US Department of Defense "60-Day Restriction on Troop Movement"

by Yang Nakgyu

Published 12 Mar.2020 15:34(KST)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu Reporter] The rotational deployment of U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) is expected to face disruptions. The U.S. Department of Defense has restricted the movement of soldiers and their families to and from Korea for 60 days starting from the 13th, making troop movements impossible.

The USFK Command stated on the 12th, "USFK received this information from the U.S. Department of Defense today," and added, "We are analyzing the impact of the movement restrictions on USFK personnel."

Earlier, the U.S. Department of Defense announced restrictions on travel to and from countries designated as Level 3 travel advisory for soldiers, their families, and civilian employees. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) designated South Korea as a Level 3 (Reconsider Travel) travel advisory country due to the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

USFK explained, "The movement restrictions include all forms of travel such as unit deployments, temporary missions, and official trips," and noted, "The CDC may change the travel advisory level."

They continued, "According to Department of Defense guidelines, commanders may grant exceptions to the movement restrictions if they determine that essential personnel or maintaining readiness in specific situations is necessary."

This measure by the U.S. Department of Defense is interpreted as a strengthening of the previous movement restrictions imposed by the U.S. Army. Not only the Army but also the Air Force, Navy, and civilian employees are included in the Korea movement restrictions.

On the 8th of this month, USFK announced, "The U.S. Army has ordered all Army soldiers and families moving from the U.S. to Korea or from Korea to the U.S., as well as soldiers scheduled to receive Professional Military Education (PME) in the U.S., to halt their movements."