South Korea and the US have agreed to conduct 22 outdoor maneuver exercises during next month’s 'Freedom Shield' exercises, which is less than half compared to last year’s 51.
South Korea and the United States have finalized an agreement to conduct 22 outdoor maneuver exercises during the upcoming 'Freedom Shield' training period set for March, a significant decrease from the 51 exercises held last year. A representative from the Joint Chiefs of Staff announced that discussions surrounding these joint outdoor maneuvers have been concluded, emphasizing that they will still be conducted normally despite the reduction in frequency. This decision aligns with a broader strategy to enhance readiness and continuously maintain combat preparedness across the year instead of concentrating training activities solely in March.
The planned 22 outdoor maneuver exercises will include six at brigade level, ten at battalion level, and six at company level, marking a substantial decrease from previous counts. For instance, last year saw 16 brigade-level and higher joint outdoor exercises, while this year is set to witness only six. Officials have stated that by diversifying the timing of these exercises throughout the year, they aim to bolster constant state of readiness and adaptability to various military scenarios.
The biannual joint exercises between South Korea and the US serve to enhance command and control capabilities in crisis management at the national level. Although real-world large-scale mobilizations of troops and equipment have not been conducted since 1993, the current joint training focuses heavily on computer-based simulations. Observed media releases showcase South Korean and US soldiers engaging in discussions in a simulated environment, which highlights the emphasis on preparing for diverse operational conditions and scenarios through technological means rather than traditional live maneuvers.
