[Korea] Operation Plan 5029-KU

[Jay]

CONFIDENTIAL
MISSION PLAN
File Information:
Name: Operation Plan 5029-KU [Unification]
Original Classification: Top Secret
Current Classification: Top Secret
File Name: CWDBH OPFTUOFKP
File Number: NSC/MND #0001

PREFACE FOR
OPERATIONAL PLAN TRAINING
5029-KU
OF
THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA
ARMED FORCES​

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This document is high classified, and shall only be accessed with explicit permission from the National Security Director, The National Security Council, the Minister of National Defense, or President Kim Daejung.

Preamble
Operational Plan 5029 (also referred to as: the Unification Security & Stabilization Force Plan) is an ROK plan and course of action with the intention of stabilizing the 250 kilometer Demilitarized Zone and the 1,352 kilometer Chinese-Korean border. The mission is to be carried out by the joint branches of the ROK Armed Forces. Under the legal context of the Constitution of the Republic of Korea and as authorized by the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the heading of the Blue House and National Security Council, the ROK Armed Forces shall take necessary action to ensure success of this mission. Based on the plans submitted by the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the National Security Council shall convene to formally approve Operation Plan 5029-U and as deemed necessary make appropriate modifications in the interest of the Republic of Korea and its citizens.

• Admiral Park Kyungjil, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Republic of Korea

INTRODUCTION
1. Purpose.
The complete reunification of the Korean people and ensuring the appropriate resources delivered to respond to the massive humanitarian crisis developing in the North.
This operation, in combination with the mandate of the Korean Constitution and Unification Treaty shall be setforth to complete the total reunification of the Korean people and ensuring the appropriate resources delivered to respond to the massive humanitarian crisis developing in the North. This military and civilian operation will provide the basis from which the redevelopment and economic programs to revitalize the North's economy, integrate societies, and reduce the threat of conflict shall occur.

2. Background.
The collapse of China in the context of augmenting the collapse of the Soviet Union in the relationship and subsequent decline in aid to North Korea is crucial in the understanding of the current possibility and trajectory of the collapse of North Korea. National Intelligence Service intelligence reports on North Korea from the food aid delivery indicated to the National Security Council that port activity had declined by 140% and cargo vessels have no docked in over several months. The death of Kim Il-Sung in 1994 further increases the instability amongst political elites and the army. Whether power can be successfully consolidated in Pyongyang against the current economic crash, energy crisis, and famine is severely unknown. A power struggle will lead to the implosion of the states elites and subsequent trickle down into a collapse of the regime. While many foreign observers holding any conversations about the future of the regime always look at the resilience of the regime and its tools of maintaining control, the current situation is far more complex and concerning. The magnitude of problems associated with collapse, the complexity of mitigating them, and the serious dangers associated with mismanaging this effort all highlight the critical importance of advance planning for this contingency. Coordinated planning, particularly between the inter-branches of the Armed Forces, is essential to avoid massive loss of life among North Koreans and dangerous escalation between countries that might step in to stabilize the country after collapse. Government collapse in Pyongyang could create anarchy or a vacuum in which several serious problems might develop on the peninsula. These might include the disappearance of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) across international borders; a humanitarian disaster, and the potential for ongoing insurgency and violence. Hunger and insecurity could trigger a massive refugee crisis if North Koreans take flight in search of food and safety. In terms of the ROK's immediate concern, securing (WMDs), securing the frontline zone to ensure disarmament of artillery and combat divisions, preventing a massive transfer of North Koreans into the ROK, and maintaining a military capacity that can retaliate against acts of aggression by a foreign power and regional entities. The ROK Army can not send in convoys of food and medicine into anarchic areas without military escort and addressing the security apparatus (military, internal security, reserves) that could disrupt relief efforts must be coordinated. Addressing the humanitarian role in this crisis to stabilize North Korea requires direct military action.

3. Strategic Planning
The ROK Army Helicopter and Aerial Elements and Air Force will be used to deploy advanced elements of the ROK Armed Forces along the Korean-Chinese border and the ROK Navy to secure the maritime waters. The current range of troops per 1,000 people has been set at 13 ROK Uniformed Personnel per 1,000 persons in the North. This has been based on the data on the middle ground between a strong enough force to be a functioning military force and conduct efforts of humanitarian operations.

