Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo held performance evaluation meeting to establish security operational readiness around the military base

Agreed to adjust post locations, install concertina coil,
prepare measures for security facilities
and support the Marine Corps for naval base security

On April 17, Minister of National Defense Jeong Kyeong-doo, presided over a performance evaluation meeting by videoconference to establish security operational readiness around the military base.

About 30 people from military commands and key positions in the Ministry of National Defense attended the meeting, including the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Chiefs of Staff of the armed forces and the Commander of Marine Corps, among others. Units other than the Ministry of National Defense joined by videoconference to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). The meeting began with an evaluation of security operations, which was followed by follow-up reporting by each unit, and a discussion. The attendants believed that they should take practical backup measures to ensure the security posture, in order to dispel any worries with regard to the recent unauthorized entry of a military base by civilians. Following that, top military commanders and general-level commanders of field forces checked and diagnosed the weak points of the security operation sites, and discussed the results of measures that have been implemented thus far.

The military has significantly strengthened post-based integrated situational training exercises to establish the security operational readiness since the unauthorized entry of the military base by civilians. With that, they have evaluated that tasks to be carried out immediately were completed, accelerating the initial action forces' mastery of the mission procedures, including the intelligence analysis team and 5-minute combat-ready unit. They also put a great deal of work into optimization and efficiency for the operation of a security operation system. Some measures have been set up for security facilities, such as adjustment of post location, additional installation of concertina coil and fence fittings, and maintenance of patrol path. Optimization of alerting CCTV operation, supplementation of the high-speed battlefield dissemination system, and reinforcement of security operations forces were covered as well.

In particular, the missions of some Marine units have been adjusted to enable heightened security around major naval bases. Navy support missions, which have been undertaken by the Marine Corps, are to be taken by an initial action and special strike force, while the Navy will concentrate on base security to optimize the employment of naval and Marine corps personnel. In addition, the army liaison officers to be dispatched to major naval bases will serve as special staff for the security operation system. These measures have been decided based on the mutual consent of national service components, and are to be enforced temporarily until fundamental measures are found. It was agreed that some old CCTVs and fences would be replaced, and security lights strengthened within the year. Tasks that require additional budget, such as scientific security system buildup, are to be connected with the next defense budget for well-planned development. Spot checks will be intensified to ensure a better security operational posture.

In addition, the attendees agreed to strictly handle any unauthorized entry of the military base through the laws and claims for damages where applicable by cooperating with judicial agencies, based on a recognition that any unauthorized entry is a serious illegal act violating governmental authority. There will be various efforts to improve social perceptions by building cooperation and communication among the private sector, public and military. "True trust from the people comes when the military carries out its duty. Make sure any weak points in the security operation are made up for one more time, and do the best you can to complete the military readiness posture and establish the military discipline," said Defense Minister Jeong.

By Byeong-No, Yun <trylover@dema.mil.kr >
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