The most profound strategic insights sometimes emerge from the simplest shifts in perspective. In the Indo-Pacific theater, where geographic relationships determine operational possibilities and alliance effectiveness, military planners may be overlooking critical advantages simply because of how they view their maps. By rotating our standard north-up orientation to place east at the top, a transformed strategic landscape emerges--one that reveals previously hidden geographic relationships and illuminates why current force positioning may be more advantageous than traditionally understood.
The Blind Spots of North-Up Thinking
Military education trains officers to analyze terrain, but we rarely examine how the orientation...
Gen Brunson welcomed Republic of Korea Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Jin Yong-sung, praising his distinguished service and vision for the alliance. Jin, the former inaugural commander of the ROK Strategic Command, was recognized for integrating advanced missile, space and cyber capabilities and for his expertise in joint operations. Leaders noted the growing role of air power in alliance leadership and said Jin’s experience will be...
We are aware of the DPRK’s ballistic missile launch and its pursuit of long-range missile capabilities. The United States calls on the DPRK to refrain from further destabilizing acts. We are consulting closely with the Republic of Korea. Our focus is on maintaining the readiness required to defend the U.S. homeland and our allies in the region
Joint Staff Spokesperson Joseph Holstead provided the following readout:
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine met with Chairman of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Jin Yong-Sung at the ROK Joint Chiefs of Staff Headquarters during the 50th Republic of Korea and United States Military Committee Meeting (MCM). The leaders recognized the historical significance and strength of the U.S.-ROK Alliance over...
U.S. President Donald Trump arrived at Gimhae airport, South Korea, Oct. 29. He was greeted by GEN. Xavier Brunson, United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command, U.S. Forces Command, commander.
