Exercise Ulchi Freedom Guardian kicks off; '77 Grad helps lead way

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. John Bryan
  • Air Force Academy Public Affairs
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  Ulchi Freedom Guardian 2011, a Republic of Korea-United States Combined Forces Command exercise, runs from Aug. 16 - 26, with more than 530,000 military forces taking part.

The combined, annual exercise has representation from the Republic of Korea, United States and seven United Nations Command sending state nations on the peninsula, and at U.S. military headquarters in the Pacific and the United States.

The computer assisted-simulation command post exercise is designed to improve the Alliance's ability to defend the Republic of Korea, while teaching, coaching and mentoring service members and exercising senior leaders' decision-making capabilities. And, like all Combined Forces Command exercises, UFG is a defense-oriented, routine exercise that is consistently adjusted to account for ongoing future threats.

"Our job is to make it as realistic and challenging as possible at every level, and we do that with the models and sims," said Col. Patrick Matthews, the director of programs, plans and analysis for the 7th Air Force. "That teamwork, technology and deeply rooted history between ROK and U.S. forces helps maintain stability on the peninsula, everyday."

Retired Brig. Gen. Barry Barksdale, the Korean Air Simulation Center senior air controller, coordinates numerous UFG exercises and can attest to the effectiveness of the training these exercises provide.

"I've been doing this for many years and seen incredible improvement and proficiency, especially this year. The mixture of our solid team and advanced technology is what sets UFG apart from other exercises around the world."

Another Airman who has also seen UFG improve over the years is Lt. Gen. Jeffrey A. Remington, 7th Air Force commander ('77 USAFA).

"I wear many hats here (Air Component Command commander; US Forces Korea deputy commander, etc.), but the one I'm most proud of is working with the tens of thousands of men and women involved with UFG '11. Their dedication ensures we are prepared to prevent and prevail against the full range of current and future North Korean threats to the Republic of Korea and the region."