Lee: "Dependent thinking belongs in a museum of the past"...Stresses OPCON transfer and self-reliant defense

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[Financial News] At the joint commissioning ceremony for newly commissioned officers of the Republic of Korea Armed Forces on the 20th, President Lee Jae-myung stated, "Although we have more than enough strength to defend ourselves, some people remain trapped in a dependent mindset that says self-reliant national defense is impossible," adding, "It is time to consign such outdated perceptions and attitudes to a museum of the past."
Congratulating 558 newly commissioned ROK officers at the ceremony held on the parade ground at Gyeryongdae in South Chungcheong Province, Lee emphasized, "Each of you belongs to your own branch—the Republic of Korea Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps—but there is a common mission that takes precedence over all of that: to defend the territory and people of the Republic of Korea."
Lee went on, "Given the rapidly changing modern security environment, close cooperation across land, sea and air, and the ability to conduct integrated operations in all domains, is essential," and added, "Only when the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps go beyond their separate domains and become one military can we move toward the single goal of safeguarding our territory and our people."
He also noted, "Today's joint commissioning ceremony, the first to be held in nine years since 2017, will serve as an opportunity to break down barriers between branches, strengthen jointness, and explore future changes for the Republic of Korea Armed Forces," and announced, "Going forward, we will integrate the Korea Military Academy, the Republic of Korea Naval Academy and the Republic of Korea Air Force Academy to train defense talent who will lead future battlefields in a more systematic way."
Regarding preparations for future warfare, Lee expressed the government's full support. "The era of relying solely on the number of troops is over," he said, warning, "If we fail to respond proactively to future warfare, in which artificial intelligence and manned–unmanned teaming systems are highly advanced, there will be no future for self-reliant national defense."
He continued, "The government will spare no effort in making massive investments, including the introduction of cutting-edge weapons systems, so that you, our new officers, can grow into the true driving force of a smart, elite and strong military prepared for future warfare." He added, "I also hope you will break free from habit and inertia, and take the lead in developing new strategies and operational concepts for future warfare."
On the issues of Wartime Operational Control (OPCON) and the ROK-US combined defense posture, Lee again underscored his commitment to self-reliant defense. He said, "When we regain Wartime Operational Control based on strong pride in our own defense capabilities, and when the Republic of Korea, backed by overwhelming military power, takes the lead in the ROK-US combined defense posture, a true era of self-reliant national defense will open." Lee urged, "Let us arm ourselves with a firm will for self-reliant national defense, determined that our country will be defended by our own strength," and added, "The peace and prosperity of the Republic of Korea are not something others create on our behalf, but something we must create ourselves."
The president's simultaneous reference to regaining OPCON and leading the combined defense posture is seen as a message that South Korea intends to enhance the Korean military's leadership within the framework of the ROK-US Alliance.
Lee also repeatedly called for a military that truly belongs to the people. "Let us completely clear away the remnants of unlawful martial law and build a Republic of Korea Armed Forces that faithfully carries out its original missions and roles," he said. "Our government will further strengthen the democratic and institutional foundations to rebuild the ROK military as a people's military that protects constitutional values and the public," he declared.
Finally, Lee pledged, "As commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces, I will firmly support you so that your dedication and sacrifice to safeguard the nation's peace and prosperity may shine with honor and pride," and said, "I pray that boundless glory and happiness will always accompany the path ahead of you, our newly commissioned officers."
west@fnnews.com Sung Seok-woo Reporter