability on the Korean peninsula. UFG is planned months in advance and it is not connected to any current world events. U.S. forces will join ROK military forces representing all services, and ROK government participants.

There are seven United Nations Command Sending States scheduled to participate in UFG 2015, including Australia, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, France, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. In addition, the Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission will monitor the exercise to ensure it is in compliance with the Armistice Agreement.

Through its Panmunjom mission, the United Nations Command Military Armistice Commission has informed the North Korean People's Army of the exercise dates and the non-provocative nature of this routine training.

Routine training exercises are carried out in the spirit of the Oct. 1, 1953, ROK-U.S. Mutual Defense Treaty and in accordance with the Armistice. These exercises also highlight the longstanding partnership, commitment and enduring friendship between the U.S. and ROK, and help to ensure stability and security on the peninsula.