Q&A: Brigadier General Simeon G. Trombitas
Peninsular Guardian
Working for Peace but Honing Skills for Every Option
Brigadier General Simeon G. Trombitas
Commander
Special Operations Command
Korea
Brigadier General Simeon G. Trombitas assumed command of Special Operations Command Korea in August 2006. He is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy and the U.S. Army War College.
From December 1978 to July 1983 he was a platoon leader, later executive officer, B Company, later platoon leader, Combat Support Company, later battalion S-3 (Air), and later commander, B Company, 1st Battalion (Mechanized), 41st Infantry, 2nd Armored Division, Fort Hood, Texas. He attended the Armor School, Fort Knox, Ky., from July 1983 to February 1984 and then attended the Special Force Qualification Course, U.S Special Warfare Center, Fort Bragg, N.C., to July 1984. Trombitas then became the battalion S-1 and later commander of Detachment A, Company B, 1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (SFG), Fort Bragg from July 1984 to March 1987. He was at the Joint Readiness Training Center, Little Rock, Ark., as a rifle company senior observer controller from April 1987 to March 1989. From June 1989 to March 1990 he was the senior advisor/chief of operations, planning and training with the 4th Salvadoran Infantry Brigade, El Salvador. He attended the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College from August 1990 to June 1991. He returned to a special operations command from July 1991 to April 1993 as the commander, A Company, and later as the S-3, 2nd Battalion, 7th SFG (Airborne), Fort Bragg. From May 1993 to March 1996 he served as the aide-de-camp to the commander-in-chief, later as the deputy director of operations, J-3 SOCSOUTH. He was the executive officer of 7th SFG from March 1996 to June 1996 before becoming the commander of 3rd Battalion 7th SFG from June 1996 to June 1998. From July 1998 to July 1999 he was the assistant deputy chief of staff for operations USASOC, Fort Bragg. He attended the Army War College from August 1999 to June 2000. From June 2000 to October 2003 he was the garrison commander, 7th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo. From October 2003 to August 2005 he commanded the U.S. Military Group, Colombia.
His decorations and badges include the Defense Superior Service Medal; Legion of Merit; Bronze Star Medal with “V” Device; Defense Meritorious Service Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster); Meritorious Service Medal (with 5 Oak Leaf Clusters); Army Commendation Medal (with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters); Army Achievement Medal; Combat Infantryman Badge; Expert Infantryman Badge; Master Parachutist Badge; Air Assault Badge; Ranger Tab; Special Forces Tab; and the Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge
Interviewed by SOTECH editor Jeff McKaughan
Q: Good morning, General. Could we start with an overview of the makeup and structure of SOCKOR and what its primary mission is?
A: Located in Yongsan, Republic of Korea [ROK], we are the smallest theater special operations command [TSOC], but are organized in staff directorates similar to the other TSOCs. Additional support is provided to SOCKOR by a theater Army liaison element [ALE-K] that plans and coordinates our logistical requirements and a joint special operations liaison element that links us with USAF-Korea/7th Air Force at Osan Air Base. The U.S. Army Special Forces Detachment 39, OPCON from 1st Special Forces Group, provides advisors to each of the six ROK special forces brigades and the ROK Special Warfare Training Group.
A functional component command of United States Forces Korea, Special Operations Command Korea is tasked to plan and conduct special operations on the Korean Peninsula, and during armistice, we are responsible to COMUSFK for SOF planning, targeting, training and advising. In accomplishing these tasks we focus SOCKOR on the USFK commander’s priorities: ensure peace and stability on the peninsula, strengthen the ROK-United States alliance thru transformation, enhance warfighting readiness and improve force well-being.
