Republic of Korea Army

Republic of Korea Army
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Unit name	Republic of Korea Army
Native name	대한민국 육군
Caption	Flag of the Republic of Korea Army
Founded	5 September 1948
Country	South Korea
Branch	Army
Type	Ground warfare
Size	365,000 active personnel (2024)
Command structure	Republic of Korea Armed Forces
Garrison	Gyeryongdae, Gyeryong
Motto	"강한친구 대한민국 육군" (Strong Friend, Republic of Korea Army)
Colors	Red and Gold
Anniversaries	October 1 (Armed Forces Day)
Battles	Korean War, Vietnam War, Gulf War, War in Afghanistan, Various Korean conflict incidents
Commander1	Yoon Suk Yeol
Commander1 label	Commander-in-Chief
Commander2	General Park An-su
Commander2 label	Chief of Staff of the Republic of Korea Army
Identification symbol	75px
Identification symbol label	Emblem

Republic of Korea Army. The Republic of Korea Army is the largest branch of the Republic of Korea Armed Forces, responsible for all ground-based military operations. Founded in the immediate aftermath of World War II and the division of Korea, it has evolved from a constabulary force into a modern, technologically advanced military. Its primary mission remains the defense of the Korean Peninsula against aggression from North Korea, maintaining a high state of readiness along the Korean Demilitarized Zone.

History

The army's origins trace to the Korean Constabulary established in 1946 under the United States Army Military Government in Korea. Following the formal establishment of the First Republic of Korea in 1948, it was reorganized into a proper army, but was initially ill-equipped and under-trained. It was severely tested during the Korean War, facing the initial onslaught of the Korean People's Army and later fighting alongside United Nations Command forces, notably the United States Armed Forces. Post-war, under the leadership of figures like Park Chung-hee, it focused on modernization and expansion, participating in the Vietnam War as an ally of the United States and South Vietnam. The late 20th and early 21st centuries saw continued professionalization, with contributions to international operations such as the Gulf War and the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021).

Organization

The army is organized under the Republic of Korea Army Headquarters in Gyeryongdae. Its main combat power resides in two numbered field armies: the First Army (FROKA) and the Third Army (TROKA), which are further subdivided into corps, including the II Corps and III Corps. Key subordinate commands include the Republic of Korea Army Special Warfare Command, the Republic of Korea Army Aviation Command, and the Capital Defense Command. The Republic of Korea Army Training and Doctrine Command oversees institutional training, while logistics are managed by the Republic of Korea Army Logistics Command.

Personnel

As of 2024, the army maintains approximately 365,000 active-duty personnel, supplemented by a large reserve force under the Republic of Korea Reserve Forces. Service is mandatory for all able-bodied South Korean men under the Military Service Act (South Korea), with conscripts typically serving for 18 months. The officer corps is primarily trained at the Korea Military Academy in Nowon District, while non-commissioned officers are developed through the Republic of Korea Army Academy at Yeongcheon. Senior leadership, such as the Chief of Staff of the Republic of Korea Army, is drawn from the general officer ranks.

Equipment

The army operates a diverse arsenal of modern weaponry, prioritizing mobility and firepower. Its main battle tank fleet is led by the indigenously developed K2 Black Panther and the older K1 (tank). Infantry fighting vehicles include the K21 and the K200 (KIFV). Artillery systems range from the K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzer to multiple launch rocket systems like the K239 Chunmoo. The Republic of Korea Army Aviation Command fields helicopters such as the Surion and AH-64 Apache. Soldiers are equipped with small arms like the K2 assault rifle and the Daewoo K5 pistol.

Training and doctrine

Training is rigorous and continuous, emphasizing combined arms warfare and readiness for the mountainous terrain of the Korean Peninsula. Major exercises, often conducted jointly with the United States Forces Korea, include Ulchi-Freedom Guardian and Foal Eagle. Doctrine is heavily influenced by the United States Army but has been adapted to the specific threat posed by North Korea, focusing on counter-artillery, counter-special forces, and urban warfare. The Republic of Korea Army Training and Doctrine Command develops and refines tactical and operational concepts, while specialized training is conducted at institutions like the Army Intelligence School.

Role and responsibilities

The army's paramount role is the territorial defense of South Korea and the preservation of its sovereignty, particularly against the Korean People's Army. It maintains a forward-deployed posture along the Korean Demilitarized Zone and is a key component of the South Korea–United States alliance. Domestically, it supports civil authorities during major disasters under the Framework Act on the Management of Disasters and Safety. Internationally, it contributes to United Nations peacekeeping operations and global security initiatives, reflecting South Korea's status as a major regional power.

Category:Military of South Korea Korea, South