According to the Army commander of U.S. Forces Korea, the mission has not changed in 45 years . For 46 years U.S. Forces have been instrumental in the security of South Korea by an agreement with the R.O.K. and under UN sanction. More than 1,239 have died as a result of this commitment, threat still exists, yet the Pentagon sees this duty as not meriting service medal recognition. The deaths began in 1955. Since 65 percent of North Korea's forces are forward deployed within 100 kilometers of the DMZ, we must constantly be wary and watchful, Gen. John Tilelli Jr. said.
Imminent danger exists.
Gen. John Tilelli is Commander of the Combined Forces Command and serves as commander in chief of United Nations Command. North Korea's unpredictability strengthens the ROK-U.S. alliance, Tilelli said. Whatever choice the North makes, the U.S. and the Republic of Korea will continue to work together to keep this country strong and free. The U.S. is committed to keeping U.S. Armed Forces in a situation with imminent danger. The Clinton administration has been accused by critics at home and abroad of dragging its feet on a landmines ban, which has been opposed by military commanders wishing to retain the weapons in the U.S. arsenal.