The U.S. Senate recently confirmed Army Lt. Gen. Xavier T. Brunson as the new commander of U.S. Forces Korea (USFK). I know General Brunson only by reputation — stellar — and his impressive service record. Why would I presume to give unsolicited advice to the new USFK boss?
In 2008, I was almost in his shoes. Knowing that Secretary of Defense Robert Gates was ready to nominate me as the first non-Army officer to command USFK, I gave deep thought to the challenges and opportunities on the horizon. However, as Gates noted in his memoir,, “Army chief of staff George Casey balked and made a strong case that the timing for the change wasn’t good, especially as we were negotiating with South Korea on a transfer of operational control of forces from the United States to the Koreans. He was right, so I recommended that the president nominate another Army general.”
I did not get the job and retired as a three-star that summer. I am still driven to make a difference for Korea on both sides of the DMZ. I cannot be comfortable with the unending state of war that has the standoff more dangerous than ever, nor can I ignore the decades of repression and privation faced by ordinary North Koreans.
My four years serving in South Korea in two Air Force assignments allowed me to witness the dual miracles of economic growth and democratization. Simultaneously, I saw North Korea descend deeper into decline as its government broke the bank developing a credible nuclear threat. There was a glimmer of hope during the Trump-Kim meetings in 2018 and 2019, but that was dashed when the Hanoi Summit collapsed. Something must be done, and General Brunson has a chance to make a difference.
After his confirmation, NK News reported that promoting the general meant he would be tasked with “countering North Korea’s growing nuclear threat.” But the job is so much more than that, and the new four-star will hear all about that from the Defense Department, think tank influencers, South Korean counterparts and his new boss, Admiral Sam Paparo, commander of U.S. INDOPACOM.
General Brunson will not define the Korea policy of a Harris or Trump administration, but his role in implementation can shape the future. I offer my thoughts formed over the 46 years since I first landed at Osan Air Base in South Korea to the new commander in hopes that his tenure will help move beyond the dangerous standoff persisting since the Armistice was signed in 1953.
General Brunson, congratulations and best wishes. As you enter this important position, I recommend the following:
First, be realistic. Well-intended U.S. policies towards the “North Korea problem” since the collapse of the Soviet Union have failed. DPRK materiel and manpower support to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine shows we have not deterred conventional provocation, and the North now has a credible nuclear threat despite the best efforts of multiple American administrations.
Congress passed the North Korean Human Rights Act 20 years ago, but the horrific repression of non-elites there has not been stemmed, if anything, it has expanded. Since the failure of the Hanoi Summit, U.S. and ROK engagement with the Kim government has ceased, increasing the danger of accidental or intentional conflict.
Second, consider your sources. As you transition into command, carefully examine the political, organizational and financial loyalties of those offering advice. I am unaffiliated, non-partisan and not paid for my advocacy. Others may be more entangled. The case of American policy influencer Su Mi Terry, the former CIA analyst and National Security Council official allegedly on the payroll of the South Korean intelligence service illustrates the complicated perspectives of those who will seek your ear. The undue influence of politics, ideology and money have not made for effective policy.
Third, set a command tone that is strong but not confrontational. When you assume the three command roles (United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command and U.S. Forces Korea), you will inherit some time-worn slogans that are overdue revision or replacement.
“Katchi kapchida” “같이갑시다” (we go together) is the catchphrase for the ROK-U.S. military alliance. We are allies and partners but we should not expect or attempt to do so in lockstep. “Partners for peace” or pyeonghwaleul wihan pateuneo (평화를 위한 파트너) is a better vision for the alliance.
American and South Korean leaders urge their charges to be ready to “fight tonight,” a slogan that headlines USFK’s official website. As real as the possibility of an outbreak of hostilities might be, the new commander should revise the slogan to: “Be so ready that you never have to fight.” Deterrence is the first goal, and that should be emphasized at every opportunity.
Fourth, fight for a lasting peace. As you deter, lead your command out of war. The Armistice paused the Korean War, it did not end it. You have a responsibility to honor the sacrifices of the past and secure the safety of the future by advocating for and facilitating a formal end to hostilities on the Korean Peninsula. If the next administration is serious about its Korea policy, yours will be a key part of any success because of the unique nature of your three roles.
As CINCUNC, you can initiate movement beyond the state of war by requesting an advisory ruling on maritime boundaries prescribed by the Armistice. North Korea will benefit, but not as a reward for bad behavior, rather as a demonstration of U.S. commitment to the rule of law.
As the leader of the military coalition (CFC), shift focus from countering a possible but unlikely DPRK invasion to a more imaginative all-domain strategy that is more effective and relies less on conventional land forces that require provocative and costly large-scale exercises.
In your U.S. role, make it clear to your South Korean counterparts know that you will not advocate for actions that have more risk than benefit such as strategic (nuclear) asset visits to the ROK. Such grandstanding does nothing to contribute to readiness and they inflame rather than reduce tensions with North Korea.
And finally, close the deal. That transfer of control referenced by Dr. Gates still has not occurred. I hope you will be the Army general who closes this deal in testimony to the strength of U.S.-ROK partnership and out of respect for our ally’s sovereign interests.
General Brunson, time in command will present great challenges but also an important opportunity. I hope you will seize the moment and be the leader who shifts the paradigm on the peninsula from confrontation to the aggressive pursuit of lasting peace.
