The Command Sponsorship Program in Korea (Sharp Point # 27-10)

  • Published
  • By Gen. Walter Sharp
  • United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command and U.S. Forces Korea commander
YONGSAN GARRISON, Republic of Korea --  1. In my Sharp Point #23-10, dated Nov. 3, 2010, I announced the establishment of the Command Sponsorship Program Task Force for U.S. Forces Korea. The TF consists of senior leaders from each service component in Korea, as well as the USFK Command Sergeant Major and other key advisors. The TF's purpose is to determine how we can best allocate CSP opportunities to support mission readiness and critical task accomplishment, while improving the quality of life for service members and their families.

2. Determining how we do this is a top priority. Given there are currently only 4,636 command-sponsored positions, we are working to ensure CSP is available to Service members, regardless of rank, who occupy the duty positions where continuity would most improve mission readiness. We know many of you are awaiting the outcome of this study so you can make decisions important to your families. The TF is working hard and meets with me regularly, so we can provide those already on a waiting list or thinking about starting the process the information they need to make these decisions.

3. The TF will provide me with a revised CSP policy for my approval and release on Nov. 30, 2010. In the interim, I have directed the Air Force and Army components to delay processing CSP applications until the revised policy goes into effect. Once I have approved a revised policy, commanders will conduct town hall meetings to explain the revised policy, and the chain of command will personally talk with each service member currently on a CSP waiting list. We'll also broadcast changes via AFN and the USFK Command Sponsorship website, which links to each service components' CS sites as well. Additionally, we are working with AF and Army personnel centers to keep them informed of the revised CSP policy.

4. I appreciate your continued patience as we work through this important issue.