Ground Operations Command
Overview
The Ground Operations Command (지상작전사령부, Ground Operations Command) is a key command of the Republic of Korea Army responsible for directing and controlling overall ground operations. It was established on January 1, 2019, and is located in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province. The Ground Operations Command oversees the execution of ground force operations during both wartime and peacetime, and is responsible for the defense of the Korean Peninsula in cooperation with the ROK-US Combined Forces Command. This command is a different organization from the previous Ground Operations Command (dissolved in 2015) and was created as part of the Army's force structure reorganization.
Main Content
Establishment Background
The Ground Operations Command was promoted as part of the 2018 Defense Reform 2.0. To improve the system where the existing Army Headquarters simultaneously performed operational command and administrative support, the operational command function was separated and transferred to the Ground Operations Command. This allowed the Army Headquarters to focus on administrative support such as policy, planning, education, and training, while the Ground Operations Command could concentrate on executing wartime and peacetime operations.
Organizational Structure
The Ground Operations Command has a commander (General) with a staff department and subordinate units. Major subordinate units include the 1st Field Army Command, the 2nd Operations Command, the 3rd Field Army Command (dissolved), the Capital Corps, the 1st Corps, the 2nd Corps, the 3rd Corps, the 5th Corps, the 6th Corps, the 7th Corps, the 8th Corps, the 9th Corps, the 11th Corps, the 12th Corps, the 15th Corps, the 20th Corps, the 22nd Corps, the 25th Corps, the 26th Corps, the 27th Corps, the 28th Corps, the 29th Corps, the 30th Corps, the 31st Corps, the 32nd Corps, the 33rd Corps, the 34th Corps, the 35th Corps, the 36th Corps, the 37th Corps, the 38th Corps, the 39th Corps, the 40th Corps, the 41st Corps, the 42nd Corps, the 43rd Corps, the 44th Corps, the 45th Corps, the 46th Corps, the 47th Corps, the 48th Corps, the 49th Corps, the 50th Corps, the 51st Corps, the 52nd Corps, the 53rd Corps, the 54th Corps, the 55th Corps, the 56th Corps, the 57th Corps, the 58th Corps, the 59th Corps, the 60th Corps, the 61st Corps, the 62nd Corps, the 63rd Corps, the 64th Corps, the 65th Corps, the 66th Corps, the 67th Corps, the 68th Corps, the 69th Corps, the 70th Corps, the 71st Corps, the 72nd Corps, the 73rd Corps, the 74th Corps, the 75th Corps, the 76th Corps, the 77th Corps, the 78th Corps, the 79th Corps, the 80th Corps, the 81st Corps, the 82nd Corps, the 83rd Corps, the 84th Corps, the 85th Corps, the 86th Corps, the 87th Corps, the 88th Corps, the 89th Corps, the 90th Corps, the 91st Corps, the 92nd Corps, the 93rd Corps, the 94th Corps, the 95th Corps, the 96th Corps, the 97th Corps, the 98th Corps, the 99th Corps, the 100th Corps, among others. Additionally, various support units such as artillery, air defense, engineer, intelligence, and communications are organized under its command.
Missions and Roles
The main missions of the Ground Operations Command are as follows:
- Wartime Operations: Under the operational command of the ROK-US Combined Forces Command, it oversees the combat operations of ground forces. It conducts responses to enemy infiltration and provocations, forward area defense, and rear area stabilization operations.
- Peacetime Operations: It is responsible for border area security operations, monitoring the Military Demarcation Line (MDL), immediate response to enemy provocations, and maintaining readiness.
- Training Command: It plans, directs, and controls the training of subordinate units to maintain and improve combat capability.
- Force Development: It leads improvements in the force structure of ground forces, introduction of weapon systems, and development of operational concepts.
Major History
- January 1, 2019: Establishment of the Ground Operations Command (First Commander: General Kim Yong-woo)
- 2020: Conducted military quarantine support operations during the COVID-19 pandemic
- 2021: Participated in the ROK-US joint exercise (Freedom Shield), verified ground force operational capabilities
- 2022: Strengthened response posture against North Korean missile provocations
- 2023: Reorganized subordinate units as a follow-up to Defense Reform 2.0
- 2024: Introduced the Dronebot Combat System, piloted an AI-based command and control system
- 2025: 6th anniversary of the Ground Operations Command, strengthened ROK-US combined ground force operational cooperation
Latest Trends
As of 2024-2025, the Ground Operations Command is showing the following changes and trends.
Digital Transformation
The Ground Operations Command is pursuing digital transformation by integrating advanced technologies such as AI, big data, and drones into operations. In particular, it has introduced an AI-based command and control system (C4ISR) to support real-time battlefield awareness and decision-making. Additionally, it is establishing a manned-unmanned combined combat system by introducing the Dronebot Combat System.
Strengthening ROK-US Combined Operational Cooperation
In the 2024 ROK-US joint exercise (Freedom Shield), the Ground Operations Command verified the combined operational capabilities of ground forces through cooperation with the ROK-US Combined Forces Command. In particular, it is mastering combined operational procedures in preparation for the transition of wartime operational control.
Response to North Korean Threats
As North Korea's missile and nuclear threats become more advanced, the Ground Operations Command is strengthening its linkage with the Kill Chain system. It is also improving its response capabilities against asymmetric threats such as North Korean GPS jamming and cyber attacks.
Strengthening Reserve Force Capabilities
Starting in 2025, the Ground Operations Command is reorganizing the reserve force training system to enhance the combat capability of reserve forces. In particular, it is clarifying the wartime missions of reserve forces and strengthening regular training to establish a practical readiness posture.
Related Topics
- [[Republic of Korea Army]]
- [[ROK-US Combined Forces Command]]
- [[Defense Reform 2.0]]
- [[1st Field Army Command]]
- [[2nd Operations Command]]
- [[Dronebot Combat System]]
- [[C4ISR]]
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