ROK Army manpower force structure validation of organizational (Officer, NCO, and Enlisted Personnel) staffing of an infantry battalion

Abstract

This research recommends changes to force ratios of officers, non-commissioned officers (NCOs) and enlisted personnel in Republic of Korea (ROK) Army infantry battalions. The methodology is a Bottom-Up approach that examines unit staffing and supports ROK Defense Reform Plan 2020 (the Reform Plan). The research finds that the ROK Army possesses an excessively personnel centric force structure not suited for the future battlefield. Secondly, the research recommends the revision of force manpower structures to support a capabilities based ROK Army infantry battalion. The research models an infantry battalion with increased qualitative and quantitative NCO ratios that support a more technologically advanced infantry battalion manpower structure. Significant findings of this research recommend increasing the number of ROK armed services volunteers at the E-5 and E-6 pay grades to improve leadership, training and development and the ability to execute the technology required to implement the Reform Plan, which is transformational, and a fundamental prerequisite for the Reform Plan. The ROK Ministry of National Defense (MND) must start now to make the ROK military an employer of choice to eventually transition to a greater and more capable volunteer force.