The United States Army’s plans to deploy an additional combined arms battalion to the Republic of Korea are not inspired by any particular event on the Korean Peninsula, but have nonetheless drawn the ire of North Korean state media.

The nine-month deployment, which will begin on February 1, is part of the U.S. military’s longer-term strategic planning, including the pivot to Asia, but will improve the capabilities of U.S. Forces in Korea (USFK).

Beginning February 1, the 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment* will deploy – along with their equipment – to Camp Hovey and Camp Stanley in Dongducheon, South