ID :
199230
Fri, 08/05/2011 - 05:44
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/199230
The shortlink copeid
USFK Commander Thurman calls for safety ahead of joint exercise
By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL (Yonhap) - The commanding general of the U.S. forces in South Korea on Friday called for safe execution of an upcoming joint exercise between South Korean and American forces.
In a statement posted on the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) Web site, Gen. James Thurman said that all participants of the annual Ulchi Freedom Guardian (UFG) must remember that "even routine tasks can be hazardous and caution is a lifesaver."
"It is essential that commanders and leaders at all echelons engage with their units to ensure safe execution," Thurman said. "To maximize our efficiencies and maintain an appropriate level of safety, leaders must identify hazards and control risks across the full spectrum of our missions, functions, operations and activities in order to defeat complacency, overconfidence, and, indeed, fatigue."
This year's exercise is set for Aug. 16-26. The computer-assisted exercise will mobilize tens of thousands of South Korean and U.S. troops.
Thurman noted that the forces have had "catastrophic accidents involving vehicle and aviation operations" in the past, and said having a safe exercise this year "should be an achievable goal."
"Success of this exercise will be measured against our execution of battle tasks, management of tactical risks for changing situations, and, importantly, how safely we conduct the operation," the general said. "This exercise will not be considered a success until everyone returns home safely."
North Korea has taken umbrage at joint South Korea-Washington military exercises, claiming they amount to a prelude to war. USFK and South Korean military have insisted the UFG is a "defense-oriented and routine" exercise designed to enhance the interoperability between their forces.
SEOUL (Yonhap) - The commanding general of the U.S. forces in South Korea on Friday called for safe execution of an upcoming joint exercise between South Korean and American forces.
In a statement posted on the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) Web site, Gen. James Thurman said that all participants of the annual Ulchi Freedom Guardian (UFG) must remember that "even routine tasks can be hazardous and caution is a lifesaver."
"It is essential that commanders and leaders at all echelons engage with their units to ensure safe execution," Thurman said. "To maximize our efficiencies and maintain an appropriate level of safety, leaders must identify hazards and control risks across the full spectrum of our missions, functions, operations and activities in order to defeat complacency, overconfidence, and, indeed, fatigue."
This year's exercise is set for Aug. 16-26. The computer-assisted exercise will mobilize tens of thousands of South Korean and U.S. troops.
Thurman noted that the forces have had "catastrophic accidents involving vehicle and aviation operations" in the past, and said having a safe exercise this year "should be an achievable goal."
"Success of this exercise will be measured against our execution of battle tasks, management of tactical risks for changing situations, and, importantly, how safely we conduct the operation," the general said. "This exercise will not be considered a success until everyone returns home safely."
North Korea has taken umbrage at joint South Korea-Washington military exercises, claiming they amount to a prelude to war. USFK and South Korean military have insisted the UFG is a "defense-oriented and routine" exercise designed to enhance the interoperability between their forces.
