Acting US Army Chief Says Strengthening South Korea-US Security Posture Is Crucial

Acting US Army Chief of Staff Christopher LaNeve stressed the need to strengthen military readiness based on the South Korea-US alliance. He also pushed back against skepticism about the role of ground forces in the Pacific, saying the Army is a core pillar of joint operations.

Speaking at a Korea Defense Veterans Association event and Alliance and Veterans Conference in Washington on Oct. 10, LaNeve said the US goal is to maintain strong power through alliances and readiness.

"If we are ever forced to fight, it would give me great comfort to know that our forces have stood shoulder to shoulder and prepared thoroughly," he said.

LaNeve, a former commander of the US Eighth Army, also explained why he chose South Korea as the destination for his first overseas trip after taking office. Strengthening the security posture in South Korea and across the Pacific is critically important, he said. The solid South Korea-US alliance provides essential advantages in a strategically vital region, and the two countries can achieve more beyond that.

He also devoted much of his remarks to explaining the Army's role. While some remain skeptical about the use of land forces in the Pacific, he said the Army is the foundation of the joint force.

"That is because the Army supports operations with intelligence, protection, firepower, and command and control at every stage, from ships departing the coast to aircraft taking off from land and satellites linking with ground terminals," he said.

Lim Ho-young, chairman of the ROK-US Alliance Foundation, who attended the event, highlighted that the two countries have worked together on the battlefield across multiple generations. Most South Koreans understand the sacrifice and dedication of Korean War veterans, he said, but they may be less aware of the sacrifice and commitment the US has shown over the past 70 years. "We are a spiritual alliance that has always stood on the same side," he added.

South Korean Ambassador to the US Kang Kyung-wha, in congratulatory remarks read by Consul General Moon In-seok, also cited the contribution of US Forces Korea and economic cooperation between the two countries. For more than 70 years, US troops have been stationed in South Korea and have defended the country's freedom and peace, at times at great personal sacrifice, Kang said.

She added that South Korean companies have emerged as key foreign investors by making large investments in sectors including electric vehicles, batteries and semiconductors. Kang also cited their pledge last year to make an additional $350 billion in investment.

The Korea Defense Veterans Association also presented merit awards to six military and civilian figures for contributing to the development of the alliance. The recipients were Dr. James Lee, Command Sgt. Maj. Lee Kang-hee, retired Brig. Gen. Kim Jung-hyuk, Chief Warrant Officer Adrian Romero, Project Soldier CEO Rami Hyun, and CAPS Chair Kim Hee-eun.