Korean People's Army - Training
Most of the DPRK's military equipment is technologically inferior to ROK equipment. The state of readiness and training for the force has decline due to the age of equipment and lack of repair parts. Therefore, the ability of the DPRK to threaten the South with conventional forces continued to decline in recent decades. Many of the specifics of North Korean army training are somewhat shrouded in secrecy due to the isolated nature of the regime. However, from defector accounts, satellite imagery, and the limited available data, some general insights may be gathered.
The DPRK enforces a mandatory conscription law for citizens age 17 and over. North Korean men are typically required to serve in the military for approximately 10 years, starting from around the age of 18. This is one of the longest conscription periods in the world. Minimum service periods are as follows: 5 to 8 years (army), 3 to 4 years (air force), and 5 to 10 years (navy). Those not able to serve actively for that period of time are enlisted Red Guard militia, a large paramilitary force. The Worker-Peasant Red Guard militia is the largest civilian defense force in the DPRK. Those under conscription age are assigned to the Red Youth Guards for training.
The military emphasizes rigorous physical training. Soldiers often engage in long marches, drills, and other exercises designed to build endurance and resilience. Soldiers are subjected to extensive ideological training. This is meant to ensure loyalty to the ruling Kim family and the Workers' Party. Soldiers are taught that North Korea is constantly under threat from external forces, particularly the United States and South Korea. Many defectors have reported poor living and training conditions, with limited food and resources. This could mean that many soldiers are trained to operate and survive under resource-scarce situations.
The terrain of North Korea, combined with its military doctrine, places an emphasis on guerrilla tactics. Soldiers are trained for irregular warfare, which includes learning how to survive and fight in difficult conditions, using ambushes, hit-and-run tactics, etc. Due to economic limitations and sanctions, the North Korean military has a significant amount of outdated equipment. They do have some more modern equipment, presumably from allies like China, but training with this equipment might be limited due to resource constraints. Satellite imagery has occasionally shown large-scale live-fire exercises being conducted, where troops simulate battle scenarios using actual munitions.
The DPRK plans to operate in a chemically contaminated environment. Given that North Korea has nuclear capabilities and is suspected to have chemical weapons, it is reasonable to assume that there is some level of training focused on these areas. Chemical defense units are organic to combat units down to regiment level. These chemical defense units have both detection and decontamination systems. Their missions include reconnaissance and the training of personnel in the use of protective equipment. Chemical training and exercises for both military and civilian personnel have increased consistently over the years.
Before the winter 2000 training, some had suggested that North Korea's economic crisis had caused North Korean training to decline considerably. Such a decline, in combination with maintenance and support difficulties, would have minimized the conventional threat posed by North Korean forces. For larger units, most North Korean training is traditionally done during the winter training cycle, but little training went on in the winter of 1999. The winter of 1998 was a more robust training period (though less than historical patterns in some ways).
The North Korean performance in the winter 2000 training was relatively impressive, suggesting that previous judgments have been premature. Immediately following the June 2000 summit, the North Korean People's Army training cycle in the summer of 2000 was the most extensive ever recorded. It was preceded by the most ambitious winter training cycle for the past ten years. Training levels since 2000 have been record-breaking, with the focus on improving the readiness of major offensive forces.
But by in 2012, because of a lack of food, only 25 percent of the reserve forces were made to participate in a light infantry company’s field training, but even with that limited number, on the third day many left the training due to the food shortage.” In addition, commanders lack the basic equipment necessary to exercise command and control over subordinate units and to communicate with each other.
Since military units do not have electrical chargers for transceivers, 85 percent of the transceivers do not work. Although 140 kilometers of wire is needed for communications, only ten kilometers is available. If a war suddenly breaks out, it will not be possible to transmit orders. Self-procurement of materiel in short supply is required, leading to crime.
North Korea boasts a considerable special forces contingent, said to be one of the largest in the world. These troops receive more advanced and specialized training and are prepared for operations deep within enemy territory. The training of SOF personnel is believed to take 12 to 24 weeks or longer, depending on the skill levels. The skill and training that SOF personnel receive, such as infiltration, mountaineering, night operations, swimming, martial arts, airborne, intelligence collection, demolition, and rigorous physical fitness, are typical of elite units throughout the world. Discipline is strong and harsh, with an emphasis placed on intensive physical training and political indoctrination. When training is completed, the trainee is awarded a senior NCO or junior officer rank and assigned to an operational unit for the remainder of his career.
Border Patrols stationed at the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) between North and South Korea undergo specialized training. The DMZ is one of the most heavily militarized borders in the world.
While the North Korean military is large, its actual combat capability is a matter of debate. The lengthy conscription would improve troop training, while, outdated equipment and economic constraints might negatively impact their overall effectiveness. However, the ideological training and sheer number of troops mean that they are a force to be reckoned with.
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
