The defense ministry said on Thursday it has requested an increased budget for next year to ensure better combat readiness for the armed forces.
In a news release, the ministry said it has called for an annual budget of 33.5 trillion won (US$29.1 billion) for 2012, a 6.6-percent increase from the 31.4 trillion won set for 2011.
According to the ministry, spending on operating troops and maintaining battle capabilities account for most of the increase.
"Our request was largely focused on building a military that's ready for battle and can win immediately," the ministry's statement said. "We will also try to improve the welfare of our troops and boost their morale, and to keep pushing for defense reform."
Of the 33.5 trillion won requested, 4.3 trillion won has been earmarked for fortifying the western islands to better shield them from potential North Korean provocations by bringing in the latest weaponry and improving guard posts. Last month, the military launched a new defense command to protect the five frontline islands.
Another 3.5 trillion has been set aside to improve the welfare of troops. The ministry said it plans to expand vaccination coverage for new trainees, to open new medical facilities and to improve medical equipment across units. Barracks for conscripted soldiers and off-base living quarters for officers will also be gradually improved.
The ministry allocated 1.9 trillion won to help avoid a potential security void in 2015, when South Korea takes over wartime operational control of its troops from the U.S.
"To prepare for the transfer of the wartime control, we will strengthen the command and control structure," the ministry said. "We will also help with the construction of the war game center."
The U.S. has held wartime command of South Korean troops since the beginning of the 1950-53 Korean War, which ended in an armistice, not a peace treaty. Seoul regained peacetime control of its military in 1994.
About 28,500 U.S. troops are stationed here as a deterrent against the North. When wartime operational control is handed over in 2015, the South's military will take charge with support from U.S. troops.
The ministry said more than 3.4 trillion won has been allocated to aid policy decisions as part of defense reform. It said the moves will include opening up new commands or reorganizing existing ones, and increasing spending on defense research and development.
A set of defense reform bills was approved by the Cabinet in May and was sent to the National Assembly for approval. The reform plans center on ensuring a more efficient command structure and giving the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff more authority to control the Army, the Navy and the Air Force.
President Lee Myung-bak has asked for the parliament's cooperation in approving the reform bills. Defense reform has been a top policy goal for Lee, especially after the military's botched response to North Korea's two deadly attacks last year.
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