| Publication |
2012.
|
| Summary/Abstract |
Following the end of the Cold War, the world has seen the proliferation of various
regional conflicts and disputes. On the Korean peninsula, ROK forces have been
successful in deterring the North's attempts at all-out war since the end of the Korean
War, but not in local provocations by the North. The North's local provocations
continue to become more intense and diversified as shown in the attacks on the
ROKS Cheonan and the shelling of Yeonpyeong Island. Meanwhile, China and
Japan vie with each other to modernize their military forces and demonstrate
aggressive policies in pursuit of marine interests. These conditions remain a potential
source of conflict in the region.
Major countries, such as the United States, Russia, China, and Japan as well as
NATO have thus organized and operated Rapid Reaction Forces (RRFs) to cope
promptly with diverse contingency situations amid the uncertainty of the current
security environment. The operation of RRFs is based on the expectation that
gains earned by quickly controlling a contingency situation or preventing it from
escalating into war are much greater than the expense incurred for operation of
RRFs, with the additional benefit of reduction in the loss of human lives and military
expenditure. The ROK finds itself in a similar situation, requiring the operation of
RRFs to cope with threats to national security amid an increase in the North's
local provocations and threats associated with other potential conflicts.
This study proposes operational strategies for maintaining RRFs suited to the local
environment of the ROK, based on examples from major countries currently
operating their own RRFs. This study also defines the desired role of RRFs in light
of the security situation and operational environment on the Korean peninsula and
presents a realistic view concerning how best to organize and operate RRFs to
cope with the North's local provocations and conflicts associated with potential
threats from other countries.
|