The Variables of OPCON: What ‘Conditions’?

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South Korean soldiers pull security on a M3 Bridge vehicle during a wet gap crossing exercise.

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South Korean soldiers pull security

South Korean soldiers assigned to the 7th Infantry Division, ROK Army, pull security on an M3 Bridge Vehicle during a wet gap crossing exercise, Nov. 20, 2025, near Namhan River site, South Korea.

This Diplomat article explores how the language around wartime operational control (OPCON) transition has evolved over the last decade, revealing important patterns and subtle (or not so subtle) shifts in position and policy. While recent commentary highlights the alliance's commitment to "expedite" or "accelerate" the wartime OPCON transition process, the article shows that such language has been used before yet the policy has faced repeated delays and detours.

Dr. Clint Work is a Research Fellow in the Center for Strategy and Military Power, Institute for National Strategic Studies, at the National Defense University.

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Publications

The Variables of OPCON: What ‘Conditions’?