Page 56 - 2018 Defense White Paper

Section 1 Establishing a Robust

Military Readiness Posture

The ROK Armed Forces maintains a combined defense posture based on the robust ROK–U.S. Alliance that
is capable of countering various local provocations and aggressions from North Korea. For effective crisis
management, the ROK Armed Forces established an early warning posture, enhanced its crisis management
system, and maintained a readiness posture against infiltration and provocations in the land, sea, and air of
border areas. In preparation against a potential North Korean aggression, the ROK Armed Forces is maintaining
a military readiness posture by developing wartime plans and enhancing its joint and combined operational
capabilities to the maximum level. In addition, to bolster its war sustainment capabilities, the ROK Armed Forces
maintains and acquires the necessary forces, equipment, and supplies.

1. Military Organization and Forces

| Organization of the Joint Chiefs of Staff | The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) commands and
supervises the combat operation units of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, and conducts joint

and combined operations by commanding and supervising joint units. The JCS also carries
out the civilian–government–military–police integrated defense operations and tasks associated
with martial law.

The JCS was set up and operated within the MND 1) as a nonpermanent organization until
it was of f icially established in 1963 under its current name. The JCS is operated through one
Vice Chairman, four chief directorates and f ive of f ices under the Chairman of the JCS. The

organization of the JCS is shown in [Chart 3-1].

1) Combined Chiefs of Staff Council in 1948, Joint Chiefs of Staff Council in 1954, and
Combined Chiefs of Staff Bureau in 1961
ROK Armed Forces
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54 Chapter 3 Establishing a Robust Defense Posture against Omnidirectional Security Threats