Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

Proposal to enhance reserve forces to match the standing army

Launch of Navy Reserve Forces Management Group scheduled for this year

Gradual rise in part-time reserve forces to reach 10,000

Proposal to modernize 63 mobilization reserve forces training sites

In the latter part of this year, a Navy reserve forces management group will be established to oversee maritime and crew mobilization reserve troops. By 2025, the current number of part-time reserve troops, which stands at 4,400 long-term and short-term, will be raised to 5,000 and eventually to 10,000 long-term. Additionally, 63 mobilization reserve forces training sites across the country will undergo significant upgrades to become advanced training sites using scientific methods, allowing mobilization reserve troops to receive scientific training.

On the occasion of Reserve Forces Week, the Defense Ministry revealed a plan for the advancement of reserve forces called the "reserve forces advancement plan" on March 3.

Due to the multi-dimensional nature of modern battlefields, reserve troops are considered to be a crucial component of future wars. They are required to cover various areas that standing troops may find difficult to respond to. Moreover, since the reduction of standing troops is connected to a decrease in conscription resources, reserve forces must act as a supplement.

Fostering reserve troops offers benefits in terms of cost and efficiency, allowing for the attainment of two objectives: economical allocation of the defense budget and preservation of military preparedness stance.

For this reason, the Defense Ministry is making intensified efforts to elevate reserve forces to the same level as standing troops. The primary focus is on the "exercise of integrated combat power" and "ensuring interoperability" between the different units.

In December, a reserve forces management group will be established with the objective of providing systematic management and training to maritime reserve forces, reserve fleets, mobilization ships, crew mobilization reserve troops, and wartime loss supplementation troops. During peacetime, the management group will oversee reserve forces vessels and ensure that they are prepared for combat during wartime. Additionally, the group will be responsible for designating and managing mobilization ship resources.

The ongoing second-stage pilot project for the part-time reserve forces system will be diversified by introducing service types (type I and II) and increasing the number of service days (40-180 days). The effectiveness of this system will be evaluated to determine whether it can be expanded in size.

The reserve forces training sites will be upgraded to modern scientific training sites, utilizing advanced science and technology. The outdated mobilization training sites will be renovated to match the standards of a scientific reserve forces training site. The Defense Ministry has stated that mobilization training sites will be equipped with high-tech systems such as indoor shooting ranges, image simulators, and live training equipment using multiple integrated laser engagement system (MILES) to enhance the effectiveness of mobilization reserve forces training.

Additionally, the Defense Ministry plans to supplement the essential weapon systems of all mobilization divisions under the Army Mobilization Force Command to the same level as standing divisions by 2025.

According to a Defense Ministry official, in future warfare, reserve forces will have a prominent role to play in achieving victory alongside standing forces. Therefore, the focus will be on innovating and improving reserve troops.

By Chae-Mu, Im <lims86@dema.mil.kr > 

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