Military

Release No. 030601 

USFK RESPONSE TO INACCURATE CHOSUN ILBO ARTICLE

SEOUL, Republic of Korea (USFK), June 4, 2003 -- An article appearing in today's Chosun Ilbo inaccurately attributes several statements to Gen. Leon J. LaPorte, commander, USFK, from an address he made to members of the National assembly yesterday.  The article states that General LaPorte indicated that CFC was changing its operational concepts in order to be prepared to take preemptive strikes at North Korea.

This is completely inaccurate.

General LaPorte discussed U.S. plans to invest in more than 150 enhanced capabilities at a value of approximately $11 billion.  He clearly stated repeatedly that these enhanced capabilities were defensive in nature. General LaPorte gave examples of several of these enhancements:

·  Patriot Missiles - to help protect the ROK from missile threats.  He reiterated that the Patriot system is purely a defensive system used to protect against incoming missiles

General LaPorte said that he clearly understood that Seoul is vulnerable to attack from North Korean missiles and artillery, and that operationally CFC would leverage new technologies to better defend Seoul.

General LaPorte emphasized CFC would take advantage of new technologies, updated training techniques, and replacement equipment to enhance deterrence.  He also made it clear that these enhancements should not be viewed as provocative in nature. General LaPorte also emphasized that "material superiority is not the dominating theme.  Of much greater importance is the training and education of our leaders and the development of doctrine so that the people can be effective with the technology."