战略与国际研究中心-From-Defense-to-Deterrence_-The-Core-of-Defense-Reform-Plan-307_4页_203kb

KOREA CHAIR PLATFORM: Summary of DRP 307

Core Content

The document presents an analysis of Defense Reform Plan 307 (DRP 307), a significant shift in South Korea's military strategy and organization. It outlines the rationale behind the reform, its key components, and its implications for regional security and the unification process.

Main Author and Context

• Dr. Rhee Sang-Woo (李相禹) is a prominent figure in South Korea's security and defense policy, having held various high-level positions including Chairman of the Presidential Commission for National Security Review and President of the New Asia Research Institute.
• The article was originally presented at a Senior Policy Group Meeting at CSIS.
• The reform plan was initiated by President Lee Myung-bak in response to the unrealistic assumptions of the previous DRP 2020 and the Cheonan sinking incident in 2010, which prompted a reevaluation of the command and control structure of the ROK Armed Forces (ROKAF).

Key Points of DRP 307

1. Doctrinal Change: From Defense by Denial to Proactive Deterrence

• Defense by Denial was a passive strategy where South Korea focused on containing North Korean provocations without significant retaliation.
• This approach was criticized for not effectively deterring North Korea and for allowing it to dictate the terms of conflict.
• DRP 307 introduces a new doctrine of Proactive Deterrence, which emphasizes prompt, focused, and proportional retaliation against North Korean attacks.
• The goal is to dissuade North Korea from initiating provocations by demonstrating a credible and decisive military response.
• The doctrine aligns with Sun Tzu's principle of subduing the enemy without fighting, aiming to intimidate North Korea into abandoning its aggressive stance.

2. For a Democratic Unified Korea

• South Koreans believe that a unified Korea should be a democratic republic.
• They are not willing to compromise democratic values or economic prosperity for unification.
• Therefore, military superiority over North Korea is seen as essential to ensure that unification efforts are not met with resistance.
• DRP 307 reflects this popular demand by strengthening deterrence capabilities to convince North Korean leaders to abandon their belligerent policies.

3. Reorganization of the Command Structure

• DRP 307 includes a reorganization of the command structure to improve joint operations and command and control efficiency.
• In 2015, the ROKAF HQ will take back wartime operational control (Op-Con) from the Combined Forces Command (CFC).
• The Commander of the CFC will be replaced by the Chairman of the ROK Joint Chiefs of Staff (ROK JCS).
• The service chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force will be restructured to fit under the ROK JCS.
• This reorganization aims to eliminate one layer of command, promoting simplicity, speed, and jointness in military operations.

Conclusion

• DRP 307 is designed to induce North Korea to pursue non-belligerent policies by ensuring South Korea's military readiness and strength.
• The plan emphasizes strategic deterrence and effective joint command.
• The ultimate goal is to promote peace through military preparedness, as reflected in the quote: "Si vis pacem, para bellum" (If you want peace, prepare for war).

Supporting Information

• The reform process involved 15 experts commissioned by President Lee Myung-bak.
• The revised DRP was approved by President Lee on March 7, 2011, and will be implemented under the title DRP 11-30 after the necessary legislative procedures.
• The Korea Chair Platform is supported by the Poongsan Corporation and CSIS, and the views expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the sponsors.