Hi,

Despite not planning to write further after my initial eight South Korea/North Korea write-ups, I ended up learning enough to put together a few "Nemesis-style" proposals. Wait, don't go! I actually wrote one on Friday but decided to rework it, since the initial version was too weak. Expect a bit more punch this time!

Without further ado, let's dive right in! Our first Nemesis, "Wonsan Landing," focuses on a battle taking place in the North Korean city of Wonsan.

-Significance of Wonsan

Current leader Kim Jong-un was actually born in Wonsan. Back then, it wasn't the polished city it is today — for obvious reasons, official propaganda claims he was born elsewhere.

Wonsan is the largest city in the North Korean Gangwon Province. Facing the East Sea (Sea of Japan), this port city is sheltered by numerous offshore islands and, most importantly, the Kalma Peninsula. Due to this, Wonsan served continuously as a port, transportation hub, and military gateway from the 19th century.

In 1880, the city became a major commercial port connecting Korea with Japan. But it didn't just link Korea to the outside world — it connected to the country's interior as well. The railway running through Wonsan linked the entire east coast up to the Russian border, while a westward line ran to Pyongyang. By the 20th century, the port had gained naval facilities, roads to Pyongyang and other major cities had been built, and an airfield had been established within the city.

Wonsan's importance was also clear during the Korean War. After the Incheon landing, MacArthur planned another major amphibious operation against Wonsan: while the Eighth Army advanced inland, X Corps would land at Wonsan and link up with it. However, due to the rapid UN advance, South Korean forces captured Wonsan before the scheduled amphibious assault could even take place!

Aerial photo of Wonsan in 1952 during the bombing

Even so, mines scattered throughout the port became a major obstacle for amphibious operations, and clearing them was a constant headache for UN forces. After the Chinese intervention, the UN Navy blockaded Wonsan due to its strategic importance and bombarded the city continuously until the final minutes of the war, ending at 9:59 AM on July 27, 1953!

-Wonsan Defender

During the 1980s, the KPA underwent major restructuring. Armored, mechanized, and artillery units were reorganized into dedicated corps (such as the 815th Mechanized Corps), while some infantry divisions received newer equipment and converted into mechanized units. These newly formed mechanized, armored, and artillery corps were redeployed much closer to the DMZ to support forward operations.

Meanwhile, each province formed an independent Military District Command dedicated to local defense — reportedly an effort to restructure reserve forces. While the concept remains somewhat vague, these District Commands are known to control local reserves, regular forces, and coastal defense units. Defending Wonsan falls to the Je Il-jigu Saryeongbu, or 1st District Command.

-Je Il-jigu Saryeongbu Structure in the 1980s

During peacetime, the city is protected by KPA, KPN, and KPAAF forces. But with the "second liberation war" imminent, most army forces head south to support the KPA's I Corps and V Corps. The KPN's 24th Navy Sniper Brigade, stationed on the east coast, is sent to a classified location to conduct surprise attacks.

The city of Wonsan itself is shielded by the Kalma Peninsula and several small islands. The peninsula's long eastern beach makes it an ideal site for a large-scale amphibious landing.

With most heavy elements gone, the forces left in Wonsan are stretched thin. Although a surprise landing on the west coast ahead of the main war has succeeded, joint ROK/US command appears to be planning a counter-amphibious operation against Wonsan! Fifteen hours into the main war, North Korea goes on alert when Kalma Airport comes under bombardment from ROK/US naval forces.

Seeing this as an attempt to neutralize air assets ahead of an amphibious landing, the 1st District Command mobilizes the Gyododae (reservists), Susang Boan-dae (coast guard), and Ro-nong Jeogwidae (Workers'-Peasants' Red Guards) to defend the city. Despite the grand name, the Workers'-Peasants' Red Guards are actually just men aged 17 to 60 and unmarried women aged 17 to 30 with minimal basic training.

Recognizing the dire state of these forces, outside elements are rushed in to bolster the 1st District Command.

• Amphibious Light Infantry Brigade: A separate unit from the KPN Navy Sniper Brigade, though it serves a similar purpose! This army special purpose formation is expected to conduct aggressive amphibious and special operations along South Korea's coasts, or support river-crossing operations inland. III Corps had a brigade in Hakkye, VII Corps had one in Wonsan, and VIII Corps had one in Tasa-ri — coincidentally, all three on the east coast! When war breaks out, the brigades under III and VIII Corps are sent to support forward operations, while the Wonsan brigade remains a strategic reserve. Four of its battalions are stationed directly in Wonsan and are brought in to help defend the city in the event of an amphibious assault. In the WARNO timeline, this special forces brigade receives some newer equipment thanks to improved relations with the Soviet Union!
• Combined-Arms Brigade: A mobile formation designed for counterattack and exploitation. In the early 1980s, its main role was supporting special forces operations with heavier firepower. After special forces restructured, these brigades became subordinate to the General Staff, shifting their mission toward general offensive operations and east coast defense. A total of five Combined-Arms Brigades were active in the late 1980s, and in our timeline, one is sent to Wonsan to help with its defense.
• Soviet Pacific Fleet: So what is the Soviet Navy doing in Wonsan? In the early-to-mid 1980s, North Korea granted Soviet vessels port-calling rights along with overflight reconnaissance privileges, part of the Soviet Navy's effort to expand its presence in the Pacific. One of the Kiev-class aviation cruisers, the Novorossiysk, happens to be near Wonsan when war breaks out, for reasons unknown. Reports indicate they are to support Soviet Far-Eastern command for broader East Asian operations.

-Je Il-jigu Saryeongbu in WARNO

How will the Je Il-jigu Saryeongbu be featured in WARNO? New units are shown in bold italics. As always, this is a work in progress and subject to change.

All GYO. units carry the Reservist trait, while SANG. units carry the Special Forces trait.

-LOG

An average category. Even fighting on home turf, North Korea's logistical strains remain a problem.

Despite the widespread use of the SHINHEUNG APC, the older TYPE 63 was — and still is — used in backline units.

• Command options include the GAENGSAENG-68 JIHWI jeep and the Combined-Arms Brigade's TYPE 63 JIHWI APC — a Chinese APC that influenced the SHINHEUNG APC's design.
• Supply units include the '68 HWAMULCHA BOGEUP light truck, a truck version of the GAENGSAENG-68, and the standard SEUNGRI-58 BOGEUP medium truck. Thanks to fighting on home soil, the division also receives the BOGEUPWON (FOB).

-INF

A very good category, with a wide variety of options from reserves to special forces!

Type 58 rifles armed with PGN-60 anti-tank grenades

• The bulk of the infantry is the GYODODAE, reservists called up after completing their military service. This is a 10-strong unit with 3x Type 63 (an SKS copy), 7x Type 58 (an AK-47 copy), and PGN-60 anti-tank grenades. GYODODAE JIWON is a 6-man unit with 3x Type 63, 3x DP-28, and an RPG-2.
• GYODODAE JIHWI is a 6-man command unit with 6x Type 63. All of the above ride the SEUNGRI-58 truck as their sole option.

Reservist support units include:

• GYO. SGM 7.62mm SGM machine gun teams
• GYO. DShK 12.7mm (AA) heavy machine gun teams
• GYO. B-10 82mm recoilless rifle squads

All ride the GAENGSAENG-68 jeep. As reservists, every unit above carries the Reservist trait.

Workers'-Peasants' Red Guards members training with the Type 88 rifle. Despite the grand name, this organization received barely any real training — some reports consider its members essentially civilians.

• The Workers'-Peasants' Red Guards (WPRG) are represented by the JEOGWI-DAE, a 15-strong unit with 5x Type 49 SMG (a PPSh-41 copy), 9x Type 63, and a DP-28. As barely trained militia, they carry both the Militia and Reservist traits!

• But don't worry — discipline is enforced by the GYEONGMU-BU, a 4-strong unit with 4x Type 88 riding the GAENGSAENG-68 GYEONGMU military police jeep. Given how lax the reservists and Red Guards tend to be, the Labor Party also sends in additional commissars in the form of the GYEONGMU-DAE, a 9-strong unit with 2x Vz. 61 SMG, 6x Type 88, and a Type 68 MG, riding the SEUNGRI-58 truck. As men sent directly from the labor party, they carry both the Military Police and Resolute traits.

Combined-Arms Brigade elements include:

• The brigade's mobile infantry is represented by BOBYEONG, an 8-strong unit with 6x Type 88 (North Korean AK-74), 2x Type 68 MG (PK equivalent), and an RPG-7VM, riding the SEUNGRI-58 truck or the TYPE 63 APC armed with a Type 54 HMG (DShK).

Fire support units include:

• BAN-TANK SUSONG-PO ATGM team
• AGS-17 automatic grenade launcher teams

Both weapons teams will ride the GAENSAENG-68 jeep or TYPE 63 APC

North Korea is also alleged to have used flamethrowers for executions.

• The Amphibious Light Infantry Brigade is represented by several cards of Sangryuk Gyeongbobyeong, or SANG. GYEONG-BOBYEONG — a 9-man unit with 7x Type 88, 2x Type 88 (RPK-74 equivalent), and the far more powerful RPG-7VR. A [FLAM] variant fields 7 men with 5x Type 88 and 2x LPO-50 flamethrowers. Both ride the SEUNGRI-58.
• SANG. GYEONG JIHWI is a 4-man command unit with 4x Type 88 and smoke grenades, riding the GAENGSAENG-68. Despite conducting amphibious operations, this brigade belongs to the army — so no Resolute trait here. Instead, it carries the Mountaineer, Special Forces, and Shock traits.

-ART

An average category — reservists will man just about every kind of artillery available to them!

• Mortars include the GYO. PM-43, a reservist-manned 120mm mortar, and the SANG. PM-37, an 82mm light mortar manned by the Amphibious Light Infantry Brigade — meaning this PM-37 carries the Special Forces trait! Both are towed by the GAENGSAENG-68 jeep.

• Tube artillery includes the GYO. ZIS-3 76.2mm gun and the GYO. M-30 122mm howitzer, both towed by the SEUNGRI-58 truck.

North Korean ML-20 howitzers during a live fire exercise

• A heavier option is also available: the ML-20 152mm howitzer, operated by a handful of local conscripts and towed by the ZIL-131.

The SM-4-1 130mm — the most powerful coastal artillery piece in North Korea's arsenal. Knocking out these numerous coastal positions is a major task for the ROK/US Navy and Marines.

Coastal gun assets around Wonsan include:

• The standard ZIS-3 76.2mm gun, towed by the SEUNGRI-58.

• SM-4-1 130mm coastal defense guns, towed by the ZIL-131.

• MLRS is available in the form of the reservist GYO. TYPE 63 BANGSA-PO, a 12-round 107mm MLRS towed by the SEUNGRI-58. The Combined-Arms Brigade adds the BM-11 BANGSA-PO, a 30-round 122mm rocket system.

-TANK

A truncated category. The Combined-Arms Brigade contributes whatever armor support it can spare.

