Combined Forces Command will hold the annual Ulchi Freedom Guardian exercise from Aug. 20-31.

“Ulchi Freedom Guardian is a key exercise to strengthen the readiness of Republic of Korea and U.S. forces,” Gen. James D. Thurman, commander of the Combined Forces Command, was quoted as saying in a statement.

“It is based on realistic scenarios and enables us to train our essential tasks with the whole government.”

In this year’s exercise, about 30,000 U.S. personnel, including 3,000 troops based outside of South Korea, and about 56,000 South Korean troops will take part.

The CFC said that the Neutral Nations Supervisory commission observers will monitor the exercise to ensure compliance with the Armistice Agreement.

North Korea has been informed by the U.N. Command Military Armistice Commission about the “non-provocative nature” of the exercise, the CFC said.

(cheesuk@heraldcorp.com)