Our relationship with the Korean Special Warfare Command is unique. If the armistice fails and hostilities were to resume, SOCKOR combines with the ROK Special Warfare Command to form the Combined Unconventional Warfare Task Force [CUWTF] under the Combined Forces Command. Under wartime conditions SOCKOR is also designated as the headquarters for the United Nations Command Special Operations Component and the SOCKOR commander becomes commander, UN SOF. Should conflict occur, SOCKOR would swell to become the largest of the standing theater special operations commands.
Q: What are the circumstances that have your command as the only special operations command that is linked to a single country?
A: The Korean War was a testing ground for unconventional warfare concepts and capabilities. Graduates of the first U.S. Army Special Forces Qualification Course saw combat when they were employed as advisors during the Korean War, the Navy’s underwater demolition teams conducted strategic reconnaissance and sabotage, and the fledgling U.S. Air Force practiced aerial penetration of denied territory, as well as long range re-supply and combat search and rescue missions.
Conducting partisan operations with the 8240th Army Unit and other 8th Army elements, Special Forces began their long stay in Korea. After the armistice was signed in 1953, United States special operations forces presence dwindled but was reenergized in 1956 when a permanent U.S. Army Special Forces Detachment was assigned to the Republic of Korea.
Since that time United States special operations forces have maintained a constant presence on the Korean peninsula to deter aggression from the north. Special operations forces have been an integral part of deterrence, conducting foreign internal defense and planning special operations as we first assisted in organizing and training the ROK SOF, building their capacity, then advising and integrating them in global operations.
Due to our long presence and the close relationship with our ROK counterparts our combined special forces concentrate their training on advanced skills and interoperability and are ready for war 365 days a year. Deterring North Korean aggression and containing the 4th largest military force in the world keeps us focused on Korea and potential conflict here.
Our focus and presence, along with all the USFK elements, have contributed to peace and stability in Korea. The transformation of the Korean nation from a country in ruins to a position as the 11th largest economy in the world demonstrates the energy on the peninsula. By maintaining the peace and stability on the Korean peninsula we set the conditions for regional peace and harmony.
Q: Do you expect any fundamental changes in the command structure, size or mission of the command in the near term?
A: A milestone was reached this year when the ROK and U.S. governments announced that the ROK JCS would take operation control [OPCON] of the ROK armed forces on 17 April 2012. The United States has maintained wartime OPCON of Korean forces since the Korean War, and when this change occurs our standing combined headquarters will be dissolved.
To minimize the impact of this change on both nations’ forces, the COMUSFK, General B.B. Bell, is pursuing an aggressive transformation plan. Although our staffs will become separate entities, strong SOF doctrinal emphasis on combined operations greatly lessens the change in the relationship between SOCKOR and ROK SWC. The fundamental structure and mission of SOCKOR will remain unchanged.
A much greater challenge faces our forces in building the ROK capacity to conduct unilateral special operations. Because they face resource challenges in long-range penetration platforms, aerial delivery systems, C4I apparatus and ground-to-air communications systems, the transition of ROK SOF must include a solid acquisition plan, new equipment training and field tests and exercises to validate proficiency. Additionally SOCKOR must provide a contingency bridging capability to cover these shortfalls during the transition period.
Q: What is the relationship with South Korean special operations forces?
A: As members of our military’s only standing combined wartime headquarters, SOCKOR has a unique relationship with the ROK Special Warfare Command. During JCS Exercise Ulchi Focus Lens and RSOI/Foal Eagle [soon to be Key Resolve] we co-locate with the ROK Special Warfare Command and operate in our wartime configuration, as a Combined Unconventional Warfare Task Force, commanded by a ROK lieutenant general, with a U. S. brigadier general as deputy commander. The force package includes the ROK Army’s Special Warfare Command, a significant ROK Naval Special Warfare element and a ROK Air Force squadron coupled with United States special operations components from all services.