The T-34/85, still in active service with backline corps. The Korean text at top left reads \"First look at Angry Kim Jong-un.\"

• Reservists man the GYO. T-34/85 and GYO. SD-100, along with the command variant GYO. T-34/85 JIHWI. Old as they are, these will be fielded in the greatest numbers!
• Towed anti-tank guns include the GYO. D-44 85mm and GYO. BS-3 100mm, both towed by the SEUNGRI-58.

The Combined-Arms Brigade's tank battalion is represented by:

• A few cards of the TYPE-59-1 (a copy of the T-54A fitted with a KPVT) and the CH'ONMA-GA, essentially the original T-62 with a KPVT added. A command variant, the CH'ONMA-GA JIHWI, is also available.

Very rare photo off 2P27 in North Korean service

• The sole ATGM option is the 2P27, a BRDM fitted with 3x 9M6 Shmel ATGMs.

Tank to the right is the T-72 Ural, this photo is famous for being the only known photo of the T-72 in North Korea. Some reports indicate North Korea has one, while others indicate they got hands on 3 to 4 of these tanks.

• North Korea always had ambitions of moving beyond T-62-based tanks. It's believed they managed to acquire original T-72 tanks via Iran in the mid-1980s. In the WARNO timeline, North Korea directly requests additional units from the Soviet Union for 'research' purposes — and this small, controversial batch of North Korean T-72s reaches Wonsan port just as war breaks out.

-REC

A good category — expect recon in many forms, from reservist units to heavier assets!

• Reservist elements include the plentiful GYO. JEONGCHALDAE, an 8-man unit with 7x Type 58, a DP-28, and an RPG-2, riding the SEUNGRI-58 or the HYEOKSIN-2 [RKT] — an Mi-2 armed with two 57mm UB-16 rocket pods (courtesy of Kalma Airport!).

A South Korean MP with a captured North Korean BA-64. North Korea received 54 BA-64s in 1949 but lost them all during the war; the Soviet Union is known to have supplied more afterward.

Reservist vehicle recon includes:

• The GYO. T-34/85 JEONGCHAL recon tank and the BA-64 armored car, armed with a DT machine gun.

Coast Guard elements in Wonsan are represented by:

• The SUSANG JEONGCHAL, a 5-man unit with 5x Type 49 SMGs, riding the SEUNGRI-58. They carry the Security and Militia traits, and — since the Coast Guard used surveillance equipment to monitor the seas — the GSR trait as well.

The Combined-Arms Brigade's Mechanized Reconnaissance company includes:

• JANGGAP JEONGCHAL, an 8-strong unit with 7x Type 88, a Type 73 MG, and an RPG-7VS, riding the SEUNGRI-58 or TYPE 63 APC. And a heavier option, the PT-76B GYEONG-TANK amphibious light tank.

-AA

Another good category. Even with the airport under bombardment, every available AA asset is mustered.

An extremely old footage of the ZPU-2

• The Gyododae mans the GYO. ZPU-2 and GYO. ZPU-4, as well as the heavier GYO. 61-K 37mm AA gun — all towed by the SEUNGRI-58.

The KS-19 during a parade. The Korean text in the background reads \"The Revolutionary Spirit of Baekdu.\"

• Kalma Airport's defense assets are represented by the HWASUNG-CHONG Strela-2M MANPADS team, deployable from the GAENGSAENG-68 jeep. On top of that, the larger KS-19 100mm gun, towed by the ZIL-131, also reports for duty!

• Long-range AA is handled by the PONGAE-1 — a single-shot Soviet S-75 missile towed by the ZIL-131.

-HEL

Nonexistent. There are no helicopters to spare for a reservist formation.

-AIR

An okay category. The 2nd Air Division and Soviet Pacific Fleet assets support the defense!

• Ground attackers include the Chinese MiG-21 variant, the F-7 [HE2], armed with 2x Type 30-1 30mm cannons and 4x FAB-500 bombs, along with its [RKT] rocket variant, which swaps the bombs for two 57mm UB-16 rocket pods and 2x FAB-250 iron bombs.

The F-6 is considered the true workhorse of the KPAAF, thanks to its ability to carry air-to-air missiles alongside a full ground-attack payload.

• The standard F-6 [HE] is armed with 3x NR-30 30mm cannons, 4x FAB-250 250kg bombs, and 2x R-3S missiles, while a new [RKT] variant carries 3x NR-30 30mm cannons and 4x UB-16 57mm rocket pods. Along with the MIG-23ML [AT], armed with a GSh-23L, 2x Kh-23M missiles, and 2x UB-32 rocket pods.

• The F-7 [AA], with 2x Type 30-1 30mm cannons and 4x R-3S missiles, will try to contest Wonsan's airspace as long as possible, while the MiG-23ML [AA], with a GSh-23L, 2x R-24R, and 4x R-60M missiles, handles the real heavy lifting.

The Soviet Pacific Fleet's aviation component includes:

The Yak-38 was notorious for its underwhelming performance. Despite this, these jets will be scrambled to Wonsan to help its allies.

• Yak-38M [HE], armed with 2x FAB-500 iron bombs and 2x R-60 short-range AA missiles. And the [AT] variant, which swaps the bombs for 2x Kh-23M missiles.
• And a largely theoretical Yak-38M [AA] variant carrying 4x R-60 missiles.

-Summary

The Je Il-jigu Saryeongbu is a reserve formation with limited special forces and armored support. Its long-range AA buys some breathing room, but it lacks a hard punch. Using aircraft and recon strategically will be key to success.

-Ending Remarks

It's very difficult to determine the actual numbering of North Korean divisions, which makes it nearly impossible to pin down the numbering of Gyododae (reservist) units as well. While researching reservists and backline divisions, I came across a North Korean defector interview in which he described serving as a driver under the 1st District Command, based in Wonsan!

That account helped me put together a somewhat structured reservist formation. I know it's not a fully reservist formation given the outside support included, but those outside elements were interesting North Korean units worth featuring in their own right! So I tried to balance them by giving them far fewer cards — the idea being that reservists form the backbone, while everything else plays a supporting role.

But the real question is: what's causing the 1st District Command to panic and mobilize its forces in the first place?

Happy Friday!

Despite not planning to write further after my initial eight South Korea/North Korea write-ups, I ended up learning enough to put together a few "Nemesis style" proposals.

Second Korean War DLC

• BLUFOR

South Korea in WARNO and 1st Infantry: writeup / visual

Capital Mechanized Division: writeup / visual

US 2nd Infantry Division: writeup / visual

72nd Infantry: writeup / visual

• REDFOR

North Korea in WARNO and 6th Infantry: writeup / visual

815th Mechanized Infantry Division: writeup / visual

29th Navy Sniper Brigade: writeup / visual

105th Tank Division: writeup / visual

Without further ado, let's dive right in! Our first Nemesis, "Wonsan Landing", focuses on a battle taking place in the North Korean city of Wonsan.

-Significance of Wonsan

The current leader Kim Jong-un was born in Wonsan. Back then, it was not a big fancy city as it is now. For obvious reasons, propaganda states he was born elsewhere.

Wonsan is the largest city in the North Korean part of Gangwon Province. Facing the East Sea (Sea of Japan), this port city is sheltered by numerous offshore islands and most importantly, the Kalma Peninsula. Because of this, starting in the 19th century, Wonsan served continuously as a port, transportation hub, and a military gateway.

In 1880, the city became a major commercial port connecting Korea with Japan. But it didn't just link Korea to the outside world — it connected to the country's interior as well. The railway running through Wonsan linked the entire east coast up to the Russian border, while a westward line ran to Pyongyang. By the 20th century, the port had gained naval facilities, roads to Pyongyang and other major cities had been built, and an airfield had been established within the city.

Wonsan's importance was also clear during the Korean War. After the Incheon landing, MacArthur planned another major amphibious operation against Wonsan: while the Eighth Army advanced inland, X Corps would land at Wonsan and link up with it. However, due to the rapid UN advance, South Korean forces captured Wonsan before the scheduled amphibious assault could even take place!

Aerial photo of Wonsan in 1952 during the bombing

Even so, mines scattered throughout the port became a major obstacle for amphibious operations, and clearing them was a constant headache for UN forces. After the Chinese intervention, the UN Navy blockaded Wonsan due to its strategic importance and bombarded the city continuously until the final minutes of the war, ending at 9:59 AM on July 27, 1953!

-Wonsan Defender

During the 1980s, the KPA underwent major restructuring. Armored, mechanized, and artillery units were reorganized into dedicated corps (such as the 815th Mechanized Corps), while some infantry divisions received newer equipment and converted into mechanized units. These newly formed mechanized, armored, and artillery corps were redeployed much closer to the DMZ to support forward operations.

Meanwhile, each province formed an independent Military District Command dedicated to local defense — reportedly an effort to restructure reserve forces. While the concept remains somewhat vague, these District Commands are known to control local reserves, regular forces, and coastal defense units. Defending Wonsan falls to the Je Il-jigu Saryeongbu, or 1st District Command.

-Je Il-jigu Saryeongbu Structure in the 1980s

During peacetime, the city is protected by KPA, KPN, and KPAAF forces. But with the 'second liberation war' imminent, most army forces head south to support the KPA's I Corps and V Corps. The KPN's 24th Navy Sniper Brigade, stationed on the east coast, is sent to a classified location to conduct surprise attacks.

The city of Wonsan is protected by the Kalma Peninsula and several small islands. Kalma Peninsula has a long beach area in the east, which is perfect for huge amphibious operations.

With most heavy elements gone, the forces left in Wonsan are stretched thin. Although a surprise landing on the west coast ahead of the main war has succeeded, joint ROK/US command appears to be planning a counter-amphibious operation against Wonsan. 15 hours into the main war, North Korea goes on alert when Kalma Airport comes under bombardment from ROK/US naval forces.

Seeing this as an attempt to neutralize air assets ahead of an amphibious landing, the 1st District Command mobilizes the Gyododae (reservists) and Ro-nong Jeogwidae (Workers'-Peasants' Red Guards) to defend the city. Despite the grand name, the Workers'-Peasants' Red Guards are actually just men aged 17 to 60 and unmarried women aged 17 to 30 with minimal basic training.

Recognizing the dire state of these forces, outside elements are rushed to bolster the 1st District Command.

• Amphibious Light Infantry Brigade: This is a separate unit from the KPN Navy Sniper Brigade, but it serves a similar purpose! This army special purpose formation is expected to conduct aggressive amphibious and special operations along South Korea's coasts, or support river-crossing operations inland. III Corps had a brigade in Hakkye, VII Corps had one in Wonsan, and VIII Corps had one in Tasa-ri — coincidentally, all three on the east coast! When war breaks out, the brigades under III and VIII Corps are sent to support forward operations, while the Wonsan brigade remains a strategic reserve. Four of its battalions are stationed directly in Wonsan, and in the event of an amphibious assault, these elements are brought to help defend the city.

