North Korean Army

North Korean Army is the primary military force of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), also known as North Korea. The army was formed on August 20, 1947, with the help of the Soviet Union and has since been involved in several major conflicts, including the Korean War against South Korea and the United States. The army is led by the Supreme Commander of the Korean People's Army, a position currently held by Kim Jong-un, who has also been the Chairman of the State Affairs Commission since 2016. The army's primary objective is to defend the country against external threats, particularly from South Korea and the United States, with which it has a long history of tension, including the Axe murder incident and the Rangoon bombing.

● History

The history of the Korean People's Army (KPA) dates back to the Korean independence movement against Japan during World War II. The KPA was formed with the help of the Soviet Union and China, and its first major engagement was during the Korean War, which began on June 25, 1950, when North Korean forces crossed the 38th parallel into South Korea. The war involved several major battles, including the Battle of Inchon and the Battle of Chosin Reservoir, and ended with the signing of the Armistice Agreement on July 27, 1953. The KPA has also been involved in several other conflicts, including the Vietnam War, where it provided military support to North Vietnam against the United States and South Vietnam. The army has also been involved in several skirmishes with South Korea, including the Axe murder incident and the Rangoon bombing, and has been accused of involvement in several terrorist attacks, including the Rangoon bombing and the Bombing of Korean Air Lines Flight 858.

● Organization

The Korean People's Army is organized into several branches, including the Korean People's Army Ground Force, the Korean People's Army Naval Force, the Korean People's Army Air Force, and the Korean People's Army Strategic Force. The army is led by the Supreme Commander of the Korean People's Army, who is also the Chairman of the State Affairs Commission and the Supreme Leader of North Korea. The army is also overseen by the National Defence Commission, which is responsible for setting the country's military policy, including its Nuclear program of North Korea. The army has several major units, including the I Corps (North Korea), the II Corps (North Korea), and the IV Corps (North Korea), which are responsible for defending the country's borders, including the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) with South Korea.

● Equipment

The Korean People's Army is equipped with a wide range of military equipment, including T-55 and T-62 tanks, BMP-1 infantry fighting vehicles, and MiG-15 and MiG-21 fighter jets. The army also has a large artillery force, including BM-21 Grad rocket launchers and D-20 howitzers, and a significant Nuclear program of North Korea, which includes Taepondong-1 and Taepondong-2 missiles. The army has also developed several indigenous military systems, including the Hwasong-14 and Hwasong-15 missiles, which have been tested several times, including during the 2017 North Korean missile tests. The army's equipment is primarily supplied by China and Russia, although it has also developed several indigenous systems, including the Pongae-5 missile.

● Ranks_and_Insignia

The Korean People's Army uses a unique system of ranks and insignia, which is based on the Soviet Army system. The army has several ranks, including Marshal of the Republic, General of the Army, and Colonel General, which are denoted by distinctive insignia, including stars, stripes, and badges. The army also has several special ranks, including Hero of the Republic and Hero of Labor, which are awarded for exceptional service and bravery, including during the Korean War and the Vietnam War. The army's insignia are worn on the uniform, which is similar to the Soviet Army uniform, and includes a distinctive Red Star badge on the cap.

● Operations

The Korean People's Army has been involved in several major operations, including the Korean War and the Vietnam War. The army has also been involved in several smaller conflicts, including the Axe murder incident and the Rangoon bombing, and has been accused of involvement in several terrorist attacks, including the Rangoon bombing and the Bombing of Korean Air Lines Flight 858. The army has also been involved in several military exercises, including the Key Resolve and Foal Eagle exercises, which are held annually with South Korea and the United States. The army has also developed several special operations forces, including the Korean People's Army Special Operation Force, which is trained to conduct unconventional warfare and special operations, including Guerrilla warfare and Sabotage.

● International_Relations

The Korean People's Army has several international relationships, including with China, Russia, and Cuba. The army has also been involved in several international conflicts, including the Korean War and the Vietnam War, and has provided military support to several countries, including North Vietnam and Syria. The army has also been subject to several international sanctions, including those imposed by the United Nations Security Council and the European Union, due to its Nuclear program of North Korea and its involvement in several terrorist attacks, including the Rangoon bombing and the Bombing of Korean Air Lines Flight 858. The army has also been involved in several international military exercises, including the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation exercises, which are held annually with China and Russia. The army's international relationships are overseen by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (North Korea), which is responsible for setting the country's foreign policy, including its relationships with South Korea and the United States.