International journal of Military Affairs

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to analyze the characteristics of Generation MZ in the reality of the Korean armed forces where most of the enlisted soldiers are Generation MZ, and consider the task of improving the barracks culture for them. Method: Literature study and empirical data were carried out including books, academic journals, and dissertations related to the barracks culture’s improvement and generation MZ in order to analyze the justification and promotion strategy of barracks culture improvement and a barracks culture improvement plan appropriate for the characteristics of the military organization and Generation MZ. Results: In order to improve the barracks culture appropriate for the characteristics of Generation MZ, the Korean armed forces need such measures as the strengthened authority and responsibility of the soldiers and allowed use of mobile phones. Furthermore, as a measure to establish military discipline, punishment for human rights, security, and negligence related issues need to be strengthened. Generation MZ lack personal experiences, and hence, group counseling ought to also be facilitated. Such policies targeting Generation MZ will be meaningful policies for the Generation Alpha who will enlist in the military in the future. Conclusion: Given the nature of the Republic of Korea, which has adopted the conscription system, the military ought to be able to play the role of the last public education institution. The military ought to be able to help the Republic of Korea take a large leap toward becoming a world-class nation by recovering the hopes and dreams which Generation MZ, called the Generation of 7 Losses, lost, and developing on their own. If the military promoted barracks culture improvement can create synergies in tandem with the independent and enterprising characteristics of Generation MZ, the Republic of Korea will not only be able to take a new leap forward comparable to the miracle of the Han River, but will also become a leading nation qualified to spearhead the future of the world.

Purpose: This research aims to analyze the current status of the Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) Basic trainings at the Republic of Korea Army (ROKA) NCO Academy and to suggest improvement options for immediate field task performance. Method: This study is to identify the capabilities of smart NCOs required in the era of the 4th industrial revolution. It also reviews previous research on 'NCO Comprehensive Development Plan 2.0' and 'NCO Strategy 2030' for the future of the military in connection with 'Defense Reform 2.0'. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, surveys are mainly conducted through online surveys and non-contact interviews with the NCO experts. Results: This research would propose a training course development plan based on the internal efforts of the NCO Academy and a survey of 678 soldiers including junior and senior NCOs and company commanders. It is necessary to realistically adjust the goals of the courses to achieve the basic combat skills and capabilities as a junior NCO. The current NCO basic course period needs to reduce from 18 weeks to 12 weeks and also the junior NCO leader course period needs to extend from 20 weeks to 25 weeks depending on the each refined training goal. Conclusion: The future of the army may depend on the smart NCO’s immediate field performance which is the core of the combat capabilities of tactical units. Therefore, the NCO basic training environments and programs of the ROKA NCO Academy should be substantially improved.

Purpose: This research aims to contribute to the sustainable development, sound security and economic development of Asia by analyzing the actual situation of human security challenges in Republic of Korea (ROK) and Asia and establishing a cooperative mechanism between countries in the region. Epidemics, disasters, terrorism, organized crime and drug problems, including Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19), are international issues that cannot be solved by the efforts of a specific country alone, and are a threat to domestic human security. Method: In today's world, the interaction between human behavior and nature, especially the environment and climate, continues. The most notable example of artificial disasters that has changed the way humans see the world is Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2). This study analyzes ongoing human security threats and the international community's efforts to respond to them. Finally, this research suggests an alternative to the international community. Results: The current pandemic crisis is unfortunate and unprecedented. The emergence of the deadly virus has not only baffled every country, but has left a grim mark on the world. The post-COVID-19 pandemic, along with the onslaught of the virus, presents a number of challenges: governance breakdowns, massive unemployment, economic crises, immigration predicaments, global supply chain disruptions and, most importantly, security restructuring. Conclusion: This study proposes a way to establish a regional cooperation mechanism between Republic of Korea and Asia to mitigate human security threats. In particular, it analyzes the current situation of human security issues in the region and introduces ROK's role in promoting and protecting human security in Asia. In addition, this research analyzes non-traditional security factors such as infectious diseases, drugs, organized crime, terrorism, and cyber-terrorism to suggest ways to establish a regional cooperative mechanism between Republic of Korea and Asia to mitigate human security threats.

Purpose: The United Nations recently announced A4P+, a priority for the implementation of A4P following A4P to emphasize the qualitative improvement of peacekeeping operations and the sharing of responsibilities among related actors. In this paper, I will consider the A4P+ priorities to be implemented for UN peacekeeping operations between 2021-2023 and draw implications for the Korean military deployment policy in peacekeeping. Method: To this end, Literature analysis centered on official documents published by the United Nations related to A4P and A4P+, was conducted, and military-related data were referenced among various data on the United Nations web page. Results: A4P and A4P+ presented areas and tasks to be implemented in peacekeeping operations by the UN, member states, regional organizations, and host governments related to the deployment of UN personnel. Upholding A4P and A4P+ are WPS(Women, Peace, and Security) and data-driven and advanced technologies. All stakeholders in Peacekeeping must do their commitments in eight areas of A4P and prepare for the materialization of A4P through A4P+ priorities based on the two. Member states providing military and police are responsible for providing their competent peacekeepers to field missions for their safety and security and mandate implementation. Peacekeeping operations emphasize high-tech and information collection systems for effectiveness and efficiency of peacekeeping, TCC/PCC should read and reflect the changes required from the UN into their deployment policy. Conclusion: Korea should do its commitment pledged to the UN to contribute to successful peacekeeping operations. First, Korea shall contemplate its deployment policy, focusing on how and what it can implement A4P+ within a limited period. Second, Korea needs to re-consider the current participation of military and equipment. Qualitative expansion in Korea’s participation rather than quantitative one should be prioritized first.