• Combined-Arms Brigade: A mobile formation designed for counterattack and exploitation. In the early 1980s, its main role was supporting special forces operations with heavier firepower. After special forces restructures, these brigades became subordinate to the General Staff, shifting their mission toward general offensive operations and east coast defense. A total of five Combined-Arms Brigades were active in the late 1980s, and one will be sent to Wonsan to help with its defense in our timeline. However, given the unit's heavy nature, only its forward elements will arrive in time to support the coming fight.

-Je Il-jigu Saryeongbu in WARNO

How will the Je Il-jigu Saryeongbu be featured in WARNO? New units are shown in bold italics. As always, this is a work in progress and subject to change.

All GYO. units carry the Reservist trait, while SANG. units have the Special Forces trait.

-LOG

An average category. Even fighting on home turf, North Korea's logistical strains remain a problem.

Despite the widespread use of the Shinheung APC, the Type 63 was and still is used in backline units.

• Command options include the GAENGSAENG-68 JIHWI jeep and the Combined-Arms Brigade's TYPE 63 JIHWI APC — a Chinese APC that influenced the SHINHEUNG APC's design.

• Supply units include the '68 HWAMULCHA BOGEUP light truck, a truck version of the GAENGSAENG-68, and the standard SEUNGRI-58 BOGEUP medium truck. Thanks to fighting on home soil, the division also receives the BOGEUPWON (FOB).

-INF

A very good category, with a wide variety of options from reserves to special forces!

Type 58 rifles armed with PGN-60 anti-tank grenades

• The bulk of the infantry is the GYODODAE, reservists called up after completing their military service. This is a 10-strong unit with 3x Type 63 (an SKS copy), 7x Type 58 (an AK-47 copy), and PGN-60 anti-tank grenades. GYODODAE JIWON is a 6-man unit with 3x Type 63, 3x DP-28, and an RPG-2.

• GYODODAE JIHWI is a 6-man command unit with 6x Type 63. All of the above ride the SEUNGRI-58 truck as their sole option.

Reservist support units include:

• GYO. SGM 7.62mm SGM machine gun teams
• GYO. DShK 12.7mm (AA) heavy machine gun teams
• GYO. B-10 82mm recoilless rifle squads

All ride the GAENGSAENG-68 jeep. As reservists, every unit above will have the Reservist trait.

Workers'-Peasants' Red Guards members training with the Type 88 rifle. Despite the fancy name, this organization is known to recieve barely any training in real life. To the extent, some reports consider these members as basically civilians.

• The Workers'-Peasants' Red Guards (WPRG) are represented by the JEOGWI-DAE, a 15-strong unit with 5x Type 49 SMG (PPSH-41 copy), 9x Type 63, and a DP-28. As barely-trained militia, they will feature both the Militia and Reservist traits.

• But don't worry! Discipline is enforced by the GYEONGMU-BU, a 4-strong unit with 4x Type 88 riding the GAENGSAENG-68 GYEONGMU military police jeep. As men sent directly from the labor party, they will have both the Military Police and Resolute traits.

Combined-Arms Brigade elements include:

• Since the full brigade hasn't arrived yet, it's represented by just one card of BOBYEONG, an 8-strong unit with 6x Type 88 (North Korean AK-74), 2x Type 68 MG (PK equivalent), and an RPG-7VM. And the DANDO-JEOGYEOK BAN anti-tank team, armed with two sets of RPG-7VS launchers. Both will ride the SEUNGRI-58 truck or the TYPE 63 APC armed with a Type 54 HMG (DShK).
• It also includes one card of the BAN-TANK SUSONG-PO ATGM team, riding the GAENGSAENG-68 jeep.

North Korea allegedly uses flamethrowers for executions as well.

• The Amphibious Light Infantry Brigade is represented by a few cards of Sangryuk Gyeongbobyeong, or SANG. GYEONG-BOBYEONG — a 9-man unit with 7x Type 88, 2x LPO-50 flamethrowers, and an RPG-2, riding the SEUNGRI-58.
• SANG. GYEONG JIHWI is a 4-man command unit with 4x Type 88 and smoke grenades, riding the GAENGSAENG-68. Despite conducting amphibious operations, this brigade belongs to the army (so no resolute trait!). Instead, it has the Mountaineer, Special Forces, and Shock traits.

-ART

A good category — reservists will man just about every kind of artillery available to them!

• Mortars include the GYO. PM-43, a reservist-manned 120mm mortar, and the SANG. PM-37, an 82mm light mortar manned by the Amphibious Light Infantry Brigade — meaning this PM-37 will have the Special Forces trait! Both are towed by the GAENGSAENG-68 jeep.

North Korean ML-20 howitzers during a live fire exercise

• Tube artillery includes the GYO. ZIS-3 76.2mm gun and the GYO. M-30 122mm howitzer, both towed by the SEUNGRI-58 truck. The heavier GYO. ML-20 152mm howitzer towed by the ZIL-131 is also available.

Coastal gun assets around Wonsan are the following:

The 130mm SM-4-1 is the most powerful coastal artillery gun in North Korea's arsenal. Taking out the numerous coastal artillery positions is a big homework for the ROK/US Navy and Marines.

• Regular ZIS-3 76.2mm gun towed by the SEUNGRI-58

• SM-4-1 130mm coastal defence guns towed by the ZIL-131

• MLRS is available in the form of the reservist GYO. TYPE 63 BANGSA-PO, a 12-round 107mm MLRS towed by the SEUNGRI-58.

-TANK

An expensive category. Assets are limited while the Combined-Arms Brigade takes time to reach Wonsan.

The T-34/85 is still known to be active service for backline corps. The Korean on the top left reads 'First look on Angry Kim Jong-un'

• Reservists man the GYO. T-34/85 and GYO. SD-100, along with the command variant GYO. T-34/85 JIHWI. Old as they are, these will be the units fielded in the greatest numbers!

• The T-54-3 and the TYPE-59-1 (a copy of the T-54A fitted with a KPVT) represent the Combined-Arms Brigade's first elements to reach Wonsan — each available in limited numbers only.

• Towed anti-tank guns include the GYO. D-44 85mm and GYO. BS-3 100mm, both towed by the SEUNGRI-58.

Only known footage of the 2P27 in North Korean service

• The sole ATGM option is the 2P27, a BRDM fitted with 3x 9M6 Shmel ATGMs.

-REC

A good category — expect recon in many forms, from reservist units to heavier assets!

• Reservist elements include the plentiful GYO. JEONGCHALDAE, an 8-man unit with 7x Type 58, a DP-28, and an RPG-2, riding the SEUNGRI-58 or the HYEOKSIN-2 [RKT] — an Mi-2 armed with two 57mm UB-16 rocket pods (courtesy of Kalma Airport!).

South Korean MP with a captured North Korean BA-64 / North Korea received 54 BA-64s in 1949 but lost it all during the war. However, it is known that the Soviet Union supplied more of these armored cars after the war.

• Reservist vehicle recon includes the GYO. T-34/85 JEONGCHAL recon tank and the BA-64 armored car, armed with a DT machine gun.

• The Combined-Arms Brigade's JANGGAP JEONGCHAL, an 8-strong unit with 7x Type 88, a Type 73 MG, and an RPG-7VS, riding the SEUNGRI-58 or TYPE 63 APC, is available as one card.

• A 'heavier' option is the PT-76B GYEONG-TANK amphibious light tank.

-AA

Another good category. Even with the airport under bombardment, every available AA asset is mustered.

A very old footage of the ZPU-2 in action

• The Gyododae mans the GYO. ZPU-2 and GYO. ZPU-4, as well as the heavier GYO. 61-K 37mm AA gun — all towed by the SEUNGRI-58.

KS-19 during a parade. The Korean in the background reads 'The Revolutionary Spirit of Baekdu'

• Kalma Airport's defense assets are represented by the HWASUNG-CHONG Strela-2M MANPADS team, deployable from the GAENGSAENG-68 jeep. But that's not all! The larger KS-19 100mm gun, towed by the ZIL-131 is reporting for duty as well.

• Long-range AA is handled by the PONGAE-1 — a single-shot Soviet S-75 missile towed by the ZIL-131.

-HEL

Nonexistent. There are no helicopters to spare for a reservist unit.

-AIR

An average category. The 2nd Air Division and nearby air assets support the defense!

• Ground attackers include the Chinese MiG-21 variant, the F-7 [HE2], armed with 2x Type 30-1 30mm cannons and 4x FAB-500 bombs, along with its [RKT] rocket variant, which swaps the bombs for two 57mm UB-16 rocket pods and 2x FAB-250 iron bombs.

The F-6 is known to be the proper workhorse of the KPAAF due to it's ability to have air-to-air missiles with a full ground attack payload

• The standard F-6 [HE], armed with 3x NR-30 30mm cannons, 4x FAB-250 250kg bombs, and 2x R-3S missiles, alongside the MiG-23ML [AT], armed with a GSh-23L, 2x Kh-23M missiles, and 2x UB-32 rocket pods.

• The F-7 [AA], with 2x Type 30-1 30mm cannons and 4x R-3S missiles, will try to contest Wonsan's airspace as long as possible, while the MiG-23ML [AA], with a GSh-23L, 2x R-24R, and 4x R-60M missiles, handles the real heavy lifting.

-Summary

The Je Il-jigu Saryeongbu is a reserve formation with limited special forces and armored support. Its long-range AA buys some breathing room, but it lacks a hard punch. Using aircraft and recon strategically will be key to success.

-Ending Remarks

It's very difficult to determine the actual numbering of North Korean divisions, which makes it nearly impossible to pin down the numbering of Gyododae (reservist) units as well. While researching reservists and backline divisions, I came across a North Korean defector interview in which he described serving as a driver under the 1st District Command, based in Wonsan!

That account helped me put together a somewhat structured reservist formation. I know it's not a fully reservist formation given the outside support included, but these outside supports were interesting North Korean units worth featuring! So I tried to balance the outside units by giving them far fewer cards — the idea being that reservists form the backbone, while everything else plays a supporting role.

But the real question is: what's causing the 1st District Command to panic and mobilize its forces in the first place?

Hi!

This will be the last of my eight hypothetical "Second Korean War" DLC write-ups. I want to thank everyone who read my write-ups and visuals! Without all the kind comments and interest you've shown in South and North Korea, I wouldn't have made it this far.

Life after employment tends to be boring. Researching and writing all these has been a great hobby for me — a way to blow off some steam from the bleakness of ordinary life. But enough with the self-loathing; let's get on with the final division!

Tanks in North Korea

Ryu Kyong-su (real name Ryu Sam-son) had a huge interest in tanks. He later became one of North Korea's heroes for his contributions during the Korean War.

After forming the KPA, Kim Il-sung saw tanks as an effective weapon for unifying the country. Ryu Kyong-su, one of Kim Il-sung's comrades who had fought as an anti-Japanese guerrilla, admired how the Soviet army used tanks in war — so much so that he'd entertain Soviet personnel with food and drinks just to learn about tank warfare. With the KPA's first tank unit about to be formed, Kim Il-sung decided Ryu Kyong-su was the best man to command it.

