“Defense Preparing for the Future” refers to fostering an “Advanced Elite Military” that can contribute greatly to regional stability and world peace by shaping a strategic environment favorable of the ROK to take the initiative in defending and unifying the Korean Peninsula. To achieve such a goal, the ROK Armed Forces has specified and is actively pursuing four priorities in defense management: “Building a robust national defense posture,” “creating a fulfilling and advanced service environment,” “strengthening future-oriented defense capabilities,” as well as “developing the ROK-U.S. Alliance and strengthening external defense cooperation.” | Building a Robust national Defense Posture | The ultimate and unchanging goal of the ROK military is to ‘fight the enemy and win.’ On the foundation of the ROK-U.S. combined defense system, the ROK military maintains a strong readiness posture and is developing an integrated civilian-government-military-police defense system based on the concept of total war. In the face of nuclear missile and WMD threats, it is building up the ROK-U.S. Tailored Deterrence Strategy1) and its counter-missile operational posture, while also establishing the Korean triad system2) for effective deterrence and decisive retaliation against North Korea’s provocation. The ROK military will strengthen response capabilities in the face of potential threats while proactively and preemptively responding to any transnational as well as non-military threats. It is introducing and prioritizing training based on real-world combat scenarios to create a combat-mission-oriented military that can fight the enemy and win. Furthermore, the military is enhancing the servicemembers’ mentality so they can cultivate the traits of a warrior and patriot while forming a clear understanding of the enemy, commendable character, and civic consciousness. | Creating a fulfilling and Advanced service environment | To become the “Advanced Elite Military” trusted and respected by the Korean people, the ROK military is shaping a new culture that can be appreciated and approved by the people and the servicemembers. It is creating conditions to allow the servicemembers to pursue personal development so that military service may be a productive experience for them. It is also improving the standard of basic necessities provided to servicemembers such as food, clothing and shelter. Moreover, it is modernizing barracks facilities and broadening support toward military families. The ROK Armed Forces will reform the military health care policy to ensure that servicemembers injured while serving the country are continuously and comprehensively treated by the government and to create a health care system that focuses on preventive measures. 1) Deterrence strategy of the rOK-U.S. alliance optimized for the Korean Peninsula against North Korea’s nuclear and WMD threats 2) 1: Kill Chain, 2: Korea air and Missile Defense (KaMD), 3: Korea Massive Punishment and retaliation (KMPr) 44 Chapter 2 National Security Strategy and Defense Policy