Defense chief vows to transform Marines into force capable of modern maneuver warfare

Seoul, October 16 - Defense Minister Kang Shin-chul announced plans on Friday to revamp the Marine Corps into a modern maneuver warfare-capable force in response to the military's efforts to regain operational control of the units. During a visit to the Marine Corps headquarters and the Northwest Islands Defense Command in Hwaseong, about 45 kilometers south of Seoul, Kang emphasized the need for transformation during a period of significant change for the Corps.

The Marine Corps is currently undergoing a historic redefinition as it seeks to reinvent itself for contemporary warfare. Kang asserted that the military aims to bolster the status and capabilities of the Marine Corps, ultimately transforming it into a force capable of executing modern maneuver warfare. This strategic shift involves plans to restore operational control of two Marine divisions, currently under Army command, as part of a comprehensive effort to restructure the military's three-pronged structure.

The restructuring aims to reinforce the Marine Corps' independence by fully reestablishing its operational control over its units. Kang also highlighted the strategic importance of the Marine Corps as a national strategic asset tasked with deterring enemy provocations, according to the defense ministry.