As a result, on August 20, 1948, the 15th Training Tank Regiment was formed with Ryu Kyong-su as its commander. This unit hand-picked "reliable" recruits and trained them on the T-34-85 tanks left behind by the Soviet military government. On April 26, 1949, the unit dropped its "training" status and became the 9th Tank Brigade (Army Unit 105).

Story of the 105th Guards "Seoul" Tank Division

This brigade fielded 4 tank regiments and one mechanized infantry regiment when it invaded South Korea on June 25, 1950. All of the regiments, however, were placed under infantry divisions in a supporting role rather than operating independently. Two of its tank regiments were used to destroy the South Korean 7th Infantry Division and punch through Seoul in just three days.

T-34-85 with the divisional number '105'

It was during this advance that the unit executed around 900 civilian patients and injured ROK Army personnel at Seoul National University Hospital. Regardless, in recognition of capturing Seoul, the unit received the "Guards" and "Seoul" designations. Shortly after, it was upgraded to division status, becoming the 105th Guards "Seoul" Tank Division.

However, when the division began fighting UN M26 tanks near the Nakdong River defensive line, it started taking heavy casualties. Following the Incheon landing, the division was forced to retreat with what remained of its forces. Some accounts say not a single tank survived to make it back north, while other documents suggest a handful did. The division was later rearmed but failed to achieve significant results for the rest of the war due to UN air superiority.

The 105th During the Cold War and in Our WARNO Timeline

After the Korean War, the division was reduced to brigade status, then reorganized back into a division multiple times through the 1960s. When the Mechanized Command (also called Tank Command) was activated in the early 1980s, this division was reportedly disbanded, with its tank brigades placed under the Pyongyang Defense Command (apparently one of these brigades retained the 105th Guards "Seoul" designation). These brigades separated again in the 1990s and reformed into a division, later receiving the additional designation "Ryu Kyong-su."

With the timeline twist starting in 1987, however, history takes a different turn. While preparing for the final reunification war, Kim Il-sung judges the 105th Tank Brigade insufficient and orders it strengthened into a division to carry on the spirit of its glorious past.

The 123rd MRD was in Barabash (top right), around 90km from the North Korean border. One of its subordinate Motor Rifle Regiments was in Kraskino (bottom left), only 25km from the North Korean border.

Thanks to the direct order from the supreme commander, the division receives state-of-the-art equipment and supplies faster than any other unit. With Soviet–North Korean relations suddenly warm, the Soviet Union offers a military advisory group to train this beloved tank division. Advisors and instructors are carefully selected from the nearby 123rd Guards Motor Rifle Division, stationed at Barabash. Though a reduced-strength unit, it's the Soviet division closest to the North Korean border in case an "intervention" becomes necessary.

In early 1989, an ad hoc instructor combat group forms to advise its ally on tactics and to "introduce" new weaponry — everything from infantry to tanks. With the green light from the Soviet Union for the reunification war, the Geunwi "Seoul" Je Baeg-o Tank Sadan, or 105th Guards "Seoul" Tank Division, is tasked with punching through South Korea one final time, backed by the Soviet task group.

Geunwi 'Seoul' Je Baeg-o Tank Sadan in WARNO

How will the Geunwi "Seoul" Je Baeg-o Tank Sadan be featured in WARNO? New units are shown in bold italics. As always, this is a work in progress and subject to change.

LOG

A very good category. The inequality within the KPA shows clearly here, with a far more generous logistics tab than any other North Korean formation.

• Command options include the GAENGSAENG-85 JIHWI jeep (a UAZ-469 copy). Armored options include the SHINHEUNG JIHWI command APC (a North Korean upgrade of the Chinese Type 63 APC) and the Soviet task group's BTR-60PBK APC. It also fields the Mi-8T JIHWI command helicopter.

The Seungri-61NA would replace the aging Seungri-58 truck and become the primary truck to this day

• Supply units include the SEUNGRI-61NA BOGEUP medium truck and SEUNGRI-256 BOGEUP heavy truck (KrAZ-255). Thanks to its abundant supply, the division also receives the BOGEUPWON (FOB).

INF

A good category. Expect a mix of North Korean and Soviet infantry!

• Most of the infantry is JANGGAP BOBYEONG, or armored infantry. JANG-BO is a 10-strong unit with 8x Type 88, 2x Type 73 MG (30-round magazine-fed PK), and an RPG-7VS, riding the SHINHEUNG double-KPVT APC or the SEUNGRI-61NA truck. JANG-BO JIHWI is a 6-man command squad with 6x Type 88 and smoke grenades, riding the SEUNGRI-61NA truck or the SHINHEUNG BANGSA-PO — a SHINHEUNG APC with a single KPVT mount and an 18-round Type 63 107mm MLRS on the back.

A Type 78 jeogyeok bochong during a parade in 2017

• A lighter option is the BOBYEONG [JUNG], a 7-strong unit with 5x Type 88, a Type 68 MG, a Type 78 DMR, and an RPG-7VM, riding the SEUNGRI-61NA truck. The BOBYEONG JIHWI is a 4-man command unit with 4x Type 88, an RPG-7VM, and smoke grenades, riding the older GAENGSAENG-68 jeep.

• Divisional light infantry makes another appearance! The GYEONG-BOBYEONG is a 7-man unit with 6x Type 88, a Type 62 (RPD), and an RPG-2. They ride the BTR-60PB or Mi-8T for extra mobility, and have the mountaineer trait as dedicated light infantry.

Infantry support units include:

• Type 68 7.62mm GPMG teams
• B-10 82mm recoilless rifle squads
• BAN-TANK FAGOT Fagot-M ATGM teams

All support units ride the GAENGSAENG-85 jeep.

• Engineer support comes in the form of the DUDEOJI, a 6-strong unit with 5x Type 68, a Type 68 MG, PGN-60 anti-tank grenades, and satchel charges. DUDEOJI [FLAM] is a 10-strong unit with 9x Type 68 and an LPO-50 flamethrower. DUDEOJI JIHWI is a 6-man command unit with 6x Type 68 and PGN-60. All engineer units will have the shock trait and ride the SEUNGRI-61NA truck or SHINHEUNG APC.

A psyops variant of the Shinheung APC with a loudspeaker on the back

• Since this is such an important division, discipline and political enforcement are handled at a much higher level. GYEONGMU-DAE is a 9-strong unit with 2x Vz. 61 SMG, 6x Type 88, and a Type 68 MG, riding the SEUNGRI-61NA truck or the dedicated SHINHEUNG GYEONGMU military police APC with loudspeakers! They will have both the military police and resolute traits.

The supporting Soviet instructor group includes:

• Two cards of the in-game INSTRUKTORY (with the instructor trait) squads, riding the BTR-60PB or BMP-1P (Fagot).
• PULEMETCHIKI fire support squads in the BMP-1P (Fagot) or BMP-1PG.
• Soviet support units include PLAMYA 30mm AGL teams and one card of the KONKURS ATGM team, both riding the UAZ-3151 jeep.

ART

An expensive category. Despite having newer equipment available, command deems artillery more urgently needed in the forward corps.

This self-propelled mortar was first seen in 1992. There are various speculations regarding whether it is a 120mm or 140mm, but the 140mm is a much more fun option to add.

• Mortars include the PM-43 120mm, towed by the GAENGSAENG-85 jeep, or the self-propelled SHINHEUNG 82mm — a SHINHEUNG APC armed with the PM-37 — as well as the much larger SHINHEUNG 140mm, a SHINHEUNG APC fitted with an indigenous 140mm mortar.

M-1974 with its 130mm coastal gun

• The sole towed artillery piece is the D-30 122mm, towed by the ZIL-131 truck. Self-propelled options include the M-1974 130mm — an ATS-59 tractor fitted with the SM-4-1 130mm coastal gun, giving it better range than the M-46! And the M-1985 JAHAENG-PO, a North Korean ATS-59 tractor fitted with a Chinese copy of the D-20 152mm gun.

The M-1989 seems to have been influenced by the Soviet Pion to some extent

• But that's not all. Behold, the heaviest of them all, the M-1989 KOKSAN! This long-range artillery piece has reportedly been in production since 1983 (according to North Korean sources, at least). It shares the same Juche-Po 170mm gun as the M-1978 KOKSAN but adds an armored cabin for crew protection and spare ammunition storage, giving it a slightly better rate of fire.

The 240mm MLRS is one of the key threats to South Korea to this day due to its capability to fire chemical rounds

• MLRS options include the standard BM-11 BANGSA-PO, a 30-round 122mm rocket system, and the newer M-1985 BANGSA-PO for a bigger boom — a 12-round 240mm rocket system using BM-24 240mm rockets, with an assumed range of 40km. Once North Korea began fielding this MLRS and the KOKSAN in real life, it started openly threatening to burn Seoul to the ground!

TANK

A very good category — as the pride of North Korea's armored divisions, it gets generous slots.

• The light tank option is the TYPE 82 GYEONG-TANK, built on an extended SHINHEUNG APC chassis and armed with an 85mm cannon. As a light amphibious tank, it has the amphibious trait.

• Half of the 105th's tank fleet consists of the CH'ONMA-HO-NA, the first major upgrade of the CH'ONMA-HO, featuring a laser rangefinder and an improved fire control system. Its gun stats are similar to the in-game T-62 Obr. 67. A command variant, the CH'ONMA-HO-NA JIHWI, is also available.

The Ch'onma-ho 'DA' variant, also known as Ch'onma-8?(4~6 / exact year unknown). Note the side skirts and smoke launchers

• The rest of the fleet is the CH'ONMA-HO-DA, a mid-to-late-80s upgrade with an even better laser rangefinder and fire control system. Unlike earlier models, it features an angled turret and is fitted with explosive reactive armor, side skirts, and smoke launchers. Its gun stats are similar to the T-62 Obr. 75 — making it the first CH'ONMA-HO variant to use KE rounds! The commander, CH'ONMA-HO-DA JIHWI, is also available.

Since the "DA" model is fresh off the factory, crews haven't had much time to train on it. Because of this, this newest tank will be vet-locked — acting alone with it is a gamble, so cooperation is a must!

• The sole North Korean ATGM option is the SHINHEUNG BAN-TANK APC, armed with a single KPVT and four SUSONG-PO launchers.

The Soviet task group also helps with armored warfare. Since these instructors come from a lower-readiness division far from Europe, though, don't expect state-of-the-art gear!

• A few cards of the T-72A Obr. 77 INSTRUKT. represents the Soviet tank instructors. Being a Far East division, new equipment wouldn't have reached them as quickly — but this tank still shouldn't be underestimated! One card of the regular T-62M is also available.
• Soviet anti-tank options include the UAZ-3151 KONKURS — the first non-airborne-forward-deployed Soviet UAZ KONKURS jeep! — and the MT-12 Rapira 100mm, towed by the MT-LB.

REC

A good category, with mobile options and a small Soviet contingent.

