The annual Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS) exercise, which began on Monday, was due to run for 10 days, but will now end on Friday August 21, the militaries of both nations said. “Based on direction from the President and Secretary of War, the Department has substantially reduced Exercise Ulchi Freedom Shield while continuing training that enhances tactical capability,” a Pentagon official said.
“Associated live-training events have been reduced, with certain events canceled or converted to simulations. These adjustments preserve essential readiness and training objectives,” the official said. “There will be no degradation to US training objectives.”