The total amount of troops to be deployed is expected to be 312,000 personnel drawing its personnel from the ROK Army, Marine Corps, Air Force, Navy, and Reserve Forces. The bulk of the operational force would come from the Reserve Forces which would contribute between 64-68% of the force. Operating under the legal framework of a state of emergency within the territories of the Republic of Korea and as outlined by the Constitution. Stabilizing the North would be done amongst tiers in which the first tier is securing the territorial borders of the nation, WMD sites, important government buildings, military bases, and the demilitarized zone. subsequently the next tier and phases would be disarmament, collection of weapons, and allowing the safe return of the reserve forces to their civilian life. The ROK Armed Forces would incorporate existing North Korean equipment into its arsenal for eventual disarmament. Because of the danger of anarchy in Pyongyang and the northern part of the country while the stability force works its way northward, the ROK Armed Forces shall deploy advanced units through aircrafts and helicopters and work with local units of the KPA to coordinate these efforts. The ROK Navy and Marine Corps shall work to create a stability force that stretches between two of the North's major ports Nampo and Chongjin and establish control over the lines of communication, and infrastructure.

Our major concern is that in the event of the North's collapse and any refugee activity, the Chinese would intervene in order to stabilize its southern border. The Chinese could if the collapse occurs without a pre-planned operations plan to move ahead of the ROK Armed Forces meaning the likelihood of confrontation and war. The collapse of the Chinese regime and its inability to reorganized effectively at this stage, the likelihood is limited. Secondly, if a peaceful transition occurs, the ROK Army and KPA can coordinate together and secure the border zone before announcing unification. The sense of mistrust between the ROK Army and KPA and other branches of the Korean Military units is a major issues that needs to be addressed. In any such joint-action, the KPA units would be absorbed into the ROK Command Structure and systematically demobilized over the period of the operation.
4. GOAL

1. Reunification of the Korean Peninsula in line with the Unification Treaty
   • Disarmament and Demobilization of North Korean Armed Forces
   • Securing the border and zones of control across the Chinese-Korean and Russian-Korean borders
2. Securing and maintaining rule and order in the reorganized five northern provinces
   • Providing emergency medical and nutritional resources
   • Cooperating and supporting the redevelopment of community civil emergency responses
   • Restoring basic services and upgrading infrastructure and energy sector
3. Fearing refugees and seeking to secure WMD, necessary military missions to stabilize North Korea under OPLAN 5029 a government collapse. Such missions include (1) stability operations to secure roads, provide public security, and deliver humanitarian relief; (2) finding, securing, and eliminating North Korea’s WMD program; (3) border control; (4) the disarmament of North Korean military forces, in order to disarm potential insurgents; and (5) a rapid reaction force standing by to deter or subdue any insurgent or military activity that might interfere with the provision of aid.

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Date 1998 July 25

OPERATION

I. Force Composition

Republic of Korea Republic of Korea Armed Forces Republic of Korea Army 9보병사단 백마부대 9th Infantry Division White Horse 9th Infantry Division Command 9th Infantry Brigade 91st Infantry Regiment 92nd Infantry Regiment 10th Infantry Brigade 93rd Infantry Regiment 94th Infantry Regiment 11th Infantry Brigade 100th Infantry Brigade 101st Infantry Regiment Reconnaisance Regiment 9th Reconnaissance Company 9th Artillery Brigade 9th Artillery Battalion 9th Engineer Brigade 9th Brigade Engineer Battalion 9th Support and Logistics Brigade 9th Brigade Support Regiment 6보병사단 '청성부대 6th Infantry Division Blue Star 6th ROK Army Combat Brigade Brigade Headquarters 16th ROK Mechanized Regiment 26th ROK Mechanized Regiment 36th ROK Mechanized Regiment Reconnaissance Company 10th ROK Army Support Brigade 6th Reconnaissance Company 6th ROK Army Artillery Support Regiment 6th ROK Army Engineer Regiment 6th Brigade Support Regiment 제72동원보병사단 72nd Infantry Division Olympic 72nd Brigade Headquarters 72nd ROK Army Combat Brigade 72nd Infantry Regiment 73rd Infantry Regiment 75th Infantry Regiment Reconnaissance Company 72nd ROK Army Direct Support Brigade Reconnaissance Company 72nd ROK Army Artillery Battalion 72nd Brigade Engineer Battalion 72nd ROK Army Indirect Support Brigade 72nd Brigade Support Regiment Republic of Korea Marine Corps 제2해병사단 2nd Marine Division 1st Marine Regiment 1st Marine Regiment Headquarters Company 11th Marine Battalion 12th Marine Battalion 13th Marine Battalion 5th Marine Regiment 5th Marine Regiment Headquarters Company 51st Marine Battalion 52nd Marine Battalion 53rd Marine Battalion 8th Marine Regiment 8th Marine Regiment Headquarters Company 81st Marine Battalion 82nd Marine Battalion 83rd Marine Battalion 2nd Marine Artillery Regiment 2nd Marine Artillery Headquarters Battery 1st Marine Artillery Battalion 4th Marine Artillery Battalion 8th Marine Artillery Battalion 9th Marine Artillery Battalion 2nd Marine Armor Regiment 2nd Tank Battalion 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion 2nd Amphibian Vehicle Battalion 2nd Marine Support Regiment 2nd Engineer Battalion 2nd Signal Battalion 2nd Supply Battalion 2nd Maintenance Battalion 제6해병여단 6th Marine Brigade (Black Dragon) 6th Marine Brigade Headquarters Battalion 61st Marine Battalion 62nd Marine Battalion 63rd Marine Battalion 65th Marine Battalion 6th Marine Artillery Battalion 6th Reconnaissance Company 6th Engineer Company 제12해병여단 12th Marine Brigade (Flying Dragon) 12th Marine Brigade Headquarters Battalion 1st Marine Airmobile Battalion 2nd Marine Airmobile Battalion 3rd Marine Airmobile Battalion 12th Marine Brigade Air Wing 10th Reconnasiance Company 11th Engineer Company 9th Logistics Company Republic of Korea Air Force 52nd Air Mobility Squadron 1x Lockheed HC-130J Hercules 4 x CASA/IPTN CN-235 x 2 Lockheed KC-130J Hercules 53rd Air Mobility Squadron x 2 Lockheed KC-130J Hercules x 2 Lockheed KC-130J Hercules x 2 Lockheed KC-130J Hercules ROK Armed Forces Medical Force 1st Combat Medical Brigade 1st ROK Army Combat Medical Brigade ROK Army Medical Brigade Headquarters 1st Armored Medical Regiment 1st Medical Air Assault Regiment 1st Combat Medical Regiment 2nd Combat Medical Regiment 3rd Combat Medical Regiment 102nd Medical Evacuation Regiment 3rd Medical Support Brigade Medical Forward Field Hospital Brigade 20th Medical Field Support Regiment 21st Medical Field Support Regiment 22nd Medical Field Support Regiment Field Hospital Technical Company Medical Support Brigade Surgeon Battalion Dentist Battalion Emergency Care Battalion Nurse Regiment Emergency Care Specialists Amnesia and drug specialists Other medical specialists R.O.K.S. Ester Pak Medical Support Contingent Republic of Korea Emergency Services Republic of Korea National Police Agency Republic of Korea Fire Service Republic of Korea Emergency Services Non-Government Organizations Korean Sharing Movement