Fagot ATGM is clearly visible in the back of the APC

• The JANGGAP JEONGCHAL (armored recon) is an 8-strong unit with 7x Type 88, a Type 73 MG, and an RPG-7VS, riding the SEUNGRI-61NA truck or the M-1992 recon APC armed with an AGS-17 and a Fagot ATGM (the M-1992-2 in the 815th has a "-1" suffix to indicate it lacks the ATGM).

Dedicated vehicle recon includes:

• The BTR-40A, armed with a single 7.62mm SGMB machine gun.
• The TYPE 82 JEONGCHAL amphibious light tank, with better firepower and mobility than the PT-76B.
• The HYEOKSIN-2 JEONGCHAL, an unarmed Mi-2 recon helicopter.

YAK-18 armed with two small bombs. This plane is known for causing confusion and wasting enemy AA ammo in wartime.

• The YAK-18 JEONGCHAL, a Korean War veteran. Despite being a trainer plane, North Korea gets full use out of it — this slow recon plane is armed with 2x FAB-100 bombs to help delay enemy forces.

• Soviet options include small RAZVEDKA teams riding UAZ-3151 or UAZ-3151 KPV jeeps, as well as the armored BRM-1K.

• North Korea has also shown strong interest in UAVs since the late 1970s. Although not directly used by the 123rd MRD, higher command allows them to show off one of their toys: the Tu-143.

AA

A somewhat truncated category. Several options are available, but players will need to prioritize carefully!

Yet another amazing quality photo of a Shinheung APC with an open top ZPU-4

• The typical HWASUNG-CHONG Strela-2M MANPADS team rides the GAENGSAENG-85 jeep or the SHINHEUNG ZPU-4 — the latter being a battalion-level SPAAG also capable of carrying MANPADS teams.

• The venerable ZPU-4, towed by the SEUNGRI-61NA truck.

SPAAG options include:

• M-1985 57mm, an ATS-59 with an open-top dual S-67A 57mm cannon.

Two MANPADS are slighly visibile to the left of the dual gun

• M-1978 HWASUNG-CHONG, an ATS-59 fitted with a Chinese 37mm dual anti-aircraft gun plus two Strela-2M launchers on the rear — a genuine poor man's Tunguska!

The first 'proper' North Korean SPAAG

• M-1989 30mm, a SPAAG with some similarities to the Shilka. Despite sharing the same GM-575 chassis, it's armed with an AK-230 dual 30mm naval gun and features a North Korean variant of the MR-104 radar, making it the only radar-equipped SPAAG North Korea has!

• The long-range option is the PONGAE-2, armed with two S-125 missiles.

• But that's not all! Soviet instructors are also represented by the MT-LB STRELA-10M INSTRUKT — these AA instructors will help nearby units perform better under high-stress environments.

HEL

An expensive category. North Korea's helicopter force leaned more toward transport than dedicated attack roles.

North Korean MD500 and special-purpose forces simulating a raid on the South Korean Blue House back in 2016. This exercise is remarkable because soldiers arrive by helicopter but escape on motorcycles. The South Korean public has mocked the wacky exercise because of this.

• The standard MD500 SUSONG-PO, armed with 4x SUSONG-PO ATGM missiles, and the Z-5 JUNG, armed with 4x SUSONG-PO ATGMs and two UB-16 rocket pods.
• The Soviet task force helps bolster the otherwise dreadful helicopter force with a few Mi-8MT ESKORTNIY.

AIR

An average category. The KPAAF supports this division with its best available equipment — don't let it go to waste!

North Korean Su-25K with its iconic painting

• Ground attackers include the Chinese MiG-21 variant, the F-7 [HE1], armed with 2x Type 30-1 30mm cannons, 2x FAB-250 bombs, and 2x R-3S missiles, and the SU-25K [RKT], armed with a GSh-30-2, 2x UB-16 57mm rocket pods, and 2x B-8V20 80mm rocket pods. Additional support comes from the MIG-23ML [RKT], armed with a GSh-23L and 8x S-24 240mm rockets.

• The dedicated anti-tank role goes to the SU-25K [AT], with a GSh-30-2, 4x Kh-25ML missiles, and 2x R-60M missiles. There's no direct evidence that North Korea used the Kh-25 missile, but we decided to add it as a march-to-war element thanks to improved relations with the Soviet Union!

• Air cover is provided by the MiG-23ML [AA], armed with a GSh-23L, 2x R-24R, and 4x R-60M missiles, as well as several MiG-29 9.12B, armed with a GSh-30-1, 2x R-27R1 missiles, and 4x R-60M missiles.

North Korean Il-28/B-5 in a somewhat flashing propaganda video. Korean on the bottom reads 'How nice and joyful'

• That's not all! To ensure effective ground attacks and aerial cover, the KPAAF also fields the Il-28REB [EW] electronic warfare aircraft. Most of the KPAAF's Il-28s are likely B-5 (H-5) variants, but there's a high possibility the EW variant is the original Soviet version, hence the Il-28 designation.

Summary

The Geunwi "Seoul" Je Baeg-o Tank Sadan is a ground-warfare-focused division equipped with North Korea's best gear. While most categories offer top-tier options, deciding how to actually run this division takes careful planning before battle.

Ending Remarks

As expected, the last North Korean division is the 105th Tank Division. It's an obvious choice, but also an unavoidable one — no discussion of the KPA is complete without it! This division is probably the "final boss" if war were to break out, and I tried to write it up in that spirit.

I decided to vet-lock the newest Ch'onma-ho variant to emphasize the need for the Soviet instructor tanks. I wanted this division to utilize instructors to its maximum capacity! I feel this will give an interesting dynamic to the game. The concept of the best tank not being able to fight alone is the biggest weakness I wanted to give to this division.

Unironically, there's still a lot of North Korean equipment that didn't make it into these write-ups. But does it really matter? Honestly, I don't think so — most of these weapons serve the same purpose and have similar stats. Trying to cram everything in would likely have made things more confusing rather than more complete. That said, I really enjoyed researching this country. I already disliked this country, but studying their TO&E only deepened that feeling.

-WGRD had X unit; why isn't it here?

There's a good chance it's already covered somewhere across the four write-ups, just under a different name. This applies to the CH'ONMA-HO variant names, Tuckchon carriers, and more. Since we often don't know what North Korea calls a lot of its own equipment, naming things accurately becomes genuinely difficult.

-Regarding the BMP-1 (Korshun) and Mi-24

North Korea tends to show off what it has — if it operates a weapon system, it likely becomes public in some form. These two systems, unfortunately, don't fit that pattern. Based on my research, my best guess is North Korea does have them, but in such small numbers that they don't carry much significance.

-What was the point of these write-ups?

If you think about it, South America isn't even released yet! We've heard barely anything about Black Birds, and — most importantly — none of the Northern or Southern European fronts have been featured yet. Given all that, it's safe to say East Asia is, at best, a potential DLC somewhere in the distant future.

Still, I wanted to write these because South and North Korea are genuinely interesting factions that shouldn't be overlooked (not that other Asian countries aren't interesting too!). If, someday, Eugen does decide to expand into East Asia, I'd love for these write-ups to help shape that DLC. More than that, I hope they inspire other users — or other Koreans like me — to put together even better, more interesting write-ups of their own!

-So... what now?

I wasn't planning to write anything beyond my original eight write-ups. But I ended up learning more along the way that I could probably put together one or two additional Nemesis-style write-ups. I'm just not sure there'd be much interest, since the next big DLC will likely be out fairly soon.

I still need to put together a "visualizing" post for this division, so I'm not entirely finished — but I'm glad I managed to reach my goal.

Thank you for reading my write-ups and visualizing posts! I hope my work helped spark some interest in both Koreas.

Hi!

Hope everyone is having a nice day. Today's write-up focuses on a relatively small unit with a very important mission. Let's dig right in!

History of North Korea's Special Purpose Forces

Kim Il-sung had a special interest in guerrilla and unconventional warfare, having himself been a partisan in Manchuria during World War II. This carried over into the use of commandos during the Korean War as well. Special forces such as the 766th Independent Infantry Regiment conducted amphibious operations in the Samcheok area right after the war broke out — almost half of North Korea's gains on the first day of the war are attributed to these commandos!

1.21 incident / North Korean Unit 124 infiltrated via the mountains and reached Seoul with unbelievable speed in January 1968. The captured Shin-Jo Kim (second to the left) would later bluntly say on live television that he was sent to assassinate the Korean president.

After the war, surviving remnants of reconnaissance and intelligence units consolidated into "sniper" units, and these unconventional-warfare forces expanded to about a dozen regiment- and brigade-sized units by 1965. Subordinate units drew public attention in January 1968, when one attempted to assassinate the South Korean president (failing just 800 meters from the presidential residence!), and again in October of that year, when another infiltrated the Uljin-Samcheok area to build a communist guerrilla network within South Korea. That attempt failed after villagers reported the infiltrators to authorities rather than joining them.

Korea People's Navy (KPN) emblem

Following these two major failures in 1968, North Korea disbanded all its special purpose units and rebuilt a new unconventional force under the newly formed 8th Special Purpose Corps. Around this time, Kim Il-sung's doctrine shifted from pure guerrilla warfare toward a broader "special operations" role. The corps was renamed again in 1983 as the "Light Infantry Training and Guidance Bureau." By the late 1980s, this bureau commanded roughly 25 light infantry, reconnaissance, sniper, and airborne brigades — one of which was the Korean People's Navy's Je Isipgu Haesang Jeogyeok Ryeodan, or 29th Navy Sniper Brigade.

The KPN fielded two navy sniper brigades in the 1980s: the 29th, responsible for the West Sea (Yellow Sea), and the 24th, responsible for the East Sea (Sea of Japan). Navy sniper brigades stood out within the Light Infantry Training and Guidance Bureau for their specialization in amphibious warfare — unlike sniper brigades from other branches, the Navy's units were capable of both conventional and unconventional operations.

Baengnyeong-do, Daecheong-do, Socheong-do, Dae/So-Yeonpyeong-do are the Five Islands of the West Sea

While the exact TO&E for these brigades remains uncertain, the Navy sniper brigades are known to have included units resembling American-style "marines," alongside special infiltration and intelligence elements. From the mid-to-late 1980s, North Korea began building hovercraft for amphibious operations in the West Sea. The 29th Navy Sniper Brigade's mission is believed to have been conducting amphibious operations across the 'Five Islands of the West Sea' in the event of war.

Geopolitical Significance of the Five Islands of the West Sea

These islands originally belonged to Hwanghae Province. When the Northern Limit Line (NLL) was established after the Korean War, however, they became South Korean territory under Incheon Province. Sitting quite literally in front of North Korean territory, the islands were a constant irritant — on clear days, North Korean military and maritime activity was visible to the naked eye, with no advanced surveillance equipment required.

Considered an "unsinkable aircraft carrier," South Korea stationed marine units on all five islands. The presence of marines with offensive capability on every island was a serious burden for North Korea, forcing it to maintain a large defensive force in adjacent areas in case of a counter-amphibious assault launched from them.

