Operational Planning Issues for the Peaceful Reunification of the Korean Peninsula

Abstract

Abstract : This monograph examines if the US Army in Korea is trained, equipped, and staffed to move directly into the last phase of a campaign plan, post-hostilities. As the new millennium dawns over the Korean Peninsula, literally the world's hopes and expectations for peace are at an all time high. This monograph will study current North and South Korean relationships, in order to glean information the U.S. Army planner will need in the event of moving directly into post-hostilities. Additionally four well know scenarios for North Korean collapse and eventual reunification are studied. Within each scenario, the Army planner has to discern how to optimize the plan and allow for the innumerable branches or sequels that will be required. In order to provide further background information to facilitate planning and assumptions, the interests of the four major powers are discussed. The common theme among the U.S., China, Japan, and Russia is to seek stability and prevent no one power from establishing a hegemonic influence or domination over northeast Asia. This will allow all the powers involved to freely focus on economic investment and trade in the region. The monograph concludes by using a fictitious scenario of DPRK collapse and developing strategic and operational end states that will need to be accomplished in order to meet the 2000 National Security Strategy for northeast Asia. The operational end states are: establishment of security and stability, conduct of humanitarian relief operations, and security of WMD research, production, storage and delivery sites. In order for the U.S. Army and more specifically the U.S. Eighth Army in Korea to accomplish the operational end states, current training is discussed and recommendations to correct projected deficiencies are noted.