Page 56 - 2020 Defence White Paper

public demand for human rights and welfare. Thus, the feasibility of Defense Reform
2.0 has been greatly enhanced by securing the required budget and promoting the
enactment and revision of laws and regulations with the aim of completing more
realistic reforms within the current administration’s term.

2. Tasks

In addition to the 43 tasks in the four major fields-military structure, defense
operation, military culture, and defense projects-tasks in the field of smart defense
innovation, which applies Fourth Industrial Revolution technology to all areas of
national defense, have been added to Defense Reform 2.0.
Military structure reform involves creating an elite military structure based on
cutting-edge science and technology so that it can take the initiative and respond
resiliently to omnidirectional security threats. To this end, unit reorganization will be
pursued with the goal of reducing the number of standing troops from 618,000 (2017)
to 500,000 by 2022 and reducing the number of army divisions from 39 to 33 in line
with such reduction. Although the number of troops and units will be reduced, actual
combat capabilities will be strengthened through the reorganization of the combat-
oriented defense manpower structure, including reinforcement of officers in combat
units, expansion of the civilian workforce in the non-combat field, and fielding of
cutting-edge weapons systems.
Defense management reform aims to realize an advanced national defense

management system by enhancing high efficiency, reliability, and openness.
Accordingly, the MND will adjust the number of general officers, shorten the period
of mandatory service, increase the proportion of female soldiers, establish civilian
control, and improve participation of and communication with the public.
Military culture reform involves the establishing a military culture instilled with
morale and willingness to serve by guaranteeing human rights and welfare of the
soldiers to a point that satisfies the demands of the people. The MND will strive to
reform the military justice system and abolish the military confinement facilities to
protect servicemembers’ human rights and improve their welfare.
Defense projects reform aims to secure international competitiveness in terms
of efficiency, transparency, and expertise. To achieve this, initiatives such as
improvements to defense acquisition education and human resources system,
creative and challenging R&D, re-establishment of the roles of defense R&D
agencies, and stringent measures on prevention of corruption will be pursued.

54 2020 Defense White Paper