Je Isipgu Haesang Jeogyeok Ryeodan in the WARNO Timeline

The Bombardment of Yeonpyeongdo happened on November 23rd, 2010. At 14:34 Korean time, North Korea fired around 170 artillery rounds at Yeonpyeong-do, resulting in the deaths of two Marines and two civilians. This incident would be one of the few times in the 21st century when war between South and North Korea seemed imminent.

Today's music: speed is key!

With the second "Liberation War" on the brink, the Labor Party and higher command order an amphibious assault on one of the five islands three hours before the main attack on the DMZ. The 29th Navy Sniper Brigade is assigned to Yeonpyeong-do (Yeonpyeong Island), roughly 7 km² in size — about twice the size of Central Park. Capturing this island would make the sea route to the larger, more northern Baengnyeong Island extremely inefficient. Coincidentally, this would also cut off an entire ROKMC brigade stationed on Baengnyeong Island, making it difficult for South Korea to contest the islands without committing significant naval and air power.

South Korean marine, navy, and air force presence on Yeonpyeong Island is relatively smaller than on Baengnyeong Island. Still, command isn't taking any chances. The 29th Navy Sniper Brigade will use hovercrafts to reach the shore, supported by a contingent of KPA and various sniper brigade units, aiming to swiftly capture the island before South Korea even realizes war has broken out.

Je Isipgu Haesang Jeogyeok Ryeodan in WARNO

How will the Je Isipgu Haesang Jeogyeok Ryeodan be featured in WARNO? New units are shown in bold italics. As always, this is a work in progress and subject to change.

As expected, navy sniper brigade elements (units marked 'HAE.') all come with the Resolute trait!

LOG

An average category — the first "average" logistics category for North Korea! Since the fighting takes place on an island so close to home, supply won't be too difficult to ferry.

-Command options include the HAE. GAZ-46 JIHWI amphibious jeep and the armored HAE. BTR-60PBK.

Kong Bang II class hovercraft

-Supply units consist of the '68 HWAMULCHA BOGEUP light truck, a truck version of the GAENGSAENG-68. The KPA also supports with a few Z-5 BOGEUP (Mi-4 copy). In addition, the KONG BANG II BOGEUP heavy hovercraft supply option is available.

INF

An excellent category. Expect a mix of navy, air force, army sniper brigade, and support elements!

Navy Sniper Brigade soldiers crossing a frozen river

-The backbone of the brigade is the HAESANG JEOGYEOK, a 9-strong unit with 7x Type 88, a Type 68 MG, a Type 78 DMR (heavily influenced by the Romanian PSL), and an RPG-7VM. The HAESANG JEOGYEOK [FLAM] is a 9-man unit with 7x Type 88 and 2x LPO-50 flamethrowers. Both ride the '68 HWAMULCHA or the PTS-M.

-HAESANG JEOGYEOK JIHWI is a 5-man command unit with 4x Type 88 and a Type 78 DMR, riding the HAE. GAZ-46 or HAE. BTR-60PB.

Navy sniper brigade support units include:

-HAE. Type 68 7.62mm GPMG teams

-HAE. B-10 82mm recoilless rifle squads

-HAE. BAN-TANK FAGOT Fagot-M teams (courtesy of the Soviet Union!)

Support units ride the HAE. GAZ-46 jeep. As naval infantry, all of the above carry the Resolute and Shock traits.

-A small contingent of KPAAF Sniper Brigade elements is represented by one card of URAE (Korean for "thunder," and the paratroopers' nickname). Air force sniper brigades are typically used to neutralize radar, AA, and air-force facilities. Their goal will be duly noted as an airborne-forward-deployed, 7-strong squad with 6x Type 88, a Type 73 MG, a Strela-2M, and satchel charges. They ride the '68 HWAMULCHA and carry the Shock trait.

Sniper Brigade elements during an infiltration exercise. Note the second man to the left armed with the Type 62

-The KPA also lends a hand with its airmobile sniper brigade! YUKJEONDAE is an 8-man unit with 6x Type 88, 2x Type 62 (RPD), and an RPG-2. It isn't forward-deployed, but rides either the unarmed Z-5 or the Z-5 [RKT] helicopter, armed with 32x 57mm rockets. This unit carries the Special Forces, Shock, and Mountaineer traits.

You can't run maritime operations without help from the Coast Guard! The Coastal Security Bureau maintained six security brigades in total, with the 15th Security Brigade responsible for the waters adjacent to Yeonpyeong Island.

North Korean Coast Guards wear the same brownish KPA uniform.

-The SUSANG BOAN-DAE is a 15-strong unit with 4x Type 49 SMG (PPSh-41), 10x Type 68 (AKM), and a DP-28, riding the SEUNGRI-58 truck or the PTS-M. SUSANG BOAN-DAE JIHWI is a 3-man command unit with 3x Type 49 SMGs, riding the SEUNGRI-58.

-The Coast Guard brings its own support weapons in the form of the SU. DShK 12.7mm (AA), riding the SEUNGRI-58 truck. Despite being trained, these elements aren't meant for combat, so all Coast Guard units carry the Militia and Security traits!

ART

You can imagine how close Yeonpyeong Island is to North Korea

An average category. Even though the navy sniper brigade is the most heavily armed sniper brigade formation, it's still limited to light mortars for organic fire support. That said, thanks to the short distance involved, KPA coastal guns and mainland support are available in limited numbers.

-The sole mortar is the HAE. PM-37 82mm, towed by the '68 HWAMULCHA.

M-46 130mm Coastal gun loading up

-Tube artillery includes the ZIS-3 76.2mm gun and the M-46 130mm gun, both towed by the SEUNGRI-58 truck.

Kim Jong-un (black) inspecting the massive M-1978 KOKSAN

-North Korea sees this operation as a good opportunity to test its long-range artillery. The M-1978 KOKSAN is a 170mm SPG on a T-54/55 chassis with a ridiculously long barrel, with a maximum range assumed to be 54km — long enough that, firing from the DMZ, Seoul would be within direct reach! This range allows it to support this amphibious operation well into the mainland. But nothing's perfect: the gun sacrifices nearly everything else for that range. The crew has no protection, and its rate of fire is assumed to be barely one round per minute.

Type 63 MLRS being pushed by an all-female squad

-The navy sniper brigade is reinforced with the HAE. TYPE 63 BANGSA-PO, a 12-round 107mm MLRS towed by the '68 HWAMULCHA.

TANK

An expensive category. Operating tanks on such a small island is inherently limited!

Shmel ATGM in North Korean service

-The HAE. GAENGSAENG-68 SHMEL is a GAENGSAENG-68 fitted with 4x 9M6 Shmel ATGM launchers on the back.

-Towed anti-tank guns are available as the D-44 85mm, towed by the SEUNGRI-58 truck.

Front and back of the Type 82 light tank. Also known as Shinheung, M-1985, PT-85, etc. This tank is known as the very first indigenous tank made by North Korea (even prior to the Ch'onma-ho).

-The sole tank is the few cards of TYPE 82 GYEONG-TANK, a light tank built on an extended SHINHEUNG APC chassis and armed with an 85mm cannon. Despite similarities to the Soviet PT-76, the Type 82 has a better gun and is assumed to have improved mobility and armor. As an amphibious tank, it's the brigade's only tank support!

REC

A strong category — reconnaissance is one of the sniper brigades' core missions, after all!

-HAE. JEONGCHALDAE is a 4-strong unit with 4x Type 88, riding the HAE. GAZ-46 jeep.

Combat divers and special purpose forces elements during an exercise in the 1980s

-The HAESANG CHIMTUBU is a 7-man unit with 3x Vz. 61 SMGs, 4x M16A1s, and an M72A1 LAW. This intelligence diver unit is attached to the Navy Sniper Brigade for amphibious infiltration. As a covert unconventional warfare unit deployed ahead of the first echelon of naval infantry, they reconnoiter the area disguised as ROKA soldiers. As such, they're airborne-forward-deployed with the Resolute, Special Forces, Shock, and False Flag traits, riding either the stolen TALCHWI K-311 light truck or the HYEOKSIN-2 helicopter.

-Coast Guard patrol teams are represented by the SUSANG JEONGCHAL, a 5-man unit with 5x Type 49 SMGs, riding the SEUNGRI-58. They carry the Security and Militia traits, and — since the Coast Guard used surveillance equipment to monitor the seas and South Korean islands — the GSR trait as well.

Vehicle recon options include:

-The HAE. BTR-60PB JEONGCHAL recon APC. Given limited numbers, it's used purely as a recon vehicle rather than to transport recon infantry.

-PT-76B GYEONG-TANK amphibious light tank.

Only known picture of MI-4PL used by the KPN

-The MI-4PL, an anti-submarine warfare variant of the Mi-4 operated by the KPN. With amphibious operations underway, this helicopter's exceptional optics let it scan the area for enemy activity!

AA

An expensive category. Sniper brigades generally lack anti-air assets to begin with, so don't expect any long-range AA!

-The HAE. HWASUNG-CHONG Strela-2M MANPADS team, deployed from the HAE. GAZ-46 jeep, and the ZPU-2 anti-air gun, towed by the '68 HWAMULCHA.

A modified M-1992 APC with four MANPADS launchers

-But don't worry! The KPA will help out with the ZIL-131 ZPU-4 and the M-1992 HWASUNG-CHONG. The latter uses a modified M-1992 chassis with the troop compartment removed and 4x MANPADS launchers added at the rear. As a march-to-war system, it's armed with a small number of early-production IGLA-1 missiles (different from the in-game IGLA, mind you!) available to North Korea in the late 1980s. It also carries the Amphibious trait.

HEL

An average category. North Korean helicopter options are limited, but all variants are offered in plenty of cards.

Armed Hyeoksin-2 fleet during an exercise

-First up is the HYEOKSIN-2 JUNG1, an Mi-2 armed with two 57mm UB-16 rocket pods.

-The Z-5 JIWON is a Z-5 helicopter armed with two UB-16 rocket pods and an AGS-17 mounted forward on the fuselage. And the Z-5 JUNG is armed with 4x SUSONG-PO ATGMs and two UB-16 rocket pods.

AIR

A good category. Expect heavy air support to make up for the lack of AA! Assets come in numerous cards to enforce complete air and maritime dominance near Yeonpyeong Island.

KPAAF SU-7BMK

-Pure ground attackers include the Su-7BMK [RKT], armed with 2x NR-30 cannons and 2x UB-32 57mm rocket pods, and its [HE] variant, which swaps the rocket pods for 2x FAB-500 bombs. The Chinese version of the MiG-21 also supports operations: the F-7 [HE1], armed with 2x Type 30-1 30mm cannons, 2x FAB-250 bombs, and 2x R-3S missiles.

-That's not all! The KPAAF also contributes one of its newer jets, the Su-25K [KMGU], armed with a GSh-30-2, a KMGU mine dispenser, and 2x R-60M missiles, along with the MIG-23ML [AT], armed with a GSh-23L, 2x Kh-23M missiles, and 2x UB-32 rocket pods.