Purpose: This study was carried out to derive the implementation direction of education and training to foster individuals and units that will surely win when fighting the enemy by further leaping up the level of education and training for the army in an uncertain security environment and various threats. Method: This study was conducted through literature analysis on education and training of the ROK and US military, and through interviews and discussions with education technology experts, human resource development experts, army headquarters, education command practitioners, commanders, and staff of field units, and school unit instructors. Results: For the army's education and training to take off, we need to expand the scope of education and training, and establish a philosophy and foundation for education and training based on the developed educational theory (learning science). Moreover, we need to implement four directions: developing educational human resources, establishing a scientific learning system, creating a learning-based environment, and optimizing unit and individual learning. Conclusion: The four implementation directions for the leap forward in army education and training are the development of educational human resources, the establishment of a scientific learning system, the creation of a learning-based environment, and the optimization of the unit and individual learning. First, educational human resource development includes 'development of all members' competency', 'performance of instructor's role as a learning facilitator', 'expansion of awareness that a leader is an educator', 'management of education experts', and 'professional enhancement through increasing civil-military compatibility'. Second, the establishment of a scientific learning system consists of 'applying learning science', 'designing an optimal education and training course', 'learning based on advanced science and technol, 'inducing learning motivation', and 'establishing a systematic evaluation concept'. Third, the creation of a learning-based environment consists of 'providing a practical education and training environment', 'supporting modern education and training', and 'development of a learning management system'. Fourth, optimizing unit and individual learning is 'education and training for adaptability development', 'Self-development', 'school education', and 'unit training'.

Purpose: In a military context, economic exchange has limitationsto motivating their member, especially first-line military officers because they risk their lives in an extreme situation and the value of one’s life cannot be evaluated easily. Rather than an economic exchange approach, we adopted social identity theory to explore the way to motivate first-line military officers. Based on social identity theory, we tried to find several ways to motivate first-line military officers. Method: We collected data by the survey. Before hypothesis testing, we conducted a confirmatory factor analysis and calculated Cronbach’s alpha to see the validity and reliability of the measurement. After verifying there is no problem in terms of validity and reliability of the measurement, we tested the hypothesis with a structural equation model. Results: The effects of company commanders’ leader prototypicality and army prestige on platoon leaders’ identification with their company were proved to be statistically significant. And again platoon leaders’ identification with their company wasshown to have a significant effect on platoon leaders’ identification with the army. Furthermore, army prestige influences not only platoon leaders’ identification with the army via identification with the company indirectly but also directly. Conclusion: Because of the difficulties of evaluating one’s life even in the military context, the economic exchange approach has limitations in motivating first-line military officers. In the academic field, the social exchange approach is adopted as the alternative approach to economic exchange. Rather than the social exchange perspective, we adopted the social identity perspective which emphasizes the identification of self-interest and organizational interest to explore the way to motivate first-line military officers. The result of this study showed that some characteristics of middle-level military officers and the external image of the whole military organization, namely, the Korean Army have significant effects on organizational identification, which means that these two factors can be regarded as possible tools for motivating first-line military officers.

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to think about the benefits and gains which unification will bring about in our reality as divided nations, understand the legitimacy for unification, and devised a strategy for preparing for unification. The purpose is to establish values and a desirable attitude towards the state while preparing for unification and analyzing the stature and future of the Republic of Korea. Method: In order to come up with the legitimacy of unification, strategy, and what we need to do to prepare for unification, references such as books, academic journals, and dissertations related to unification were examined, and in order to derive empirical data for the stature of South Korea and the future, empirical studies were conducted for news and government data, etc. Results: The strategy to prepare for unification is to induce North Korea not to make unreasonable demands by maintaining a strong security arrangement, such as by securing regular and irregular warfare capabilities, strengthening the ROK-U.S. alliance and joint operational capabilities, and adhering to firm principles rather than a principle of less appeasement policy not to mislead the public's perception of North Korea. Unification requires an agreement between the two Koreas, yet what is clear is that unification must be liberal and democratic based on a market economy, and it is also necessary to reach a national consensus. Furthermore, while expanding the breadth of mutual understanding between the two Koreas, close friendly and cooperative relations with neighboring countries must also be maintained. Conclusion: Most of the people have a negative perception towards unification, and the MZ generation even demonstrate a cynical attitude towards North Korea. However, unification must be achieved in order to pursue development and prosperity while continuing the historical legitimacy of our people, and for stability in Northeast Asia and the world peace. In the process of pursuing unification, it should serve as an opportunity to properly establish the ‘view of state’ as well as the ‘view of unification’ or ‘view of security’ which have not been fully established in the consciousness of the people.