This habitual relationship is strengthened by command video teleconferences that link the ROK commander with his U.S. elements in Japan, Guam, CONUS and on the Korean peninsula to plan training and coordinate exercises. Our relationship is further enhanced by conducting combined quarterly staff training events, CPXs, monthly combined airborne operations, and the presence of a U.S. advisor/liaison with every ROK Special Forces brigade. These SF liaison noncommissioned officers, from Detachment 39, live, train and work with ROK special forces on a daily basis, playing a critical role in maintaining our robust relationship with the ROK Special Warfare Command. Interoperability with the ROK SOF is also fostered by our joint combined exchange training program. Our goal is to make Korea a place where the conditions exist to conduct tough, realistic training for all U.S. SOF components. Combined training forums at the CFC level have allowed us to reduce flight and above ground level restrictions for SOF aircraft, streamline flight routing procedures, and conduct operations not only on U.S. installations but in Korean national parks, urban areas and throughout the littoral region. Easy access to all ROK SOF training facilities and equipment, a trained and ready ROK SOF that welcomes U.S. interaction, and a combatant command that encourages special operations activity are instrumental to our solid relationship.
Q: How are the tools and technology requirements for SOCKOR different from those needed by warriors in other theaters?
A: Our combined war plans require interoperability at all command levels. Constructing a bilateral C4I sharing capability with a common architecture is critical for interaction with our ROK counterparts to increase the synergy between our forces and enhance command and control. Dual language capability is vital and today information technology exists to facilitate bilingual communication.
Our C2 structures must be flexible and adaptable, especially for time-sensitive targeting. Ideally we should flatten the information flow so we can rapidly disseminate information to make timely, well informed decisions. As we are separated by large time and distance factors from many of our headquarters and supporting agencies readily accessible sharing and collaboration tools are very effective. Video teleconferencing, chat room capability, and reach back systems give us instant links to other geographic and functional commands that can support us.
Korea is a land of extremes, especially in weather and terrain. To maintain full situational awareness and receive timely input from the operators we need light, easily transportable, complete data/voice communications systems. Batteries with longer than normal operating life or self-generating power sources would increase mission effectiveness. The ability of CUWTF, when operational, to saturate the area of operations with teams makes blue force tracking indispensable.
Q: Do your people have much interaction with the local community in a role similar to what civil affairs would do?
A: Although not civil affairs related, our service members interact with the local population through a comprehensive Good Neighbor Program, instituted by the Commander of U.S. Forces Korea and executed by subordinate commands.
In this program SOCKOR’s interaction with the Korean people comes through voluntary activities and programs that allow us to learn more about the Korean culture, use our language training and also teach the Korean people about the United States. Specifically SOCKOR sponsors an orphanage and a small local university and our members participate in school reading programs, teaching English, and sports activities with Korean children and young adults. This grassroots program really increases our cultural awareness and language abilities while giving us a greater appreciation of the country that is host to our forces.
At the command and staff level our special operators interact through social, fraternal and civic organizations and become imbued with Korean history, tradition, culture and customs. Acting as global ambassadors we further strengthen the U.S.-ROK Alliance and our abilities as SOF practitioners.
Q: You recently hosted the sixth annual United Nations Command Special Operations Conference. Can you tell me what this conference is about, who attends and what were the major accomplishments this year?
A: The United Nations Command Special Operations Forces Conference brings special operators together to nurture professional interaction between the United States, Republic of Korea and the United Nations Sending States in regards to issues effecting today’s operating environment. Fourteen nations are committed to support operations in Korea should hostilities resume. Bringing together military, academic and cultural experts, from these sending states, this forum helps develop a shared understanding of the challenges associated with conducting combined operations on the Korean peninsula.
This year about one hundred and twenty participants from nine countries met to discuss the United Nations contribution to unconventional warfare on the Korean Peninsula.
Lessons learned from our allies conducting special operations in the war on terrorism, coupled with historic case studies from the Korean War and academic and practical examination of the North Korean threat provided a great venue for multinational professional dialogue and operational awareness.
Q: SOCKOR also holds an annual communications conference. Why a communications conference and what does special operations gain from this event?
