The decision to cancel major military exercises on the Korean Peninsula this year caused a slight degradation in the ability of American and South Korean f
WASHINGTON – The decision to cancel major military exercises on the Korean Peninsula this year caused a slight degradation in the ability of American and South Korean forces to work together and remain ready to fight, the U. S. general nominated to take command of troops in South Korea told senators Tuesday.
Gen. Robert Abrams said that commanders are planning a number of smaller staff exercises to rebuild the ability of U. S. and allied forces to operate together. And he was noncommittal when asked if the major exercises currently being planned for next year will be held.
“I think the temporary suspension of exercises that were previously scheduled for August and September were a prudent risk based on the opportunity to open up additional diplomatic efforts and negotiation between the United States and the DPRK,” said Abrams, using an abbreviation for North Korea. “Going forward we know inherently by not conducting training and exercises that there will be a degradation of readiness and capability and interoperability of the combined forces.”
He said any decision on the major exercises planned for next spring will be made by alliance leaders. But Abrams also warned that Pyongyang continues to pose a significant military threat — with both nuclear and conventional capabilities — and “America must remain clear-eyed about the situation on the ground and allow diplomacy to continue to work.”
President Donald Trump caught military leaders by surprise in June when he announced the suspension of major military exercises between the U.