N/A

Operation Broad Objectives

Operation	Description	Personnel Required	Status
Disarmament	The collection, safe storage, inventorying, and if necessary destruction of North Korean weapons systems, small arms, heavy artillery, and other items deemed appropriate by the ROK Armed Forces Command. The Disarmament of the North Korean Armed Forces inline with the demobilization clause of the Unification Treaty shall happen voluntarily and be a cooperative measure. The ROK Army will be responsible for seizing and storing the equipment, and after completing this shall inspect and inventory: the item, its current conditions, location, and then proceed to ensure its safe delivery to the ROK Command Base in Pyongyang for disassembly.	25,000	Complete
Humanitarian Assistance	All branches of the ROK Armed Forces will be responsible for the delivery and providing of humanitarian assistance. Guidelines are handed out in booklets, ensuring adequate resources are distributed to improvised communities and those in need of assistance and help. The ROK Army and Marine Corps shall deliver medical and food through patrols and targeted deliveries. The ROK Air Force and ROK Navy will be responsible for the logistical aspects of transport. The ROK Armed Forces Medical Branch will be responsible for setting up temporary medical bases and facilities to assist in providing medical attention, nutritional advice, and assistance.	7,000	Complete
WMD elimination	The ROK Army will secure all WMD sites and facilities to begin the process of elimination and destruction. The Army will raid and secure with highest priority WMD facilities to avoid the proliferation of WMDs to non-state actors or foreign regimes.	3,000	Complete
Combat/Deterrence & Border Control	The ROK Army will immediately secure the ROK-Chinese and ROK-Russian Border and ensure that neither party can interfere or undermine ongoing efforts. These forces will patrol and maintain Korea's sovereignty over its borders. The disputed territories of the occupied portions of Mount Baekdu and Noktundo Island and shall resolve these occupied portions diplomatically. Korean Troops will secure all areas under the de-facto control of the former North's regime.	14,000	Complete
Rule of Law and Coordination of Security Policy	The ROK Army will nominally assist with the rule of law and security coordination. The primary agency responsible is the Korean National Police Agency. The Police Force of 2,500 police officers drafted from the Police Conscripts will assist in policing major cities and integrating the Police Officers of the North. The Army will provide heavy assistance where needed and initially protect high valued areas.	1,000	Complete

Casualties:

Republic of Korea Armed Forces	Republic of Korea Emergency Services	Civilians and Non-Combatants

Mission Details:

