According to Army Gen. Burwell Bell, getting adequate air training space—particularly for air-to-ground training—is a key issue for US Forces Korea. Burwell, USFK leader, told the House Armed Services Committee last week, “We do not have the ranges that I believe are required to ensure our competency day to day.” He said that USAF had access to ranges “until several months back” and was promised use of a new range. The new arrangement has met local resident resistance. Burwell maintained that he is “trying to resolve this” with South Korea.
Three of four congressional committees with influence over defense policy have voted to change the official name of the Department of Defense to the Department of War—but final approval of the Pentagon rebrand is months away and not yet assured.