The Role of the Rapid Reaction Force (RRF) and its Operation in the Security Environment of the Korean Peninsula

Abstract

Following the end of the Cold War, the world has seen the proliferation of various regional conflicts and disputes. On the Korean peninsula, ROK forces have been successful in deterring the North’s attempts at all-out war since the end of the Korean War, but not in local provocations by the North. The North’s local provocations continue to become more intense and diversified as shown in the attacks on the ROKS Cheonan and the shelling of Yeonpyeong Island. Meanwhile, China and Japan vie with each other to modernize their military forces and demonstrate aggressive policies in pursuit of marine interests. These conditions remain a potential source of conflict in the region. Major countries, such as the United States, Russia, China, and Japan as well as NATO have thus organized and operated Rapid Reaction Forces (RRFs) to cope promptly with diverse contingency situations amid the uncertainty of the current security environment. The operation of RRFs is based on the expectation that gains earned by quickly controlling a contingency situation or preventing it from escalating into war are much greater than the expense incurred for operation of RRFs, with the additional benefit of reduction in the loss of human lives and military expenditure. The ROK finds itself in a similar situation, requiring the operation of RRFs to cope with threats to national security amid an increase in the North’s local provocations and threats associated with other potential conflicts. This study proposes operational strategies for maintaining RRFs suited to the local environment of the ROK, based on examples from major countries currently operating their own RRFs. This study also defines the desired role of RRFs in light of the security situation and operational environment on the Korean peninsula and presents a realistic view concerning how best to organize and operate RRFs to cope with the North’s local provocations and conflicts associated with potential threats from other countries.