Designation	Location	Status
ROK Armed Forces Bases ROK Army ROK Air Foce ROK Navy ROK Marine Corps	Across the Republic of Korea 9th Division Base 6th Division Base 72nd Division Base Incheon Airbase Youngsam Airbase Daegu Airbase Busan Naval Base Jinhae Naval Base Pyeongtak Base	OPLAN 5029-KU Complete | Regular Training and Operational Readiness

Objective I	ROK Forces shall immediately deploy from the Demilitarized Zone through the agreed routes to begin stabilizing the DMZ from a refugee crisis. ROK Special Forces and Airborne Units shall be deployed to special locations to seize WMDs and secure airstrips and naval ports to allow the further deployment of troops and equipment. The KPA shall assist in the early phases of this planning and execution s well as augment as auxiliary forces. Local insight shall be produced by KPA personnel. The ROK Airborne Units shall further secure the Chinese-Korean & Russian-Korean Border and shall raise the ROK Flag across the border points to signify the territorial authority of the ROK Army over its territory.	Timeline: 24 hours for activation and departure, 48 hours for total completion of insertion	Complete
Objective II (A)	ROK Personnel and Aircrafts shall be flown into Pyongyang, Wonsan, and other major zones of importance to begin unloading personnel and humanitarian aid, the ROK Air Force and Marine Corps shall secure all airfields and ports for use serving as entry of resources and assistance.	Timeline: 24 hours upon activation and 12 hours for completion	Complete
Objective II (B)	The ROK Army and Marine Corps shall secure the physical borders along the North of the country and ensure the safety and stability of the area, the ROK Armed Forces shall coordinate ensuring the airspace and maritime borders are protected and maintained.	Timeline: Within 4 hours of completion of Phase OBJ I	Complete
Objective III	ROK Medical Personnel from the Armed Forces and Civilian Entities shall begin deployments to provide emergency care and assistance, all of which shall be done in coordination of local contacts and personnel. NGOs and ROK Government shall coordinate food aid and resources for immediate deployment and a national campaign shall be conducted to raise capital and resources for the effort.	Timeline: Unknown	Complete
Objective IV	The ROK National Police shall begin moving alongside other emergency services to provide assistance to the existing emergency and security forces in the North and relieve ROK Military personnel. ROK military personnel shall be diverted to disarmament and assisting KPA in regular functions of maintenance of borders and regions.	Timeline: 12 hours after completion of objective III	Complete [TR][TD] Objective V	ROK Joint Chiefs will meet with Operational Commanders to assess the impact of the mission, its efficiency, and its downside and shall address logistical issues continuously and then make plans for procurement of new logistical units and investment towards infrastructure efforts.	Timeline: 30 days after the operation	Active

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[Jay]

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ROK Troops having been mobilized and readied[1] over the course of the past month would quickly enter their aerial transport. The ROK Army personnel would be equipped with the standard Daewoo K2 Assault Rifle, with specialist armed with the Colt M4A1, Daewoo K5, Remington 870, Daewoo USAS-12, Daewoo K3 Light Machine Gun, Daewoo K4 40mm Automatic Grenade Launcher, Daewoo K12 General-Purpose Machine Gun, Daewoo K6 Heavy Machine Gun M60D General-Purpose Machine Gun, Accuracy International AWM S&T Daewoo K14, and anti-tank personnel armed with BGM-71 TOW Panzerfaust 3 AT-13 Metis-M M72 LAW M40 106mm recoilless rifle, FGM-148 Javelin. Every soldier would be have enough magazines and special rounds for their weapon. Every soldier would be given supplies and equipment to last three-five days without resupply. Every soldier would be wearing the Standard Uniform of their branch including PAGST Headgear, Body-armor, Gloves, Boots, Uniforms, Radio, Night Vision Googles, Visors, and NBC equipment. As the soldiers had their equipment checked by their superiors, reassured, and readied, the divisions would begin to assemble at their rally points. At the base commands, each of the soldiers was handed a letter from the President. The letter thanked them for their service and contributions for unification of the Korean Peninsula, urging them to act with kindness and representation of the Korean People. Wishing them the best of luck and a safe return, the President's letter including his seal and signature as some tossed it aside while others kept it.

The ROK Air Force and Army would begin their overhead flight, the pilots a little at a bit of unease as they began to enter the North's airspace. Watching their monitors for any air defense threats. As they cruised over the Peninsula, the pilots would welcome their crew to the Hermit Kingdom. Helicopters flying a little bit lower would see people at shock and others waving as the helicopters and aircrafts moved to their destination. Every now and then, helicopters would break off as they landed at specific sites and locations. Special Operators would quickly storm a number of buildings wearing gas masks as they seized the North's WMD program. The NIS had monitored the facilities since the agreement, and no current stockpiles had been stolen their knowledge. The ROK Army would land at airbases near the Chinese Border. Once landed they would get into trucks and other vehicles and drive to the Border. Their objectives would be complete when the troops seized the border crossings and raised the ROK Flag. The battalions would fortify their positions and set up temporary check points to monitor the ground traffic.

