[Yang Nak-gyu's Defence Club] The Minimum Number of USFK Troops Has Decreased Further

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] The U.S. House of Representatives has lowered the minimum threshold for the size of U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) in the 'Support for the ROK-U.S. Alliance Act,' which restricts the withdrawal or reduction of U.S. troops stationed in South Korea. While the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) passed last year set the USFK size at around 28,500 personnel, the new bill reduces the minimum threshold by 6,500 troops from that number.

According to Radio Free Asia (RFA) and Voice of America (VOA) broadcasts on the 29th, the bill introduced on the 25th (local time) specifies that the Department of Defense's fiscal year 2022 budget cannot be used for reducing the number of active-duty U.S. troops stationed in South Korea below 22,000.

A representative from the office of Rep. Mike Gallagher (Republican, Wisconsin), the bill's lead sponsor, explained to VOA that the 28,500 figure considered rotational forces, whereas the 22,000 specified in this bill applies to the U.S. troops permanently stationed in South Korea.

According to reports, the bill stipulates that "the withdrawal or significant reduction of U.S. Forces Korea risks undermining the military balance in the region; therefore, if there is a significant change in the situation on the Korean Peninsula, the U.S. administration must consult with Congress in advance."

Exceptions allowing the Secretary of Defense to reduce USFK numbers below 22,000 require prior justification to Congress, but the conditions for this have been significantly strengthened compared to before.

The Secretary of Defense must submit an evaluation report to Congress on five items regarding the reduction of USFK: ▲ its impact on deterrence on the Korean Peninsula, ▲ its effect on South Korea's willingness to develop an independent nuclear deterrent, ▲ anticipated North Korean responses, among others.

Additionally, the report must describe the impact of USFK reductions on long-term military and economic partnerships between the U.S., South Korea, and Japan, as well as on the military balance among the U.S., China, and Russia. Existing provisions requiring proof to Congress that the reduction aligns with U.S. national interests, does not undermine allied security, and has been appropriately coordinated with South Korea and Japan are also maintained.

Alongside Rep. Gallagher and Rep. Van Taylor (Republican, Texas), three Democratic lawmakers, including Andy Kim (Democrat, New Jersey), a second-generation Korean American, have joined the bipartisan effort to introduce this bill.

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