Acting Defense Minister: "Special Attention to Prevent Forest Fires Caused by the Military"

Acting Minister of National Defense Kim Seon-ho said on the 31st, "I ask for special command attention and staff activities to be strengthened so that wildfires caused by the military do not cause damage to the lives and property of the people."

Through Command Letter No. 2 on the same day, Acting Minister Kim stated, "Shooting using incendiary ammunition such as flares and high-explosive shells must be boldly adjusted and controlled considering the wildfire risk index and weather warnings, and shooting training must be conducted in a state where fire brigades are operational and military wildfire-fighting helicopters can be immediately deployed."

Acting Minister Kim first said, "Even amid national disaster situations, maintaining a strong defense posture across the front and rear areas, I commend and express gratitude for the efforts of the soldiers who are making every effort to extinguish wildfires and support civilians through organic cooperation with related agencies such as the Korea Forest Service." He emphasized, "In particular, the U.S. Forces Korea also supported with helicopters in this wildfire suppression effort, and I extend my deep gratitude to the U.S. Forces Korea soldiers who showed the strong bond of the Korea-U.S. alliance in the crisis situation of the Republic of Korea."

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Acting Minister Kim continued, "Protecting the lives and safety of the people is the most important mission of our military, and our military must thoroughly prepare to protect the precious lives and safety of the people not only from military threats but also in disaster situations." He added, "To this end, I ask you to first thoroughly inspect the peacetime disaster management system."

Acting Minister Kim also said, "Prepare for immediate mission execution through organizing fire brigade duties by unit, inspecting firefighting facilities, equipment, and supplies, and carefully supplement and train unit evacuation plans in case of disaster situations to be ready for disaster situations."

Acting Minister Kim especially emphasized, "Civilian support should be actively provided within the scope that does not interfere with unit missions, but it must be carried out only when the safety of our soldiers is 100% secured." He stated, "Under the responsibility of the on-site commanders, pay special attention to establishing the unit’s disaster preparedness posture, and with the spirit of being prepared for any contingency, thoroughly diagnose and supplement vulnerable elements by May 15, the spring wildfire caution period, to achieve ‘Zero human casualties! Minimize property damage!’."

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