First PKO contingent! The Evergreen Unit in Somalia
The Evergreen Unit, consisting of one engineering battalion, was dispatched from July 1993 to April with the main mission of supporting construction in Somalia.
During the mission, the Evergreen Unit was praised by the UN Headquarters and UNOSOM-Ⅱ(UN Operation in Somalia) as the participating countries Somalia's PKO.
The Evergreen Unit operated a "school of love" for local children and conductef many public support activities, such as connecting water pipes and providing drinking water to nearby villagers. It was the first activity to participate in UN-led peacekeeping operations after Korea joind the US as a memberstate
The Western Sahara Armed Forces Medical Support Group, which received generous praise and trust
The Armed Forces Medical Support Group, composed of 20 to 42 members, carried out medical support missions in the West Africa Sahara region from March 1994 to May 2006.
As the first UN PKO medical support, it carried out its long-term mission for 12 years and performed a total of 58000 medical activities. In particular, while maintaining a 24-hour medical service, they have built solid trust and promoted national prstige through generous praise by providing kindly treatment and actively providing medical support to patients at any time they visit.
ROK Engineer Battalion dispatched to Angola
From October 1995 to December of the following year, the 101st Field Engineer Battalion was dispatched to Angola and carried out successful missons such as restoration of major bridges and airfields(8 bridges, 2airfield, 5 site clearance, 2new roads). It was the second UN PKO activity following Evergreen UNIT. If , Evergreen UNIT's main tast was to repair roads, this engineer Battalion successfully carried out its mission of repair and support, including bridge repairs.
International Forces and UN PKO in East Timor
From October 1999 to June 2003, the 522PKO UNIT carried out major missions such as maintaining public order and border control, guarding UN faciliites, and multi-functional complex civil activities in East Timor. The 522 PKO UINT not only contributed to peace and stability in Timor-Leste, but also were praised as “the best East Timorese peacekeepers", strengthening ties between the two countries and greatly enhancing Korea's status in the UN and the international community.
The Key unit for securing the stability of Lebanon, Dongmyung unit
Since July 2007, The Dongmyung unit was dispatched to Lebanon. They contributed greatly in achieving the stability in the region by conducting exemplary civil and peace-keeping operations such as reconnaissance & surveillance on the responsible area, gathering intelligence, building schools, and providing medical support.
Despite the severe political and religious disputes that caused military conflict and terror, Dongmyung unit perfectly executed its reconnaissance & surveillance mission which contributed in preventing terror activities for the last decades years. Furthermore, they have not only enhanced the security of the units that were dispatched in the region but also gained trust with the locals through civil operations such as humanitarian assistance and establishing social infrastructures.
Dongmyung unit has not only successfully secured peace and stability in the region by devoted civil and military operations, but also the unit served as a cultural diplomat that demonstrated Korean culture to the locals.
Sowing hope in the land of desperation, Task Force Danbi
In order to give support on the reconstruction process in Haiti which was hit by one of the most severe earthquake in January 2010, UNSC passed the resolution 1908 to send MINUSTAH. The Korean government also responded to the request of UNSC and sent Task Force Danbi that consist of about 240 members in February 2010(~2012. 12.). Task Force Danbi is mainly composed of engineers followed by the medical team and security. Its main tasks were to rebuild public infrastructures, restore roads, provide civil operations and medical check-ups, which all contributed in giving hope to the disheartened Haitians. Despite the harsh environment, Task Force Danbi heightened national prestige and status of Korea in the international community along with receiving numerous compliments from the locals.
Compensate the noble sacrifice by reconstruction efforts
ROK Joint Support Group for the Philippines (Araw Unit) was established in Dec. 9th, 2013 in order to recover the damage that the typhoon 'Haiyan' caused. It is the first in history that the Araw: the unit consists of all service branches of the ROK Armed Forces of Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines, was sent upon the request of the Philippines.
Araw unit was focusing its efforts to recover the social infrastructures such as schools and hospitals. Also, they are conducting various community services such as providing medical support, vocational schools and Korean language schools to help out the victims of the disaster while spreading the positive image of Korea. Araw unit promised to do its best to give hope to the Filipinos at that time.
“Hope for South Sudan, Glory to Korea” HANBIT UNIT
In July 2011, in accordance with UN Securith Council Resolution 1996, the HANBIT UNIT was dispatched to South Sudan in a size of less than 300 soldiers, and is currently performing its mission. HANBIT UNIT won the hearts of the residents by brilliantly carrying out major missions such as reconstruction support and civil-military operation activities in South Sudan, a newly independent country. While understanding the local culture and traditions, the HANBIT UNIT is systematic and step-by-step manner, laying the groundwork for expanding exchanges between countries.
UN PKO individual dispatches
IndiaㆍPakistan UNMOGIP's deputy commander and observer have been carrying out missions such as reconnaissance and surveillance a activities in areas of responsibility along the border and supervision of compliance with the Armistice Agreement.
UNMISS South Sudan's chief of staff and observer are carrying out duties such as protecting civilians, creating conditions for humanitarian assistance, supporting the implementation of the Armistice Agreement, supervising, investigating, and reporting violations of humanitarian and US human rights laws.
Observers of MINURSO in Western Sahara are carrying out missions such as surveillance and supervision of armistice agreement compliance, and reconnaissance and surveillance activities amid armed conflict, which was first dispatched in 2009.
Staff officers and liaison officers of UNIFIL in Lebanon carry out missions such as ensuring the prohibition of hostilities whithn the operational area, such as identifying and preventing blue line violations, which was first dispatched in 2007, humanitarian ais to local residents, and support for the safe return of refugees. there is.
Operating Standing PKO units to contribute to national interests
In order to fulfill the various request of deployment from UN, and conduct PKO activities that meet the national status of Korea, MND organized Standing PKO units that consist of certain size and also established national level PKO center.
The Army is focusing its efforts to organize standing units, develop education & training system, and recruit elite personnel. Furthermore, in order to increase the professionalism of PKO training, Army established Education Support Center and plans to increase infrastructures such as barracks and training field.