Senate Armed Services Committee

Statement of General Curtis M. Scaparrotti Commander, United Nations Command; Commander, United States-republic of Korea Combined Forces Command; and Senate Armed Services Committee

Publisher Marketing: In 2013, we marked the 60th anniversaries of the Armistice Agreement that suspended the Korean War and the signing of the U. S.-ROK Mutual Defense Treaty. The U. S.-ROK Alliance is among history's most successful partnerships, providing the foundation for regional stability and prosperity. For 60 years, our Alliance has succeeded in preserving the Armistice Agreement, promoting democracy, and providing stability for the people of South Korea and the region. The Alliance is strong, but we will not allow ourselves to be complacent - we are and will remain ready. In the year ahead, we will face challenges and opportunities particularly in adapting the Alliance to changes in the North Korean threat. North Korea remains a threat that is continually increasing its asymmetric capabilities amid a declining, yet large conventional force. Kim Jong-un is firmly in control despite his family's legacy of failure and the suffering of the North Korean people. The Kim regime threatens the United States and South Korea, where more than 114,000 Americans reside. North Korea's actions hold at risk a regional trade network that supports 2.8 million U. S. jobs and $555 billion in U. S. exports. Thanks to the support of our national leaders and the American people, USFK's presence is a strong commitment to South Korea and preserves stability and prosperity. USFK, a modern, capable, and forward-deployed force, stands ready to support our Nation's interests and defend our ally.