The Chinooks and Blackhawks would unload medical and food aid in Pyongyang Airport while the C-130J's would return to Seoul to begin regular deliveries to Pyongyang, Wonsan, Chongjin, and other major cities in the North. Blackhawks stationed at airbases in the North would carry those supplies to inland communities often with the support of locals. The Korean Air Force would inspect a number of Aircrafts in the North, finding themselves in the care of advanced Russian Weapons such as the Mig-25, Mig-29, Mig-31, and a number of older Chinese and Soviet aircrafts. They'd take stock of what was present and secure the armory and missiles for the aircrafts.

The ROK Special Forces would have the most grueling task. After seizing WMD sites and high value targets, they'd have to secure airstrips and naval ports for the Marines and Army to land at. Special Operators would be conducting around the clock operations as they finished their objectives. The KPA forces at these bases would be registered, identified, and once handing over their rifles, weapons, and equipment be discharged and allowed to return home. This identification system would take a long time with over 7 million troops in the KPA. However, ensuring this process went smoothly was the support by the KPA troops who supplemented the ROK Army's manpower, and volunteers from the South who would participate in the process. It take at least a week if not two to discharge the KPA troops. They would not be discharged until they were tracked, identified, and disarmed regardless. KPA troops on the bases would help the ROK Army and other branches as they offloaded equipment, sent out supplies, and inspected facilities. The ROK Army would not cataloging the extensive amount of armor from T-80s, T-72s, Chonmas, BMPs, and many more equipment. They'd make sure they were stored and that all KPA weapons were locked in the armory. ROK troops shared their rations and MREs with their brothers and sisters from the North, seeing that the further from the DMZ, the higher malnutrition amongst troops was. Some of the troops were amazed at their Southern counterparts, having night vision goggles, digital systems, and much more. They would see big their equipment was.

Along the DMZ, the armored brigades and artillery would begin to drive across the Peninsula and move to the border area. ROK Troops at the border would set up radar positions and anti-air weapons airlifted by Chinooks. The K-SAM Pegasus and K-31 Binho would be airlifted to the border while the Roland-3 was placed at the Pyongyang Airport where the majority of inter-Korean operations were being planned and conducted from. For North Koreans it was almost astonishing when planes barely flew over to seeing fast jets screeching across the skies and helicopters coming so close their hats flew off and dirt and weeds flew in all directions. The President monitored the situation from his emergency room with other staff, watching carefully that their neighbors didn't conduct an attack or attempt to undermine the operation. All was going smoothly as OBJ I was being completed.

 

[Jay]

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With airmobile troops having secured their primary objectives and the ROK Navy and Air Force securing the border and maritime/airspace, ROK Ground Troops and Marines would begin to launch their phase of Objective II. ROK Marines armed with the standard K2 Rifle and K5 sidearm, with specialists equipped with the K3 LMG, K6 HMG, K4 Launcher, K14 Sniper Rifle and anti-tank personnel equipped with the Panzerfaust-3 & FGM-148 Javelin would assemble at their rally points and board their transport vessels. All the Marines would have enough equipment, personal items, and supplies for autonomous operability for three to five days. The Marines would be wearing their standard uniform (Haebyung Digital), PAGST Headgear, Body-armor, Gloves, Uniforms, Radio, Night Vision Googles, Visors, NBC equipment. The Marines would enter their transport vessels and begin their maneuvers to reach major coastal regions.

ROK Marines would land at landing zones: Nampo, Najin, and Tasari. These three were the main target of ROK Marine 2nd Marine Division. The 1st and 5th Marine Regiments, and 2nd Armored Regiments would land at Nampo which housed the Headquarter of the North Korean Navy. Their primary targets were a number of ballistic missiles, intelligence reports, and eight high ranking Navy Officials at the base. The ROKS Dokdo and it support vessels would allow the 1st Regiment to land via helicopter, the 5th Marines would launch an amphibious assault with the KAAVA7. They would enter the facilities, and secure it. The KPA garrison was disarmed and the political officers identified. The Regiments would secure and maintain their objectives. At Tasari the 2nd Armored Regiment would secure its approach, paving the way for the 2nd Artillery and 2nd Support Regiments to land and disembark. Tanks, Artillery, Air Defense, Logistical Trucks would move towards the ROK-Chinese Border to fully secure it. KPA Garrisons across the region were systematically incorporated, and logged for demobilization. Many were just happy to go home after 20 years of service, others, disgruntled and angry with what they felt as defeat. For their part, the South Koreans were under strict orders to maintain decency and uphold the integrity of KPA forces as they were disarmed and demobilized. The 8th Marine Regiment would arrive at Najin to find much of the garrison having fled, the base looked rundown and with a number of facilities dilapidated. The Marines would secure what was there, including some vessels and munitions, however, the missile chambers appeared empty. Other Marine elements from the 6th Brigade stormed the Mugyepo and Toejodong fleet commands while the 12th Marine Brigade secured the naval ports at Changjon. Across these facilities, ROK Marine secured the premises and armories. These maneuvers were strategically calculated, taking down these facilities allowed for cargo vessels from abroad and from the South to bring supplies and boost trade, while also overlooking critical in-land infrastructure such as trains and roads for the armored and motorized units to cross. ROK Marines from the 6th Brigade would drive from Mugyepo to major cities on the eastern coast of the North such as Wonsan.

