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General Robert Abrams

Robert B. Abrams, a four-star US Army general who is nominated to become the next US Forces Korea (USFK) commander, stated that the suspension of joint military exercises between the US and South Korea has undermined combat readiness, and that an “atmosphere of detente” is being created on the Korean Peninsula.

During a hearing to vet him for his new position at the Senate Armed Service Committee on Sept. 25, Abrams talked about the suspension of the Ulchi-Freedom Guardian joint military exercises in the wake of the US-North Korea summit meeting on June 12. According to an AFP report, he said “I think the suspension of the exercise this past August and September, I would say was a prudent risk if we’re willing to make the effort to change the relationship with [North Korea].”

On the suspension, he added “I think that there was certainly degradation to the readiness of the force for the combined forces.” Abrams went on to say that preparations for the joint military exercise scheduled for next spring remained ongoing, but the final decision on the training was up to the leaders. He also stated that he was attempting to engage in small-scale training exercises to offset the impact of the suspension of large-scale training.

"It's been over 300 days since the last major provocation from the DPRK," Abrams said. "Since then, there's been significant dialogue at multiple levels, including communications between UN Command and the DPRK at senior officer level for the first time in 11 years." Abrams believes that North Korea’s military stance remains unchanged, and that an “atmosphere of detente” has built up on the Korean Peninsula.

Abrams is a four-star Army general and the son of Creighton Abrams, a former Chief of Staff of the US Army who fought in the Korean War. Abrams’ two older brothers are also generals in the army. He is expected to be appointed USFK commander as early as late October.

By Lee Bon-yeong, staff reporter

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Caption: General Robert Abrams, who is set to be appointed the new commander of US Forces Korea.