War on the Rocks Gen. Brunson on Holding the Line on the Korean Peninsula
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Dec 18, 2025 Gen. Xavier T. Brunson commands key military forces on the Korean Peninsula and shares insights from his extensive career. He discusses the delicate balance of his dual responsibilities, assessing North Korea’s evolving tactics and the importance of readiness exercises for deterrence. Brunson highlights South Korea’s growing military capabilities and its role in regional security. He also reflects on his command during political turmoil and the significance of adapting strategies to counter new threats in the Indo-Pacific.
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Three Commands, One Complex Role
- Brunson wears three hats: UN Command to preserve the armistice, Combined Forces Command for bilateral crisis response, and USFK for forward-stationed U.S. forces.
- These roles overlap and can pull in different directions during resource or tasking disputes.
DMZ Risk Is Miscalculation, Not Solely Force
- The DMZ's danger is mainly miscalculation from unclear lines, moving markers, and new technologies like drones.
- Brunson emphasizes maintaining accurate shared data and regular mil‑to‑mil engagement to prevent inadvertent violations.
Combat Deployments Accelerate DPRK Learning
- Brunson sees North Korean deployment to Ukraine as a learning opportunity that accelerates DPRK tactics and tech adoption.
- He warns those combat lessons, especially on drones and small‑unit tactics, will be reimported into North Korean forces.
