S. Korea to set up 3,000-strong peacekeeping force

(ATTN: ADDS background in paras 4, 6; CLARIFIES composition in para 2)
By Sam Kim
SEOUL, June 26 (Yonhap) -- South Korea plans to launch a 3,000-strong military
unit that can readily be deployed to assist peacekeeping operations around the
world, an official said Friday.

The unit will consist of 1,000 special forces along with 2,000 non-combat or
backup troops, the defense ministry official said, declining to give further
details.
"It should help expedite the process of deployment," the official said, speaking
on condition of anonymity.
Troops are hastily recruited from different units of the military under the
current system, a time-consuming process that also causes administrative holes,
the official said.
The plan comes as South Korea increases its role in multinational and U.N.
security operations.
Hundreds of South Korean soldiers are serving in such campaigns, including in
Lebanon, where 360 troops have been deployed since 2007.
The country also recently sent a 300-crew destroyer to join a U.S.-led
anti-piracy campaign in Somali waters.
"The Army, the Navy and the Air Force will also quickly contribute troops if the
U.N. makes a request and deployment is approved," the official said.
samkim@yna.co.kr
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