USFK Soldiers Restricted in Movement

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yang Nak-gyu] The U.S. Army has decided to restrict the movement of troops ordered to be deployed to South Korea and Italy due to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). As troop movements from South Korea and Italy to other regions are also restricted, it is expected to inevitably affect the rotation schedule of the U.S. Forces Korea.

On the 9th, the U.S. Forces Korea stated on its official Twitter, "We are aware of the U.S. Army's directive to halt the movement of all Army soldiers and their families traveling from the U.S. to South Korea or from South Korea to the U.S., as well as soldiers scheduled to receive Professional Military Education (PME) in the U.S., due to concerns about COVID-19."

This measure by the U.S. Army applies to Eighth Army soldiers who are finishing their service in South Korea and moving to the U.S. mainland or those scheduled to receive PME in the U.S. mainland. Under the U.S. Army's directive, movement is prohibited until May 6. If COVID-19 infections spread further, the period is expected to be extended.

Immediately, the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team under the 1st Cavalry Division, which was deployed to U.S. Forces Korea, is also expected to be grounded. The 2nd Brigade Combat Team under the U.S. Army's 1st Infantry Division, which will replace the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, entered the country last month. Accordingly, the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team is supposed to return to Fort Hood, Texas, but there are expectations that the return may be delayed due to this measure. The size of the rotating brigade is about 3,500 to 4,000 personnel, and including support troops, it approaches nearly 6,000.

As of today, seven U.S. Forces Korea soldiers and staff have been infected with COVID-19. In particular, on the 6th, a Korean employee working at Camp Humphreys, the largest U.S. military base in the country located in Pyeongtaek, was confirmed positive for COVID-19, heightening the sense of crisis.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.