South Korean Armed Forces 2017

The Republic of Korea Armed Forces (Hangul: 대한민국 êµ­êµ°; Hanja: 大韓民國國軍; RR: Daehanminguk Gukgun; lit. “Great Korean Republic National Military”), also known as the ROK Armed Forces, are the armed forces of South Korea. Created in 1948, following the division of Korea, the Republic of Korea Armed Forces is one of the largest standing armed forces in the world with a reported personnel strength of 3,725,000 in 2016 (625,000 active and 3,100,000 reserve).[1] The ROK military forces are responsible for maintaining the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the republic, but often engage in humanitarian and disaster-relief efforts nationwide. More recently the ROK military began increasing its participation in international affairs, acknowledging its role and responsibility as the eleventh economic power in the world in terms of GDP. The ROK military has participated in various peacekeeping operations, and counter-terrorism operations. It is recognized as one of the world and Asia’s most professional militaries.