-Air superiority missions are handled by the F-7 [AA], with 2x Type 30-1 30mm cannons and 4x R-3S missiles. The numerous MIG-23ML [AA] with a GSh-23L, 2x R-24R, and 4x R-60M missiles.

The North Korean MiG-29 with its iconic dark green and blue painting

-The significance of this mission granted the use of the MIG-29 9.12B, also known as the Fulcrum-A, armed with a GSh-30-1, 2x R-27R1 missiles, and 4x R-60M missiles. Although a downgrade of the Soviet version, this jet will be more than enough to fight off the first-responding enemy air force! As a precious KPAAF fighter, this plane will be represented as a single card.

Summary

The Je Isipgu Haesang Jeogyeok Ryeodan is an infantry- and recon-heavy brigade backed by strong air support. But given its light composition, holding ground for long against heavier divisions will be challenging.

Ending Remarks

The 29th Navy Sniper Brigade is known to have been intended for amphibious operations in the West Sea during wartime, though how much outside support it would actually receive remains unclear. Even so, I tried to make this brigade as combat-effective as possible in WARNO's terms!

I feel this brigade shares some similarities with the Polish Korpus Desantowy — stronger in some respects, weaker in others. Since most North Korean units in a wartime scenario would be motorized or heavier, I wanted to build a lighter formation that emphasizes special operations. North Korean special forces were, and still are, a notable threat after all.

Hello,

With Eugen away on vacation, hopefully write-ups from me and others will help keep users entertained while waiting for the next content. Without further ado, let me introduce the next North Korean division for my hypothetical Second Korean War expansion!

Mechanization History of the KPA

With the state ideology of military self-reliance emerging after the Korean War, North Korea made various efforts to build an indigenous arms industry — from small arms to APCs and tanks. These efforts were clearly aimed at transforming an on-foot army into a mechanized one.

However, the KPA's concept of mechanization differed from Western or Soviet approaches. For example, KPA mechanized infantry was designed to transport troops safely, so its mechanized formations leaned more toward an APC or truck structure rather than a true IFV organization. North Korea's mechanization effort focused on equipping units with tanks, SPGs, and SPAAGs — not on forming IFV-based infantry combat units. As a result, around 40 to 60 percent of KPA "mechanized" infantry was actually truck-mounted!

Whatever the underlying goal, North Korea managed to form four Gigyehwa Gundan, or mechanized corps (the 108th, 806th, 425th, and 815th), by the 1980s. All fell under a separate Mechanized Command (also called Tank Command), with structures flexible depending on a corps' wartime mission. Like the infantry corps, mechanized corps were grouped into forward and rear formations — meaning there was a difference in equipment quality between the two.

An ideal North Korean wartime operation would deem a breakthrough possible within a few days

Forward mechanized corps were meant to exploit breakthroughs created by forward infantry corps, pushing deep through the gap to destroy enemy tactical reserves through maneuver warfare. If the 6th Guards Infantry Division successfully broke through South Korea's defenses, the 815th Mechanized Corps — positioned in Sariwon, North Hwanghae Province, slightly behind Kaesong — would exploit that opening to drive even deeper into South Korea.

815th Mechanized Corps in the WARNO Timeline

During the tense summer of 1989, North Korea begins shifting equipment priorities among its forward corps for more effective maneuver warfare. Regular infantry units begin receiving more trucks and tanks from mechanized corps to improve mobility, while mechanized formations, in turn, shift focus toward APCs for "protected" infantry transport.

As a result, the requisitioning of 815th Mechanized Corps assets shrinks the formation down to division size. Despite its smaller size, Mechanized Command sees this as a way to use the unit's strengths more effectively, since it's now far more mobile than its previous corps structure. This "wartime structure" transforms the corps into the 815th Gigyehwa Bobyeong Sadan, or 815th Mechanized Infantry Division.

815th GIGYEHWA BOBYEONG SADAN in WARNO

How will the 815th Gigyehwa Bobyeong Sadan be featured in WARNO? New units are shown in bold italics. As always, this is a work in progress and subject to change.

LOG

An expensive category. A mechanized division's logistics situation is no better than an infantry division's in wartime — distribute supplies wisely for these supply-hungry forces!

Shinheung APC, also known as the VTT-323. Despite being known as a copy of the Type 63, the Shinheung is longer and has one more wheel. The Korean on the APC reads 'Destroy the American invaders!'

-Command options include the GAENGSAENG-68 JIHWI jeep and the newer GAENGSAENG-85 JIHWI jeep (a UAZ-469 copy). As a mechanized division, it also receives the SHINHEUNG JIHWI command APC (a North Korean upgrade of the Chinese Type 63 APC).

-Supply units consist of the SEUNGRI-58 BOGEUP medium truck and SEUNGRI-256 BOGEUP heavy truck (North Korean KrAZ-255). Helicopter supply comes via the HYEOKSIN-2 BOGEUP. As a division built for continuous maneuver, it won't have a FOB.

INF

A very good category, being a mechanized infantry division! Expect a mix of tracked APC, wheeled APC, and truck-mounted infantry.

The original Shinheung APC has a BTR-style turret with two KPVT machine guns crammed into it. Utilizing this APC to its maximum capacity will be key to victory.

-The vast majority of the forces are the JANGGAP BOBYEONG, or armored infantry. JANG-BO is a 10-strong unit with 7x Type 88, 2x Type 73 MG (30-round magazine-fed PK), one Type 68 MG, and an RPG-7VS, riding the SHINHEUNG double-KPVT APC or the SEUNGRI-58 truck. JANG-BO [BTR] is a 7-man unit with 5x Type 88, 2x Type 73 MG, and an RPG-7VM, riding the BTR-60PB as its sole option.

Shinheung with the Type 63 MLRS. With infantry mounted, there will be no space to carry spare rocket ammo.

-The JANG-BO JIHWI is a 6-man command squad with 6x Type 88 and smoke grenades, riding the SEUNGRI-58 truck or the SHINHEUNG BANGSA-PO — a SHINHEUNG APC with a single KPVT mount and an 18-round Type 63 107mm MLRS on the back. Due to limited space, it carries no spare rockets.

Odd for a machine gun, the Type 73 can fire rifle grenades.

-The JANG-BO JIWON is a 6-strong fire support unit armed with 3x Type 88, 3x Type 73 MG, and PGN-60 anti-tank grenades, riding the SHINHEUNG or SEUNGRI-58 truck.

Infantry support units include:

Kim Il-sung (right) inspecting the AGS-17

Type 68 7.62 GPMG teams

AGS-17 automatic grenade launcher teams

B-11 107mm recoilless rifle squads

BAN-TANK SUSONG-PO (a copy of the Malyutka-M) ATGM teams

All support units ride the GAENGSAENG-68 jeep.

-Discipline and political enforcement are handled by the GYEONGMU-BU, a 4-strong unit with 4x Type 88 riding the GAENGSAENG-68 GYEONGMU military police jeep. They will have military police and resolute traits.

-Like the infantry corps, mechanized units receive light infantry support, represented by the GYEONG-BOBYEONG: a 7-man unit with 6x Type 88, a Type 62, and the lighter RPG-2. In the 815th Mechanized, this unit's only transport option is the HYEOKSIN-2 helicopter.

-Engineer support is lighter here. DUDEOJI is a 6-strong unit with 5x Type 68, a Type 68 MG, PGN-60 anti-tank grenades, and satchel charges. DUDEOJI [FLAM] is a 10-strong unit with 9x Type 68 and an LPO-50 flamethrower. DUDEOJI JIHWI is a 6-man command unit with 6x Type 68 and PGN-60. All engineer units ride the SEUNGRI-58 truck as their only option.

ART

An average category. As a mechanized formation, most artillery here is self-propelled.

-Mortars include the PM-37 82mm mortar, towed by the GAENGSAENG-68 jeep, or the self-propelled SHINHEUNG 82mm — a SHINHEUNG APC armed with the PM-37.

The M-1985 Jahaeng-po with its fully enclosed gun / assumed to be inspired by the Soviet Akatsiya SPG

-Tube artillery includes the M-1977 JAHAENG-PO, a 122mm D-30 mounted on an open-top SHINHEUNG APC, and the M-1985 JAHAENG-PO — a North Korean ATS-59 tractor fitted with a Chinese copy of the D-20 152mm gun. This is one of the few North Korean SPGs with a fully enclosed gun.

-MLRS options include the plentiful BM-11 BANGSA-PO, a 30-round 122mm rocket system, and the older BMD-200 BANGSA-PO, a 4-round 200mm MLRS.

TANK

A good category. Mechanized elements were usually issued better tanks and anti-tank units — make good use of them for your push!

Type 62 light tank in Chinese service. North Korean version will be identical. Oddly enough, North Korea did not swap the Type 54 HMG for the KPVT for these tanks.

-The first option is the T-55A, armed with the KPVT instead of the DShK. The division also receives the Type 62 GYEONG-TANK, a Chinese Type 62 light tank. Armed with an 85mm gun and faster than MBTs of its era, it sacrifices armor significantly in return — any LAW is assumed effective against it, so treat it more as an infantry fire support vehicle.

But the real workhorse is the CH'ONMA-HO! Its development history is unclear, but it's believed North Korea requested T-62 tanks from the Soviet Union in the 1970s, with the eventual goal of producing its own version. When the Soviet Union moved on to the T-72, North Korea bought the entire T-62 production line and equipment, enabling it to build its own indigenous tank: the CH'ONMA-HO.

Kim Jong-il inspecting the Ch'onma-ho 'NA' model. Note the laser rangefinder on top of the cannon.

-There's plenty of the CH'ONMA-HO-NA, the tank's first major upgrade. Though essentially a T-62, it adds a North Korean laser rangefinder and ballistic fire-control computer, and is armed with the KPVT heavy machine gun. A command variant, the CH'ONMA-HO-NA JIHWI, is also available.

First production Ch'onma-ho 'GA' model with a MANPADS stick on top of the engine room

-One card of the older CH'ONMA-GA HWASUNG-CHONG is also available to the 815th! The "GA" model is essentially identical to the original T-62 but with the KPVT added, plus a Strela-2M MANPADS mounted behind the turret.

Shinheung APC fielding SUSONG-PO ATGMs

-ATGM options include the GAENGSAENG-85 SUSONG-PO ATGM jeep and the SHINHEUNG BAN-TANK APC, armed with a single KPVT and four SUSONG-PO launchers.

ATS-59 tractor with the BS-3. Note the laser rangefinder on top of the gun. Despite the 'huge' upgrade, the hardware is assumed to be quite basic.

-Anti-tank gun options include the JAHAENG JIKSA-PO — an ATS-59 tractor mounting a BS-3 100mm anti-tank gun with a laser rangefinder for slightly improved accuracy.

REC

A truncated category. As a second-echelon force, it lacks proper forward-deployed recon units for its push.

