US Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll has described North Korea and China as “basic threats” to regional security, emphasizing the need to adapt the role of US troops in South Korea amid an evolving strategic environment.

Driscoll spoke at US Army Garrison Humphreys, the main US Forces Korea (USFK) base, noting that decades-long US-South Korea alliance remains “amazing” and vitally important. He stressed that the alliance ensures reliable coordination with the Republic of Korea (ROK) army, particularly as regional threats grow more complex.

Maj. Gen. William Taylor, acting commander of the Eighth Army, echoed Driscoll’s concerns, highlighting the need for a modernized, adaptable, and lethal fighting force to counter evolving threats in the Indo-Pacific.

To strengthen deterrence, the US has deployed advanced weapons systems to the Korean Peninsula, including the Indirect Fire Protection Capability (IFPC) air defense system, similar to Israel’s Iron Dome, and MQ-9 Reaper drones. Driscoll emphasized the importance of high-tech assets and deeper cooperation with South Korea on drone defense, calling drones “one of the biggest threats for mankind.”

He added that effective drone countermeasures require real-time information sharing between allies, manufacturers, and technology companies in the region.

When questioned about internal USFK personnel matters, Driscoll highlighted broader efforts to streamline decision-making and ensure soldiers are deployed efficiently to the front lines, without commenting directly on individual assignments.

Driscoll’s remarks reflect the Trump administration’s intent to strengthen US-South Korea cooperation and deploy advanced military capabilities to counter North Korea and China, while maintaining a credible deterrent in the region.