Overhead, Korean KF-16s would be providing air support and monitoring the airspace. F-16 SEAD aircrafts were launched and others on standby as they patrolled the skies of the North. The NIS had no intelligence if rogue generals had splintered, many were compliant, however, it was still possible for some rogue elements to resist. Troops remained vigilant and carried on with their operation. K1A1 and K1 MBTs and K9 and K55A1 artillery pieces would arrive at military bases along the border. Marines secured the ROK-Russian Border, and monitored the disputed island, not making any aggressive gestures. By this phase, all major cities were under ROK Control and as OBJ II A and B were in process all major airbases, naval ports, and army bases were falling into ROK Control.

 

[Jay]

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The 6th Infantry Division Blue Star & 9th Infantry Division White Horse would arrive at their designated locations along the ROK-Chinese Border. Until now, no official maneuvers or actions were detected by Korean Forward Radar or Surveillance Drones. ROK Forces were cautiously optimistic their operation had succeeded successfully and that the border zone was secured. ROK Forces would alongside engineers install temporary defensive measures including checkpoints along the bridges connecting Korea and China, anti-tank emplacements on main roads, and artillery ditches for self-propelled artillery guns to set up and provide in-/direct fire support. The tanks and artillery set up overnight catching up to the light infantry units that had been airlifted to the border. Slowly, those on the Chinese Border would be confused as the D.P.R.K. flag was lowered and the ROK Flag flown over the border crossings. ROK Troops had the primary mandate to maintain border control until the area would be handed over to the Korean Customs Officials. From the Korean Autonomous Region in China, news would probably be spreading of something along the border, whatever that meant. At Kanggye the ROK 9th Division would set up a forward command center, using the Workers' Party political offices to connect with the main operating base in Pyongyang. Relaying their progress and informing them that they had successfully completed objectives II a and b. The 6th Division secured the North's airbases at Uiju and Manpo allowing for ROK Helicopters to bring in heavy equipment more rapidly and resupply the forward unit. Following the completion of their objectives and setting up their defensive positions, ROK Forces apart of the 411st ROK Army Heavy Airlift Squadron would bring in supplies to the units, resupplying their food and heating equipment. ROK Reconnaissance helicopters apart of the 61st ROK Army Attack Squadron would arrive at Uiju and assist in patrolling the airspace and provide live-footage through their reconnaissance lens to other units.

In the south, ROK Medical Command would have its personnel fully assembled and readied. The 5,000 strong medical contingent was supplemented by 3,000 volunteer doctors who would facilitate objective three of the mission. Food aid and resources were being collected across the south by donations, while foreign aid was landing in Pyongyang for NGOs and the Unification Ministry to catalogue and distribute. This 8,000 medical force was meant to assist and provide higher-grade assistance with technology and resources to the North's medical infrastructure. With many doctors but shortages on medical equipment, lab resources, electricity, and nurses, the 8,000 strong medical force would work to supplement that deficit. ROK Medical Command would use its fleet of helicopters to provide emergency aid to small towns and communities outside the major cities, focusing their attention where most capable in heavy urban centers. With some of their combat medics embedded with the ROK Army and Marine Corps units conducting their objectives. The ROK Medical Command would also deploy the Mercy-class ROKS Jeomdong off the coast of Wonsan to provide emergency care and assistance following the floods. A number of critical cases persisted and the ROK Jeomdong would be helpful to bring a high-tech facility to the area.

 

[Jay]

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ROK Aircrafts would deliver a daily load of 367,410 kilograms of aid ranging from pharmaceutical and medication, food and nutrition, and basic goods. The aid would be brought from Seoul to Pyongyang Airport where Chinook and Blackhawk Aircrafts of the ROK Army's 411st ROK Army Heavy Airlift Squadron , 416th ROK Airmobile Airlift Squadron, and 410th ROK Special Forces Airlift Squadron. They would bring the cargo to secondary points in cities and towns to be distributed and shared. The aid was not meant to be primary and efforts were made to source locally as to not wreck the economic battering and trade system. Insight from local know-hows helped the Army coordinate wide-scale transport of goods on behest of private citizens across the country.

