Announcement of Marine Corps Development Plan Pledge
Reinforcement of Troops and Advanced Equipment
[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jun-yi] Yoon Seok-yeol, the presidential candidate of the People Power Party, has pledged to make the Marine Corps independent and include it in a 'four-armed forces system.' He also promised to strengthen the Marine Corps' personnel and equipment to elevate its status.
On the 9th, Candidate Yoon announced the 'Development Direction for the Marine Corps to Become a Genuine Strategic Mobile Force' through a press release.
He pledged to promote the transition to a four-armed forces system consisting of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. Candidate Yoon explained, "We plan to elevate the status of the Marine Corps by promoting the Marine Corps Commandant to a four-star general, giving him the opportunity to dedicate himself to the nation."
He also stated that he would reinforce personnel and modernize equipment. He said, "When introducing landing attack helicopters and other equipment, we will adopt weapons that have been proven effective in actual combat. In particular, we will not force inappropriate weapons on Marines who risk their lives in battle for reasons such as cost reduction."
Candidate Yoon also pledged to build a Marine Corps hall to actively support the activities of the Marine Corps veterans association. This is because Marine Corps reservists contribute to community development through security and volunteer activities even after discharge.
Regarding this pledge, he explained, "Since its establishment, the Marine Corps has played a crucial role in national defense during security crises, from the Korean War to the recent Yeonpyeong shelling. In response to the increasing provocations from North Korea and the trend of neighboring countries strengthening their Marine Corps forces to protect their national interests, we also need a genuine strategic mobile force."
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