A Study on the Multi-Domain Environment and Revolution in Military Affairs of the Korean Military

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to analyze the impact of the technology of the fourth industrial revolution on the changes in the operational environment, and present the operational employment concept and military buildup related directions of the Korean armed forces in accordance with the changed operational environment in terms of revolution in military affairs. Method: The existing studies of domestic and foreign academics on combat domain, fourth industrial revolution, revolution in military affairs, and joint operations, etc., and the literature focused on research papers published by the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Army were explored. Based on which, the historical evolution process of technology and domain was examined, and after deriving the evolutionary direction of the field that the fourth industrial revolution will bring, an exploratory approach was attempted to present the joint operational concept and military buildup related direction in line with the characteristics of the new domain. Results: The impact of the fourth industrial revolution across all sectors of society is reflected in the military field as well, fundamentally changing the concept of weapon systems and military operations. The advancement of military science and technology is creating a multi-domain environment by expanding the cross domain. In such a multi-domain environment, joint operations ought to include not only the integrated operation of traditional military types, but also the integrated operation of the domain at the same time. Furthermore, it was confirmed that in order to secure cross domain capabilities appropriate for the multi-domain environment, it is necessary to review the basic concept of joint operation, develop a new paradigm for the appropriate allocation of capabilities, and set a variable point of equilibrium for efficient operation of capabilities. Conclusion: Revolution in military affairs is a process which dramatically amplifies combat effects by developing a new power system by applying the new military science and technologies, and innovatively developing and harmoniously operating joint operational concept and the organizational structures related thereto. Hence, approaching the multi-domain operation (MDO) of the US Army in terms of revolution in military affairs rather than operational aspects will offer useful implications for the Korean armed forces.