A: SOCKOR has identified unique signal challenges required to conduct operations as an element of a combined force. The intent of the annual communications conference is to identify existing structures and impacting initiatives, programs and projects within the theater, SOCKOR/CUWTF and component commands.
Communications interoperability and configuration requirements of deploying SOF are integrated into our standing plans ensuring seamless operations when forces are introduced into Korea. The attendance of SOCPAC, SOCOM, USFK, and the executive agent, Eighth United States Army enhances the common understanding of challenges and requirements and helps establish milestones to shape a workable, shared structure carrying through transition.
The conference also allows SOCKOR to monitor our key functional areas; network engineering, system administration, information assurance, theater spectrum management and technical control, while getting a 360 degree look from supporting agencies.
Q: How important is a strong special operations presence in an overall deterrent strategy towards North Korea?
A: It is extremely important that we maintain a strong SOF presence and continue our powerful relationship with the ROK SOF. Combined Forces Command just completed JCS Exercise Ulchi Focus Lens 07 in which CUWTF played an integral part. The increased readiness we developed as a combined team translates into maintaining peace and security on the peninsula and enables us to continue to deter aggression, and if necessary fight and win decisively.
Maximizing our training, we practice the full spectrum of special operations capabilities, sending a clear message to the Kim Jong il regime that the CUWTF is a competent, ready force proficient at all tasks.
JCS Exercise RSOI/Foal Eagle rapidly brings United States military forces to the Korean peninsula. Among the first units to arrive are AFSOF elements and special forces operational detachments. Their capacity to swiftly conduct combined special operations clearly demonstrates the agility and flexibility of our forces, even when involved with myriad missions worldwide.
The ability to conduct operations deep in denied territory using air, land and sea infiltration methods does not go unnoticed by North Korea. While focusing on interoperability, sustainability, and capacity building with the ROK SOF we also hone our own operational proficiency and socio-cultural awareness, continually strengthening the alliance.
Q: How much do we know about the capabilities of North Korean special forces? Do you believe that they are constantly probing the South and if so, is enough being done to counteract or defeat those incursions?
A: North Korean interest in unconventional warfare, sparked by Kim il Sung’s background as a guerrilla leader, has driven them to establish one of the largest special forces components in the world. Under Kim Jong -il’s Military First program we know that the North Korean special operations forces are a priority—wellresourced and profoundly loyal to their leader. The best trained element of the North Korean military, their special forces concentrate on breaching the flanks of the Republic of Korea’s fixed defense, creating a second front to disrupt logistics and lines of communication, and conducting battlefield and strategic reconnaissance.
Like most special forces, the North Korean SOF is trained to infiltrate by land, sea or air. The most recent incursions by North Korea into the south were conducted by North Korean SOF using submarines in 1996 and 1998.
As in the Korean War the North Korean SOF can be expected to use Korea’s harsh, mountainous terrain to infiltrate overland, simultaneously launching seaborne and aerial infiltrations. They will operate in small groups, with little logistical support, to establish a second front—attacking critical U.S./ROK targets and diverting CFC resources from the main fight. The North Korean People’s Army definitely views SOF as a force multiplier.
Q: Is there anything else you would like to add?
A: The vigilance of the Combined Forces Command’s elements along the Demilitarized Zone and throughout South Korea is definitely bolstered by the strong combined special operations presence here. Our long-standing alliance has prepared for the eventuality of conflict for over fifty years and we stand ready to counter the North Korean threat.
We have the best special operators in the world today. The professionalism, experience and operational knowledge our force shares with their counterparts are unprecedented. Leveraging technology has enhanced our ability to conduct combined operations in this dynamic region.
The U.S. and ROK special operations forces are at their highest levels of proficiency and I have no doubts that they are ready to do their nations bidding. Nothing impresses me more than the selfless service of our special operators to both our nations and our alliance.
Thank you for this opportunity to share my thoughts. ♦