Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

The meeting of top military commanders for the first half of 2023 took place

Minister Lee Jong-sup emphasized “peace through strength”

Stressed the importance of improving the system to boost the morale of junior officers

Assessed threats from North Korea at Joint Chiefs of Staff Operational Commanders Conference

Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup (middle) salutes the national flag along with the chiefs of staff of the Army, Navy and Air Force at the meeting of top military commanders for the first half of 2023 held on July 3. Minister Lee urged participants to be dedicated to expanding performance in key defense policy initiatives, Defense Innovation 4.0, and conversion to a strong combat-oriented military. Reported by Yang Dong-wook

Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup stressed the importance of ‘building a strong military that an enemy would not dare to attack’ and realizing ‘peace through strength.’ He also asked for improving service conditions and boosting morale of junior officers, the core of combat force.

At the meeting of top military commanders for the first half of 2023 held on the morning of July 3, Minister Lee mentioned (i) the key defense policy initiatives for 2023 and implementation of Defense Innovation 4.0, (ii) change into a strong combat-oriented military, and (iii) enhancing pride and boosting morale of junior officers. The meeting was attended by major officers including Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Kim Seung-kyum, Chief of Staff of the Army Park Jeong-hwan, Chief of Naval Operations Lee Jong-ho, Air Force Chief of Staff Jung Sang-hwa, and Deputy Commandant of the Marine Corps Jeong Jong-beom. Due to the security situation with North Korea’s ceaseless threats, some commanders participated by video conferencing.

Minister Lee praised the efforts of commanders, soldiers, reservists, civilian employees and government employees, who are dedicated to fulfilling their duties. He added that, “substantial progress has been made toward building a strong military and enhancing the combat strength of Edge Forces.” He also asked for dedication to expanding performance in key defense policy initiatives for 2023 such as strengthening the response to North Korea’s nuclear program and missiles, building up combined exercises, and enhancing US extended deterrence implementation, as well as implementation of Defense Innovation 4.0, and transformation of the base into a strong military in the second half of this year.

In particular, Minister Lee highlighted the need to improve the service conditions of junior officers and boost their morale. He stated that the Defense Ministry is striving for institutional improvements such as increased allowances and expanded recruitment for long-term service positions. He emphasized that efforts to enhance the pride and morale of junior officers are necessary. Addressing North Korea’s continuing provocations, he said, “The Defense Ministry and units at the lowest level should be faithful in fulfilling their roles. By extending the accomplishments made in the past 12 months, Korea should build a strong military that an enemy would not dare to attack, thereby realizing peace through strength.”

In the afternoon, the Joint Chiefs of Staff Operational Commanders Conference for the first half of 2023 hosted by Chairman Kim was held. The conference was attended by key operations commanders including JCS Operations Division Chief Jeon Dong-jin, Army 2nd Operations Commander Shin Hee-hyeon, Fleet Commander Vice Adm. Kim Myung-soo, and Air Force Operations Commander Park Ha-sik.

The conference assessed the military threats of North Korea. Furthermore, it discussed priority tasks to respond to the North’s provocations, the direction of measures, overcoming vulnerable elements, enhancing the completeness of current operations, and ways to establish sustainable combat readiness.

Chairman Kim stated, “Amid North’s nuclear and WMD threats, and the grave security situation arising from escalating provocations, we must respond firmly. The enemy should pay the price for these provocations. We must always be ready to counter any type of provocations at any time, by maintaining a sustainable operational posture that takes into account our situation and, that of the enemy, and changes in the environment.”

By Chae-Mu, Im <lims86@dema.mil.kr > 

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