The reality of the “Storm Corps,” a North Korean military unit charged with executing a guerilla style espionage strategy forming a second frontline in South Korea in the case of an invasion of the South, has been revealed.
Kim (male, 35, of Hoiryeong, North Hamkyung), who defected to South Korea in 2008 having been discharged from the “Storm Corps,” sat down with Daily NK to explain in detail about the Corps.
The “Storm Corps” was so named by Kim Jong Il in 1999. It was originally a sniping and light infantry brigade under the Instruction of the Guidance Bureau, the military administrative organ controlling special forces.
At that time Kim Jong Il was visiting the 82nd brigade stationed in Bukchang, South Pyongan. He renamed a light infantry brigade “lightening,” a land combat brigade “thunderstorm” and a sniping brigade “thunder,” then integrated the three brigades into the “Storm Corps.”
The name “Storm Corps” originated from the experiences of the 18th regiment of the 4th division that contributed to the taking of Daejeon, South Korea by blocking a withdrawal route for South Korean troops during the Korean War. As the war developed, the Northern military formed second fronts all over the South via espionage operations, military activities, harassment tactics and political maneuvers and was able to take North Chungcheong and Gyeonggi provinces in the South.
Therefore, the modern training of the Storm Corps takes place in a location with similar geographical features to North Chungcheong and Gyeonggi provinces.
The supreme command of the Corps is held by the General Staff of the Ministry of the People’s Armed Forces and orders are given by the communications battalion under the General Staff’s communications bureau.
The “Storm Corps” consists of ten brigades: four light infantry brigades, three sniper brigades and three land combat brigades. Each battalion includes a portable antiaircraft missile platoon. Before a 1999 reorganization there were 12 brigades, but two airborne brigades for special battle were transferred to the air force.
Each brigade consists of approximately 6,000-8,000 soldiers in six battalions (approx. 600-700 men in each battalion) with a separate military academy, communications company, and security platoon plus support troops.
Each battalion consists of four or five companies. There are two platoons in a company and a platoon is composed of four light infantry squads and a 66mm-trench mortar squad.
Each battalion receives parachute training. The drill aims to tear down both sides of the enemies’ defensive lines during a war. The soldiers of the corps are trained in skills such as driving vehicles, trains and tanks during “Lesson 123.”
As a result of their aims, political ideological education is emphasized more for the soldiers belonging to this corps. According to Kim, the soldiers receive lectures at the Communist College so that they can take part in propaganda activities, and receive a diploma when discharged; therefore getting to live more comfortable lives in the community.
