(LEAD) USFK chief calls for more dispersed military drills across S. Korea, citing Ukraine war lessons

What happened: USFK commander Gen. Xavier Brunson called for more geographically dispersed military exercises across South Korea, citing lessons from the war in Ukraine and evolving battlefield threats. Key numbers: South Korea and the US hold two large annual combined exercises, Freedom Shield and Ulchi Freedom Shield. Why it matters: A South Korean military source said the remarks do not mean modifying existing large-scale command post exercises but emphasize additional dispersed training. Brunson warned North Korean forces in Ukraine are applying combat lessons.

USFK commander Gen. Xavier Brunson called for more geographically dispersed military exercises across South Korea, citing lessons from the war in Ukraine and evolving battlefield threats.

A South Korean military source said the remarks do not mean modifying existing large-scale command post exercises but emphasize additional dispersed training. Brunson warned North Korean forces in Ukraine are applying combat lessons.