The primary goal of addressing the famine was successfully. In under two months with continual food aid and assistance, the malnutrition rate amongst children, young adults, and the elderly had been reduced by 76%. Schools had primarily been the source of nourishment for children, directives were made for parents to continue to send their children to school as was prior under North Korean Law. Students would be fed and looked after at schools which became a stable source of high-quality food. Specific programs were adopted to make school-meals complete across lunch and dinner and snacks were sent daily, but, often restocked weekly due to logistical issues.

ROK Aircrafts were conducting between 3-5 flights daily between Seoul and Pyongyang while ROK Helicopters conducted numerous transport missions. The experience was rich, but, taking a toll. Now in September, the operational capabilities of ROK Pilots was being scrutinized for long operating times. Rotating squadrons was a more appropriate measure and to address this pilots were given rest days while their helicopters were flown by other pilots. ROK Marines and the Navy would bring supplies through ships, however, the primary modem of transportation was through the air for efficiency and timelines. The ports would be kept busy with trade imports being brought into the area while plans were ongoing for a train system to connect the two areas.

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In major cities, the abundance of medical professionals was taken advantage of. Supplemented by the ROK Medical Command, North Korea's educated and capable medical staff were given modern equipment and nursing assistance for their needs. High priority patients who could not wait would be MEDEVAC'd to the South for critical treatment, however, surgeries, dental, and child care were all being done across the North. Where infrastructure permitted, families would be driven by the ROK Army, and if unable, the ROK Army Air Wing would dispatch medical helicopters to bring them via air.

The efforts were bringing results and preventable deaths and treatable diseases, illnesses, and check-ups were being provided and conducted. Doctors were compensated for their service and coverage for North Koreans was under a special provision as Korea's Universal Healthcare discussed plans for expansion of coverage. The arrangement won the hearts and minds, gave doctors experience and needed exposure, and reduced the burden on the civilian health sector and Korean taxpayers in the future. All of this was also aimed at being able to identify and register North Koreans into the Korean National System. National ID cards were being created and delivered to citizens to use for their daily lives and for getting passports, medical attention, and visiting relatives.

The operation was nonetheless going smoothly and objectives were being complete. With the border secured, troops were spared for demobilization of the KPA. Equipment that was not of much use was disabled, rifles were stored or otherwise destroyed. Tanks and Artillery had ammunition removed and then sent to be disassembled for spare parts and or reserve for Korea's feet of T-80s and BMP-3s and other Russian/Soviet Equipment. The soldiers would inspect their gear, finding a lot in good condition. Those in irreparable conditions would be scrapped for parts and equipment, but, those that could be repaired would be in a separate pile for other use.

Plans for the transition into civil control was still difficult. Local police vetting was time consuming and draining. Funding was limited, and, politicians were worried of a local police force taking over even with assistance from the southern emergency services. The ROK Army presence would most likely be extended till January of 1999, and slow-phase in. A unified Korean process was difficult, but, President Kim was determined. Elections were being planned for local level officials in the Northern areas. The outcome of unification looked positive, in the day that came from the night, a brighter future was shinning on Koreans.

 

[Jay]

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In the city of Pyongyang, it was unusual to see the lights on for so long so continuous. The ROK-Saudi energy agreement came into effect and it was now being supplied with regular shipments of petroleum for energy conversion. Plans for the integrated pipeline were still years away from implementation with deliberations just beginning. Still, the current arrangement would suffice the whole of Korea's energy needs until the Government in Seoul could negotiate an agreement with China or Russia to restore the pipelines. The ROK Army would begin its phased withdrawal as the Pyongyang Metropolitan Police took over security and public safety. The Operational Plan was beginning to enter its final stages as preparations for a formal return to normalcy was publicly released for 1998.12.22. The ROK Army following completion of its objectives and the National Police Agency completing there's begin their review and assessment process.

The review concluded and officers were re-instated on the contingent of clean behavior. Officers accused of power abuse, criminal activities, crimes against the public, and corruption would be barred from re-service unless a formal review committee re-examined their behavior and allowed for a probational service. The hand-off was done to free up resources for complete disarmament and destruction of weapons and equipment. The Army was also becoming more concerned with preparations of border security and military installations along the tri-border zone with the majority of installations small dug-outs and temporary in-placements. The overall re-design would be difficult to complete and take many months, but, a new mission and order was needed for the Armed Forces.

