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According to a military source, plans to abolish the CFC are clearly stated in the top strategy document from the Joint Chiefs of Staff "Joint Military Strategy." The document is updated every three years and serves as a basic guideline for all strategic and organizational schemes of the Korean military. The source said the "independent defense" promoted by the Roh Moo-hyun administration will be achieved in six years' time, with the return of wartime operational control and the CFC's demise the pivotal points.

What form a CFC-free bilateral military alliance will take is not yet clear. Under consideration are a strengthened role for the existing UN Command, also commanded by the U.S., or a new formula where each ally commands its own troops while supporting and supplementing the other’s fighting power.

Defense Minister Yoon Kwang-ung has repeatedly said that Korea will need at least five years to prepare for taking back wartime operation control of its forces. Military officials say once the allies agree and preparations are in place, the handover would be immediate, with some pointing to 2010-2011 as a likely timeframe.

(englishnews@chosun.com )