Wartime OPCON transfer is a central theme of the transformation of the ROK-U.S. combined defense system. ROK and U.S. agreed to Wartime OPCON transfer in 2007, but are currently in progress without completing it. ROK-U.S. combined defense system after Wartime OPCON transfer is to maintain the current ROK JCS-CFC system, but appoint the commander of CFC as a Korean four-star general. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the problems of Future CFC and to present solutions.
Future CFC System has problems such as the dualization of the current ROK JCS-CFC System, the inefficiency of the Korean military command structure, the reversal of authority between the future CFC commander and deputy-commander. Measures to address these problems include the strategic approach to wartime OPCON transfer, the establishment of the ROK Joint Force Command, the coordination of PMC status and representation of South Korea Armed Forces of PMC, the location of the integration of Future CFC into ROK Joint Force Command, the granting of authority at peacetime to U.S. troops to reinforce in case of emergency, abolition of the CODA.