A Study for the Development of a New Concept of Reserve Forces as a Total Force in the ROK MILITARY

Purpose: This study is to reveal the limitations of the existing concept and recognition of the reserve force by analyzing the actual situation and policy of the reserve force. In addition, by establishing a new concept of the reserve forces based on the total force, and suggesting the direction for the modernization and force integration of mobilization-oriented units, it is intended to contribute to the expansion of national security in the future. Method: The research method is to conduct a single case study that provides a framework for understanding and interpretation in decision-making and execution of the reserve force reinforcement policy. An interpretive case study will be conducted to analyze the process of forming the total force of the United States(US), focusing on the case itself rather than the theory. Also, for a qualitative study through archival research, reports from the US Department of Defense and Congress, historical data of the National Guard, research papers and publications published by the ROK Ministry of National Defense(MND) and Army, and domestic and foreign papers will be reviewed. Results: According to the total force policy of the 1970s, US viewed the reserve force as a companion force of the standing army and promoted the reinforcement of its forces. And the successful innovations in the structure, organization, and training of reserve forces by the Military National Defense(MND) and the Army of U.S. in the 1960s supported this policy. However, the strength and readiness of the Reserve Forces of ROK have not improved significantly compared to the past in terms of structure and organization, training system, and budget. Conclusion: The concept of a reserve forces should be extended from a combination of mobilized personnel and materials to a unit composed of them. First of all, efforts should be focused on improving the operational capability and effectiveness of the mobilization-oriented units among the reserve forces. So the concept of re-serve forces should include all human and material resources mobilized for national security and mobilization-oriented units augmented in wartime.