Pyeongtaek: A US Army squadron assigned with a reconnaissance mission in South Korea was deactivated last month, sparking discussions over a possible shift in Washington's military strategy on the Korean Peninsula. The deactivation of the 5th Air Cavalry Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment (5-17 ACS) at Camp Humphreys, a significant US base in Pyeongtaek, was reported by local media on Friday.
According to Anadolu Agency, the Congressional Research Service (CRS) highlighted that the squadron ceased operations on December 15. The unit had been supporting the US Army's 2nd Infantry Division since May 2022. The report emerges amid apprehensions that the administration of US President Donald Trump might consider reducing the 28,500 US Forces Korea (USFK) troops to better allocate resources for countering China in the region.
The 5-17 ACS comprised hundreds of personnel alongside critical aviation and reconnaissance equipment, such as AH-64E Apache helicopters and RQ-7B Shadow drones. The future of the unit's personnel and equipment, whether to be withdrawn or substituted by another formation, remains uncertain.
The US Army has not immediately responded to the report. However, South Korea's Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back clarified that the deactivation is part of a broader US military transformation and not indicative of an American troop drawdown. He emphasized that various reforms are underway within the US Army, affecting multiple units, and mandated consultations are required concerning USFK-related issues.
Minister Ahn expressed his intention to discuss the matter with US military officials during his upcoming visit to Camp Humphreys. South Korea remains a longstanding ally of the US, hosting approximately 28,500 American soldiers on the Korean Peninsula.