Republic of Korea Marine Corps

Republic of Korea Marine Corps
대한민국 해병대 (Daehanminguk Haebyeongdae)

ROKMC flag
Active April 15, 1949 – present
Country  Republic of Korea
Branch Marine Corps
Type Amphibious warfare
Role Marine
Size 27,000
Part of Republic of Korea Navy
Garrison/HQ Hwaseong
Engagements Korean War
Vietnam War
War on Terrorism
Commanders
Current
commander
Lieutenant General Lee Hong-hee

The Republic of Korea Marine Corps (aka ROK Marine Corps / ROK Marines, ROKMC, Korean Hangul: 대한민국 해병대, Hanja: 大韓民國海兵隊, Revised Romanization: Daehanminguk Haebyeongdae) is the marine corps of the Republic of Korea. Though theoretically it is under the direction of the Chief of Naval Operations, the Marine Corps operates as a distinct arm of the South Korean forces, unlike most other marine branches, which generally operate as part of the country's navy. It was founded as a reconnaissance force just prior to the start of the Korean War. The ROKMC also saw combat during the Vietnam War while stationed in Da Nang, occasionally fighting alongside US Marines and Navy SEALs.

Contents

History

Founding years

On April 15, 1949, the Republic of Korea Marine Corps (ROKMC) was founded in Deoksan airfield in Jinhae with an initial strength of 380 men and was modeled around the United States Marine Corps. Lieutenant Colonel Shin Hyun-Joon was appointed to lead as first Commandant of the newly formed Marine Corps and as Commandant was promoted to Colonel on July 1, 1949.[1] The ROKMC troops were issued with many leftover weapons from the Imperial Japanese Army used during World War II, including the 7.7 mm Type 99 Light Machine Gun. The Marine Corps carried out suppression operations against communist elements in Jinju and Jeju-do.[2]; first saw combat action in the Korean War.

Vietnam War

At the request of the United States, President Park Chung Hee of the Republic of Korea agreed to send military units into Vietnam, despite opposition from both the Assembly and the public. In exchange, the United States agreed to provide additional military funds to Korea to modernize its armed forces, totaling about a billion dollars.

The three main units deployed to Vietnam were the Marine Corps’ Cheongryeong ('Blue Dragon', 청룡/靑龍) Brigade, ROKA Capital Division and the White Horse Division. Various ROK special forces units were also deployed.

The Republic of Korea Army units' Tactical Area of Responsibility were the southern half of the I Corps. The ROK Marines were deployed with the I Corps alongside US Marines.

1970s and 1980s

In 1973, once a separate branch of the ROK Armed Forces, the ROKMC became a part of the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN). Headquarters Republic of Korea Marine Corps was re-established in 1987.

Present

Organization

The ROKMC has approximately 29,000 personnel, and is organized into two divisions and one brigade under Headquarters Republic of Korea Marine Corps and primarily dedicated to protecting the nation's islands.

It has such responsibilities as landing operations, accomplished in coordination with the ROKN using landing craft, surface fleets and aircraft. ROK Marines have the ability to accomplish a variety of missions including ground battles, special fighting scenarios, facility protection and security services. To execute amphibious operations, it possesses a range of amphibious equipment, including amphibious vehicles, as well as its own means of fire support. A major naval evolution during Foal Eagle 2000, an annual combined U.S. and Republic of Korea (ROK) exercise, was an amphibious assault launched by U.S. and ROK Marines from U.S. Navy ships belonging to 7th Fleet's permanently forward-deployed Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) based in Japan.

Order of battle

  • Yeonpyeong Unit (연평부대)
  • Education and Training Group (교육훈련단)
  • Amphibious Support Group (상륙지원단)
  • 1st Marine Division (1해병사단)
  • 1st Tank Battalion: equipped K1 MBT
  • 1st Assault Amphibian Vehicle Battalion: equipped KAAV7A1
  • 1st Reconnaissance Battalion
  • 1st Engineer Battalion
  • 1st Support Battalion
  • 2nd Marine Regiment
  • 3rd Marine Regiment
  • 7th Marine Regiment
  • 1st Marine Artillery Regiment: equipped K55 SPH / KH179 TH
  • 2nd Tank Battalion: equipped M48A3K
  • 2nd Assault Amphibian Vehicle Battalion: equipped KAAV7A1
  • 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion
  • 2nd Engineer Battalion
  • 2nd Support Battalion
  • 1st Marine Regiment
  • 5th Marine Regiment
  • 8th Marine Regiment
  • 2nd Marine Artillery Regiment: equipped K55 SPH / KH179 TH
  • 6th Marine Brigade (6해병여단) HQ Kumhwa
  • 6th Amphibious Reconnaissance Company
  • 5 Island Garrisons in the West Sea

See also

References

  1. ^ http://www.rokmc.mil.kr/
  2. ^ "Half Century History of the ROK Navy". Republic of Korea Navy Official Website. Retrieved March 4, 2007.

External links