ters, and long-range air-to-surface missiles. In addition, protective capabilities for the northwestern islands will also be strengthened through increased fortification, in a proactive effort to prepare for North Korean infiltration attempts and provocations. The ROK military maintains a full readiness islands as well as the ROK’s territorial land, Defense Minister han Minkoo inspects the readiness posture in northwestern islands (September 2016) waters and air space in the East, West, and South Seas, including Marado Island, Ulleungdo Island and Dokdo Island. Its resolute and readiness posture to defend Dokdo, an island whose territorial appurtenance to the ROK is indisputable based on historical and geographic evidence and international laws, remain particularly strong. The ROK military is reinforcing its air surveillance and immediate response posture across the Korean peninsula. Vigilance against North Korean drone threats (small UAVs) has been stepped up by strengthening antiaircraft surveillance and enhancing the air defense operations execution system in areas including detection, identification, tracking and striking procedures. To be able to effectively respond to the changing operational environment, the ROK military will optimize its surveillance, decision-making and strike system on land, at sea and in the airspace of contact areas and bolster its core fighting capabilities. 3. Maintaining Readiness Posture against Other Types of Provocations To proactively respond to potential terrorism and cyber-attacks against the capital area and critical national infrastructures in rear areas, the ROK military operates surveillance assets while also tightening cooperation with relevant government organizations. In particular, by operating a combined coastal surveillance system, the ROK military is preparing for enemy attempts at maritime infiltration and is enhancing its reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities. Meanwhile, to ensure the smooth execution of integrated defense operations, the C4I (Command, Control, Communications, Computer and Intelligence) system has been linked with local government agencies. Operational plans have been improved to better prepare for enemy provocations in both the capital area and rear areas, whether in the form of infiltration or terrorist attacks. To enable a quick response to enemy provocations, the initial response system has been strengthened by newly establishing the Quick Reaction Forces in the Special Warfare Command and the Marine Corps. To counter North Korean attempts to disturb GPS signals, the civilian-government-military Section 2 Maintaining a readiness Posture against Local Provocations 57 Chapter 3 posture to effectively defend the five northwest