The change has now shifted the focus to that of command and control. The heart of the design is operational command and control, Gerner said. Applying lessons from the Gulf War and Korean War, the Army began to re-tool the required capabilities for command and control at echelons above corps. It includes capabilities for management and force provision functions as well as capabilities that perform operational functions. In Korea, as part of the CFC coalition, ASCC has been assigned combat functions that require immediate readiness.
Conditions demand that in-place forces are ready to respond and perform at a moment's notice.
Should conditions demand the deployment or employment of U.S. Army forces, the CINC will do so through the Army component commander in Korea. Although the situation on the peninsula and the role of U.S. forces on the mainland of Asia are dynamic issues that will change over time, there will always be a need for U.S. presence, Gerner said. The presence will include the command and control of U.S. forces delivering an element of regional stability, which is part of our national strategy and part of the strategy and plan within the services. Moving into the 21st Century, combat operations will require highly responsive forces in order to be effective during wartime. It is a huge job for the ASCC but we are ready.