Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

Acting Defense Minister Kim Seon Ho visited the 9th Infantry division.

Inspected operational posture and encouraged soldiers for dedication to their duties.

Promised to continue implementing policies for improving service conditions and welfare for junior officers.

Our military recognized North Korea’s cruise missile launch before firing and responded quickly.

On January 29, Acting Defense Minister Kim Seon Ho (in front) visited a riverbank guard unit of the 9th Infantry Division and inspected its operational posture.

The military maintained a robust military readiness posture to protect the safety of the people during the New Year’s holiday despite severe cold. In particular, the military recognized the missile provocations of North Korea in advance and made thorough preparations, demonstrating the overwhelming ROK/U.S. combined defense readiness at home and abroad.

On the morning of January 29, Acting Defense Minister Kim Seon Ho visited a riverbank guard unit of the 9th Infantry Division, inspected operational readiness, and encouraged soldiers dedicated to their duties.

Kim said, “Since each of you is committed to fulfilling your duties, people can have the New Year’s holiday comfortably.”

He added, “To protect people’s lives and safety under any circumstances, it is essential to maintain a readiness posture of ‘a victorious army wins its victories before seeking battle.’”

After having lunch with soldiers, Kim had a meeting with junior officers to listen to their opinions.

Acting Defense Minister Kim said, “I will continue to implement policies aimed at improving service conditions and welfare so that our junior officers can be solely devoted to their duties. Going forward, I will strive to make our soldiers feel proud of their military service.”

The military recognized signs of North Korea’s cruise missile launch on January 25 in advance and made preparations along with the U.S. military. In particular, when North Korea fired a cruise missile from inland to the West Sea at 4 o'clock in the afternoon that day, the military tracked it while maintaining their readiness posture.

The military strengthened surveillance and readiness posture during the consecutive holidays considering that, unlike in the past, North Korea now makes surprise provocations based on its needs.

A military representative said, “We keep a close watch on the North’s activities with the ROK/U.S. combined defense posture to deter any miscalculations. We maintain the capabilities and readiness to respond to any provocations with overwhelming force.”

By Chae-Mu, Im <lims86@dema.mil.kr > 

<Copyright ⓒ The Korea Defense Daily, All rights reserved>