'ROK' Ready Solders

The position seen here, a modified Tae Kwon Do stance, is called ROK Ready and is an extremely difficult position to maintain, yet these solders will stand in this stance without moving for as long as there are visitors in the JSA area!  No shift change, no bathroom breaks, no movement, this guard will remain at his post until relieved.  And this does not mean only as long as visitors are inside the blue buildings, but anywhere inside the JSA perimeter.  At building corners they stand half covered by the building and half exposed to the North Korean side, a symbol of being prepared to take cover if a fight breaks out, while being ready to fight at the same time.  This is a power stance to show determination, strength, commitment.  It's all a mind game to demonstrate power, determination and great will to let the North soldiers know they mean business.  The North solders do nothing of this sort.

In front of the XXX building.  Sep 2001

Half covered, half exposed at building T3.  Sep 2001

Half covered, half exposed at building T1. Oct 2003

A closer look at building T1.  Oct 2003

Building T3 Oct 2003. Courtesy of Neil Mishalov

Building T3 Oct 2003. Courtesy of Neil Mishalov

The Republic of Korea (ROK) Military Police solders serving in this special unit of the JSA are a unique bunch being required to be of above average Korean height, possess at least 1 black belt in Taekuondo, and have above average aptitude test scores.  This is a very prestigious unit to serve in for the ROK soldiers, as it is for the US Army soldiers to server in the UNCSB.