section 2 national Defense Policy Ministry is maintaining a robust military readiness posture which is the fundamental duty of the military. Furthermore, it is strengthening the fundamentals by establishing a barracks culture that the people understand and the servicemembers appreciate. Moreover, while bolstering its future-oriented defense capacity based on a robust rOK-U.S. Combined Defense System, the ministry is additionally creating a strategic environment favorable towards promoting our national interest and preparing for reunification. 1. national Defense Objectives The National Defense Objectives are: “protecting the nation from external military threats and attack,” “supporting a peaceful reunification of the Korean peninsula,” and “contributing to regional stability and world peace.” These objectives are discussed below in detail: First, the constant military threats and provocations from North Korea are the primary security threats the ROK faces today. In particular, North Korea’s nuclear weapons including ballistic missiles, weapons of mass destruction (WMD), cyber-attacks and terrorism pose major threats to our national security. As long as these threats persist, the North Korean regime and its military will remain an enemy insofar as they are the agents carrying out these threats. At the same time as contending with these threats, the ROK will also continuously expand its capacity to respond to potential threats against its peace and security as well as transnational and non-military threats. Second, the ROK will achieve sustainable peace that is oblivious to the fear of nuclear proliferation, and make preparations for a blissful era of reunification that both Koreas can look forward to. Third, within the framework of the ROK-U.S. Alliance, the ROK will promote common interests with regional neighbors and increase strategic cooperation to mitigate anxiety over security in the region. Moreover, by strengthening bilateral and multilateral cooperation with countries around the world that share the ROK strategic interests, the ROK will strive to broaden the scope of security cooperation. Section 2 National Defense Policy 41 Chapter 2 to achieve the national defense vision of “advanced elite Military,” the Ministry of National Defense (MND) has selected and is implementing seven Key tenets of the National Defense Policy. in tandem, the

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