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Annual defensive exercise begins: Ulchi Freedom Guardian

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The ROK-U.S. Combined Forces Command announced the annual exercise Ulchi Freedom Guardian 2015 taking place Aug. 17 to Aug. 28, 2015.

UFG, like all Combined Forces Command exercises, is routine and defense-oriented, designed to enhance 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.

There is approximately 30,000 U.S. service members participating, with approximately 3,000 from off-peninsula. U.S. forces join ROK military forces from major ROK units representing all services, as well as ROK government participants.

There are seven United Nations Sending States participating in UFG 2015:  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 compliance with the Armistice Agreement.

Training exercises like UFG 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 two nations, help to ensure peace and security on the peninsula, and reaffirm the U.S. commitment to the Alliance.