US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel rules out any quick decision on extending US wartime command over South Korea troops; Britain is to set up a dedicated military unit to counter cyber-attacks
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    • (SEPTEMBER 23-29)

    According to reports, US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel on September 28 ruled out any quick decision on extending US wartime command over South Korea troops. In case of war with North Korea, the alliance between USA and South Korea currently calls for the US military commander to lead the 28,500 US troops deployed to the country, as well as South Korea’s 640,000 force. During peacetime however each side maintains operational command of their own troops. South Korea agreed to take over wartime operational command of all troops starting in 2015, a decision that was already delayed from the 2012 target date. Tensions with North Korea, however, have made Seoul cautious about that date, and the South has asked Washington to review the timing of the planned transition. The question of when operational control should be passed to the South Koreans will feature prominently in Hagel’s talks with his counterpart and President Park Geun-Hye. 1
    In another development, according to reports, Britain is to set up a dedicated military unit to counter cyber attacks, the defense secretary announced this on September 29 as he issued a call for tech-savvy new recruits. The UK Ministry of Defence is looking to recruit hundreds of computer experts to help defend Britain’s national security. The “cyber reservists” would work alongside regular forces in the new Joint Cyber Reserve Unit in a bid to protect key computer networks and safeguard data. The new capability would be able to “counter-attack in cyber-space and, if necessary, to strike in cyber-space as part of Britain’s full-spectrum military. UK’s Defence Secretary Philip Hammond has reportedly said, “In response to the growing cyber threat, we are developing a full-spectrum military cyber capability, including a strike capability, to enhance the UK’s range of military capabilities. 2

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