'Joint drills key to ensuring defence readiness' ANI 27 May 2021, 16:18 GMT+10 Washington [US], May 27 (ANI): Combined military exercises are a key measure to ensure the readiness of South Korean and US forces, a Pentagon spokesman said on Wednesday adding "even as the pandemic has thrown the timetable out the window."The spokesman noted the scope and timing of future exercises will be determined through close consultation between the two allies. "Military readiness is a top priority of the Secretary of Defence. Our combined military training events are a principal method of ensuring our combined Alliance readiness," Yonhap News Agency said quoting," Lt. Col. Martin Meiners.