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US/ROK kick off Key Resolve 10

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Larry W. Carpenter Jr.
  • 7th Air Force Public Affairs
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  Exercise Key Resolve/ FOAL Eagle 10 kicked off Monday morning for the first of 10 days of training operations.

This annual Joint/Combined command post and field training exercise is defense-oriented and designed to ensure the ROK and U.S. alliance is prepared to carry out its primary mission, which is to defend the ROK against outside aggression.

"Key Resolve is our combined Joint Chief of Staff exercise where we train and prepare for conflict," said Col. Danny Wolf, 7 AF Director Operations and Plans. "It's a command and control exercise where we have Combined Forces Command working in concert with the ROK, JCS and all the other components."

The exercise also delivers leaders the opportunity to provide valuable training to all military members involved. The training will be vital for the 2012 transition of operations to the ROK.

"The exercise keeps us current for right now," said Colonel Wolf. "The big picture is that the staffs turn over frequently. This is a new staff since the last major exercise, so this allows us to go through our processes to make sure we stay in sync with command and control of our forces."

The final aspect of KR/FE is that it exercises the command and control of the forces involved and improves the ability of the alliance to fight as a combined force.

"Every time we exercise we get better and are able to refine our procedures and gain a greater depth on our thinking to accomplish the plan," said Colonel Wolf. "We expect to resolve lessons learned from the last exercise and close that loop and ensure we are as prepared as possible."

The exercise is Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff-sponsored; United States Pacific Command-directed and involves United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command and U.S. Forces Korea Command.

Military men and women from across the globe descended on the Korean Peninsula, including Osan Air Base, to provide their particular skill sets and ensure the overall success of KR/FE 10.

"There are skill sets from every function of the Air Force taking part," said Colonel Wolf. "They are here to conduct the Air Force mission using a full spectrum across the Air Force inventory to apply combat power."

More than 11,000 personnel from all four branches of the military of the U.S. and ROK will participate in this 10-day exercise that includes roughly 1,600 Air Force personnel.
Colonel Wolf said that these numbers include Airmen from active duty, guard and reserve, highlighting the total force concept.

The exercise will be carried out in the spirit of the ROK/U.S. Mutual Defense Treaty that was signed in 1953. KR/FE 10 will emphasize the enduring partnership and friendship between the two nations and their combined commitment to the defense of the ROK and ensuring peace and security throughout the region.

"We have a very good working relationship with our ROK air force counterparts, and we look forward to refining our processes and having a great learning exercise," said Colonel Wolf.

Although this is a great learning experience for everyone, Gen. Walter L. Sharp, U.S. Forces Korea commander, also stressed the importance of training safely in his recent safety message.

The general said that a single accident can undermine the training benefits received during KR/FE 10 and encouraged all participating to remain vigilant and engaged.