Gates: Normal Korea Tours Possible

Calling it a "matter of principle," Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said that the time has come to end unaccompanied tours for the 28,000 troops stationed in Korea. But before the U.S. military contingent in Korea, largely consisting of soldiers and airmen, could move their families there, funding to pay for housing, facilities and services would have to be found, Gates said June 2. His remarks came as Gates promoted Army Gen. William "Skip" Sharp as commander of United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command, and U.S. Forces Korea. Sharp succeeds Army Gen. Burwell "B.B." Bell as the top military leader in Korea.