Page 193 - 2020 Defence White Paper

Compared to the previous year, force operation costs increased by 7.1% to KRW
35.8 trillion. Along with the major criteria required to demonstrate the capabilities
of the ROK Armed Forces in full scale, such as military supplies, installations,
and education and training, the defense budget was used to enhance the ROK
Armed Forces’ comprehensive security capabilities to respond to transnational and
nonmilitary threats, including infectious diseases and terrorism, and to reinforce the
military base and coastal security operation posture. The budget was also formulated
with an emphasis on transforming the defense manpower structure into an elite
structure, conducting cutting-edge defense operations, and improving the service
conditions for servicemembers.
For the efficient operation of advanced equipment during wartime and peacetime,
the defense budget for equipment maintenance was increased by 7.7% compared
to 2020 and installation maintenance spending was fully realized. Moreover,
to maintain realistic combat power of servicemembers, defense spending was Chapter 5
prioritized to invest in essential requirements for carrying out stable defense
operations such as continuous establishment of scientific training systems.
In addition, to reinforce capabilities to respond to transnational and nonmilitary
threats such as infectious diseases and terrorism, the MND allocated budgets for
purchasing face masks for stockpiling, offering disease control and prevention
services, and reinforcing medical equipment and supplies in military hospitals.
Budget for the reinforcement of defense equipment and articles was also set up
following the additional designation of counter-terrorism and counter-CBRN special
mission units. Security installations were also reinforced to improve the ROK Armed

Forces’ military base and coastal security operation posture in an innovative manner,
while the budget for the introduction of high-performance AI-based surveillance
equipment was drastically increased.
As the number of standing troops is to be reduced by 2022, the budget for
recruiting additional NCOs and civilian military employees required to operate
advanced equipment and secure skilled combatants was reflected into the defense
budget. The MND also drew up a budget to advance the overall force operation
by applying core technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution to the defense
domain, such as the launching of the ROK Army Smart Unit, the ROK Navy Smart
Air Base, and the ROK Air Force Smart Wing.
As for the improvement of service conditions for servicemembers, their salary
was raised in 2021 to 45% of the minimum wage in 2017 and the cost of meal per
person was also raised by 3.5% to satisfy the preferences of the servicemembers.
Furthermore, the budget for military group insurance and haircuts was newly

Chapter 5. Establishing a Fair, Transparent, and Efficient National Defense Operation System 191