​

Pyongyang's Police branch would be allowed to keep their previous uniforms as the Governor of Pyongyang thought the uniforms would calm the public and also maintain the distinct look of the country. The uniforms for other branches would be in-line with the southern portion of the country. Equipment and gear was being brought into the area including squad cars, tasers, radio communications, and training handbooks. All officers dedicated 2/5 days of working days to complete training on expectations and rulings of the National Police Agency.

The advisor officers would remain in the region for another six months before returning to their posts in the South. Acting as the primary officers and maintaining the rule of law and public order. This of course was also an attempt to push down the crime rate in the Republic of Korea while financing was much more lenient on operational costs. The Police would break up organized crime rings and used the North's databases to make sting operations and end the acts of criminality imposed on the population. A major mission of the Government was to free the hundreds of kidnapped citizens of foreign countries.

 

[Jay]

​

Over the course of the past couple of months, the North Korean Army would be dismantled. Its ships salvaged for parts and to be destroyed, its Aircrafts dismantled or taken to be studied for intelligence purposes, and its Equipment broken down. The feat encompassed a majority of the weapons and defense systems of the North. That which was not marked for destruction was catalogued for use in the Korean Armed Forces. A number of serviceable aircrafts and vehicles were taken into service with orders for maintenance and upgrades to be made for compatibility with the ROK'S Arsenal. Soldiers from the North were released after the ordeal, returning home early than their 20 years of conscription.

Soldiers would go home to see their hometowns transformed. People moving freely, goods coming in from all parts of the Peninsula, and visitors. Relatives from the South and those from other parts of the country. It was a new beginning for them. The electricity did not turn off at random points, there was some level of food stability, and the farm had been replaced with help and equipment from some NGO in the South. Days turned into Weeks, Weeks into Months, and time just became normal again. Unification for the Korean People was achieved and all objectives of the Operation were completed. It was now time for the sons and daughters of Korea to go home to their families.

Soldiers of the Army would be the first to return home. The 9th, 6th, and 72nd Divisions were given their formal orders to begin asset relocation and returning to their bases in the South. The Divisions armored and artillery units would maintain their posture at the new border zone, with their personnel being temporarily reassigned to the Northern Military Command Zone. The Marine Corps would be responsible for ground operations and security, with the 2nd Division and 6th Brigade leading the Korean-Chinese Border Zone and the 12th Brigade responsible for the Korean-Russian Border. The Armed Forces would begin bringing their assets back to their bases and the new bases they took up in the North. Reassigned Aircrafts and Ships were repositioned and troops on leave and rest would be informed of new operation bases for deployment in March.

Korean-Russian Border
​

The Korean Soldiers would slowly move their equipment back away from the border flashpoint. Diplomats would now handle the next stage of the fight. Peace was achieved, the Border was secured, and no intervention was launched. Discussions on a formal border police or customs agency were now being discussed as Korea had its first land border and not a coastal or airport as a port of origin. Being able to deal with that would mean transferring the traditional role of border security from the Army to the civilian government. Plans

For the meanwhile, the Korean Customs Service would have the role of maintaining the ROK's borders with its neighbors. The 707th Special Mission Battalion and the regular Police Special Weapons and Tactical unit would detach personnel for the Customs Service Security Unit to provide security at the border. As the handover was completed, and in the country the Korean National Police Agency began its duties as the law enforcement agency, the Ministry of Justice began setting up regional hubs for State prosecutors to begin their work.

Integration would take time, however, at least for now the Government had completed its crucial objectives. While in the distant a lurking threat loomed, and in the shadows forces conspired, the calm was here to stay. No force on Earth would be able to push the Korean people against each other anymore. The changes to each others lives was immeasurable. United the wounds of Korea's past began to heal. United the tears of pain were drowned in the tears of happiness. Untied, Korea moved forward.

 

[Jay]

조그만 토끼가 아닌
무서운 호랑이.

호랑이 허리에 금이 갔다.
허리를 다쳐
낑낑대며

수없이 괴로워하는 호랑이 한 마리.

중국도, 일본도, 미국도
호랑이가 아닌 조그만 토끼라며 우리를 깔봤었다.

하지만 호랑이 허리에 간 금이
모두 씻겨져가는 날
세계는 우리를 얕보지 못할 것이다.

남쪽은 북쪽을 닮고,
북쪽은 남쪽을 닮고,

태극기에 새겨진
두개의 극이

하나가 되어 보라색이 되는 날.
7,000만 국민

하나가 되어
서로 손잡고 뜻깊은 하늘을 보는 날.

그 날이 언젠간 오겠지.

통일이라는 곳을 향해
한 발짝 한 발짝 내딛어 가는,

우리는 조그만 토끼가 아닌
한 마리의 용감한 호랑이다.

- 김남존 5학년

우리 대한민국은 위대하고 보존해야합니다​