Purpose: In preparation for the great security threats surrounding the Korean Peninsula, it is urgent to establish defense space capabilities to acquire prior information and secure precise response capabilities. It is also urgently necessary to establish a military utilization plan for the Korean-style independent navigation satellite, which is reflected in the mid-to-long-term national space development plan. Method: This study used the following research method. First, I predicted the importance of space in de-fense and the aspect of space war. In addition, it analyzed the trend of strengthening the defense space of countries around the world and derived implications for strengthening Korea's defense space. Based on this, the revision of the law and the improvement of the system were proposed to strengthen Korea's defense space. Results: Revision of Laws and Regulations for Strengthening National Defense Space. The amendment of the Space Development Promotion Act should be made as soon as possible. It is to establish a legal basis for the military to pursue space development on its own. The first option is to enact a law to strengthen the defense space force(special law). The second plan is to revise the current 'Space Development Promotion Act', add and strengthen security-related clauses. Korea's Defense Space Strategy Development Direction is to strengthen cooperation with advanced countries including the United States for space security, effectively responding to space threats and space risks, and strengthening civil-military space cooperation. Conclusion: While first pushing for the enactment of a special law through the legislation of lawmakers, it will be appropriate to insert and revise provisions related to defense space in the current laws(such as the Space Development Promotion Act, the Defense Business Act, the Armed Forces Organization Act, the Aerospace Industry Promotion Act, etc.). It is necessary to give the defense minister full authority on issues related to defense space, and on the other hand, it is reasonable to carry out legislative activities in a way that does not go against the cause of "peaceful use" of the international community. In addition, efforts should be made to expand systems and organizations to strengthen the defense space and train experts.

Purpose: In this study, the possibility of economical design of a protective structure was presented based on explosion test data and computer simulation results on the safety of both a building and human bodies for the combat training building. Method: A training facility was built for soldiers to experience the vibration, pressure, and noise generated inside the building due to the explosion of the TNT. In the explosion proof test, 9lb of TNT, equivalent to the weight of a 4.2-inch mortar shell, was detonated in four places around the building, including the roof of the training building, the door, and the outside of the wall to determine the damage. Vibration, pressure and noise transmitted into the building were measured. After the explosion test, the damage to the building was examined through a rebound hardness test and visual inspection, and the impact on the human body was estimated by measuring the pressure at three spots inside the building. Afterwards, computer modeling and simulation was performed using High Explosion Damage & Injury Assessment Model(HExDAM) and simulation results were compared with explosion test measurements. Results: As a result of inspecting the structural damage of the building, there was no significant displacement of the structure and it was determined that there was no problem in using the building. The compressive strength of concrete was observed through Schmidt hammer, it showed 96% of the strength compared to the design strength(30MPa). The pressure inside the building was measured in the range between 0.063 and 0.488 kPa, which is a very small value that is harmless to the human body. According to computer simulation, the internal pressure increased as the wall thickness decreased. However, even if the wall thickness was reduced, the pressure delivered to the inside did not increase significantly, and it was still found to be harmless to the human body. Conclusion: Through the explosion test, it was confirmed that the structure and personnel inside the training building for combat field experience were safe enough against the explosive power of a 4.2-inch mortar shell. Computer simulations showed that there is room for reducing the thickness of the wall of the building, and the necessity of economical design was suggested by using computer simulation for designing protection facilities and military facilities.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is, first, to organize the debate on the reductionism of the concept of limiting terrorism to non-state organizations. Second, we analyze the characteristics of culturally motivated terrorism. Third, we study the discourse on the ideological fiction and violence of Islam's Salafism. Method: In the concept of terrorism by institutions or scholars studying terrorism, they point out errors limiting the actors to non-state organizations, explain religious terrorism and political and social contexts, and try literature research on logic and strategies that justify terrorism by interpreting Salafism as aggressive content. Results: The reason why the actors who commit terrorism are limited to non-state organizations is because they are limited to the interests of specific countries or organizations. Historical examples of attempts at terrorism by the state are sufficiently accumulated in other studies. The reason for the occurrence of religious terrorism is not simply to realize a society where religious ideology is realized, but social discrimination and contradictions combine with religious ideology, resulting in terrorism. From this point of view, Salafist terrorism can also be interpreted. Conclusion: Since the late 20th century, numerous terrorism has occurred mainly in Islamic society. Domestic and international disputes and system instability can provide an excuse for attacks on dissatisfied forces at any time, and incidents in which an unspecified number of people are attacked by groups armed with the name of religion will not be cut off. As so far, political oppression and military response alone are difficult to solve, so high-level complex strategies such as social reform and growth of anti-terrorism groups must be sought.