The M-1992 caused quite a bit of confusion when it first appeared in a parade. The vehicle seems to have some similarities with the BRDM-1, but the development history for this equipment is basically unknown.

-Light recon is represented by the JEONGCHALDAE — a 4-man unit with 4x Type 88 rifles and an RPG-7VM, riding the GAENGSAENG-68 jeep. But as a mechanized division, it also fields armored recon: the JANGGAP JEONGCHAL, an 8-strong unit with 7x Type 88, a Type 73 MG, and an RPG-7VS, riding the SEUNGRI-58 truck or the M-1992-1 recon APC armed with an AGS-17.

Dedicated vehicle recon includes:

North Korean PT-76B during training. Panels indicate that this tank is simulating using the South Korean Central Highway to reach Busan

The BTR-40A, armed with a single 7.62mm SGMB machine gun.

The PT-76B GYEONG-TANK amphibious light tank.

The HYEOKSIN-2 JEONGCHAL, an unarmed Mi-2 recon helicopter.

AA

An average category. Like the artillery tab, most options here are self-propelled.

-The HWASUNG-CHONG Strela-2M MANPADS team is deployable from the GAENGSAENG-68 jeep. And the ZPU-4, towed by the SEUNGRI-58 truck.

-ATS-59 tractor-based SPAAG options include:

M-1985 57mm SPAAG. There is no radar for this vehicle, indicating everything is done by eye measurement. It is also assumed that this does not have an automatic ammo feeding system.

M-1984 GOSA-PO, with an open-top ZPU-4.

M-1985 37mm, with an open-top dual M1939 37mm cannon.

M-1985 57mm, with an open-top dual S-67A 57mm cannon.

Pongae-1

-The long-range missile option is the PONGAE-1 — essentially a Soviet S-75, fielded as a single-shot missile towed by the ZIL-131. Expect heavy reliance on these long-range missiles, since the KPAAF struggles to penetrate ROKAF and USAF defenses!

HEL

An expensive category. Despite having a few options, filling these slots means sacrificing elsewhere!

-The cheap MD500 SUSONG-PO, armed with 4x SUSONG-PO ATGM missiles.

ATGM rails on top of the pylon for the Hyeoksin-2 helicopter

-HYEOKSIN-2 JUNG1, an Mi-2 armed with two 57mm UB-16 rocket pods, and the HYEOKSIN-2 JUNG2, which adds 4x SUSONG-PO ATGMs on top of the rocket pods pylon. This will essentially be North Korea's version of an attack helicopter!

AIR

An average category. The KPAAF struggles to push deeper into South Korea against heavy AA nets and enemy air power.

KPAAF pilot boarding the MIG-23ML. Although around 40 airframes seem to be operational in real life, this will not be the case in WARNO's timeline. Expect more MIG-23 jets in upcoming divisions.

-F-5 [AA], armed with 2x NS-23, one N-37 37mm cannon, and 2x R-3S missiles. Do not confuse this with the Freedom Fighter! The F-5 is the export variant of the Chinese J-5, which itself is a MiG-17. Though a phased-out design, it will be used en masse to saturate enemy airspace — expect plenty of cards for this cheap unit! While this plane serves as a distraction, proper air-superiority missions fall to the far more advanced MIG-23ML [AA], armed with a GSh-23L, 2x R-24R, and 4x R-60M missiles.

F-5 on the right, armed with an R-3S missile. North Korea successfully upgraded its F-5 fleet by adding more hardpoints.

-Ground attackers include the ubiquitous F-6 [HE], armed with 3x NR-30 30mm cannons, 4x FAB-250 250kg bombs, and 2x R-3S missiles, along with the "lighter" F-5 [HE], armed with 2x NS-23, one N-37, 2x R-3S missiles, and 2x FAB-100 bombs.

-Other options include the MIG-21PFM [RKT], armed with 2x UB-16 57mm rocket pods, and the MIG-21PFM [AT], armed with 2x Kh-66 missiles! The latter is available as only one card, so don't let it go to waste.

Summary

The 815th Gigyehwabobyeong Sadan relies on APCs and improved tanks to maneuver across the battlefield, with a mobile recon force to support its attack. However, its relatively limited helicopter and aircraft assets make it harder to control the skies.

Ending Remarks

The 815th Mechanized Corps was downsized to a division at some unknown point in modern history. While the reason for the downsizing is unclear, it gave me the idea to make this unit division-sized in the first place. During the Cold War, this corps' structure didn't include a division under it — it was a corps made of numerous tank and mechanized/motorized infantry brigades, making it look more like an oversized division than a traditional corps in the Western or South Korean sense.

-Why not more HWASUNG-CHONG vehicles?

I think what made North Korea unique in WGRD was the sheer number of HWASUNG-CHONG APCs and tanks it could field. That said, the practicality of this is questionable — these variants have never actually been spotted in real exercises. So it's safe to assume this variant is more parade show-off material than real battlefield tactics. Still, that won't stop it from appearing in my future write-ups :)

-What would the CH'ONMA-HO tank fire?

The ammunition used by North Korean tanks is largely a mystery, but reports suggest it's similar to Soviet T-62 rounds. Since the "GA" and "NA" variants are early versions of the CH'ONMA-HO, I think it's reasonable to give the gun stats similar to the in-game T-62 Obr. 67, with better modifications in future write-ups receiving improved KE rounds.

-Why are the weapon designations so confusing?

Even I pull my hair out seeing everything named "M-(Year)." It's worth noting the year in the name refers to when the equipment was first publicly seen, not when it was actually made. So the M-1992-1 recon APC is dated 1992 because that's when it was first spotted, even though production is assumed to date back to the late 1980s. Why it has "-1" at the end will be explained in a future write-up.

-Did North Korea use the Kh-66?

There's no record of the KPAAF actually using the Kh-66. I added it as a bit of a "march-to-war" element — since the MiG-21PFM is capable of carrying it, I felt there'd be no reason the Soviets wouldn't supply some, given the improved relations in this alternate timeline. And besides, the KPAAF would be a junkyard without M2W.

Hi,

With all four of my ROK/US BLUFOR division writeups complete, I'm starting my North Korean REDFOR division writeups! Like before, there will be 4 divisions (or brigades) representing the North Korean Armed Forces in a hypothetical Second Korean War in 1989.

Upcoming writeups will include some "what-if" scenarios and arms deals that didn't pan out in real life. These "march-to-war" elements help address the KPA's otherwise dire situation in the 1980s. Let's go!

North Korean Armed Forces History

KPA emblem / North Korean divisions are known not to show division emblems for 'security' reasons. But there is also a possiblity they don't have emblems as a whole.

The Joseon Inmingun, or Korean People's Army (KPA), had ambitions of unifying the peninsula ever since it was divided after World War II. However, those ambitions were shattered when the Korean War didn't go as planned and ended with the 1953 armistice. After the war, North Korea concluded that self-reliant military strength was the key to survival. Because of this, Kim Il-sung purged rival factions to consolidate power over both the communist party and the military. Around this time, the state ideology of military, economic, and personal self-reliance — known as "Juche" — emerged.

Tunnel No. 1 found by the South Korean 25th Infantry Division. Width and height is assumed to be 90 x 120 cm.

Following the Sino-Soviet split, North Korea balanced relations with both countries to extract aid from each. The state flourished through the 1960s and 70s, which fueled military development as well. North Korean doctrine came to emphasize asymmetric and unconventional warfare — infiltration units, special forces, raids, and tunnels — to force the enemy to fight on multiple fronts.

This prosperity also helped build up domestic arms production and reduced reliance on Soviet and Chinese support. By the 1980s, however, the economy began to stagnate. North Korea still received limited Soviet support, but not enough to maintain its aging armed forces. With the collapse of the Berlin Wall and the Soviet Union, North Korea faced growing isolation, leading to economic and military struggles in the decades that followed.

North Korea in the WARNO Timeline

Read with music! War emerges once again on the Korean peninsula

In WARNO's alternate history, however, Soviet–North Korean relations grow suspiciously close after 1987. What was limited support in real life becomes full-scale support, including new weaponry. Soviet instructors are sent to train elite North Korean units in new weapons and tactics. With full Soviet backing once again, the Kim regime sees this as its last chance to reunify the peninsula.

https://preview.redd.it/1a66vy3iswgh1.jpg?width=760&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=22a16478533a2936ee573240e13e80ae9a77d7e7

With improved training and tactics, North Korea plans to attack the same day Soviet forces push through Fulda. As war breaks out in Europe, the first North Korean units are seen breaching the DMZ. Among the first to cross the minefields is the Geunwi Je-Yuk Bobyeong Sadan, or 6th Guards Infantry Division.

Geunwi Je-Yuk Bobyeong Sadan History

The division's roots are believed to trace back to Korean Volunteer Army elements serving under Chinese guerrilla units during World War II. After the war, it underwent several reorganizations until 1949, when new KPA infantry and artillery units bolstered the formation. This strengthened unit was designated the 6th Infantry Division, based in Sariwon, North Hwanghae Province.

In the early stages of the Korean War, this division captured Kaesong and swiftly maneuvered south through Gimpo to cut off Seoul's rear. This impressive maneuver earned the division its "Guard" title. Despite that strong performance, the division suddenly delayed its advance further south. The delay was significant enough to give South Korea valuable time to build defensive lines early in the war — and it remains one of the biggest mysteries of the Korean War to this day.

https://preview.redd.it/qrv9zp7ztwgh1.png?width=1080&format=png&auto=webp&s=cbd1f4add58cad89a61466152b829bdb1e80bd2f

After the war, the division relocated to northern Kaesong under the 2nd Corps — placing it directly opposite the South Korean 1st Infantry Division! The 2nd Corps is expected to receive substantial engineer support to cross the DMZ's rugged terrain and rivers in the event of war. Like its South Korean counterpart, the 6th Guards Infantry Division continues to secure the GOP and GP within its operational area today.

The Geunwi Je-Yuk Bobyeong Sadan in WARNO

How will the division be featured in WARNO? New units are shown in bold italics. As always, this is a work in progress and subject to change.

LOG

An expensive category. North Korea never standardized its equipment, and the resulting logistics problems persist to this day — a war would only make things worse. So despite having a few options, slot costs will not be generous!

Gaengseang-68 jeep in Pyeongyang

-Command options include the GAENGSAENG-68 JIHWI jeep, a North Korean copy of the GAZ-69. A helicopter option is also available as the HYEOKSIN-2 JIHWI — a semi-knock-down MI-2 assembled in North Korea.

K-61 during an exercise. Although an engineer asset, the big cargo space will be useful to ferry cargo along rivers.

-Supply units are the SEUNGRI-58 BOGEUP medium truck, ZIL-131 BOGEUP heavy truck, and K-61 BOGEUP tracked amphibious supply carrier. Prepared for war, the division also gets access to the BOGEUPWON (FOB).

INF

A strong category, with plenty of infantry and engineer options to push through the DMZ.

An incredibly low resolution video footage of North Korean infantry moving over barbed wire in the 1980s

Line infantry consists of the BOBYEONG, an 8-strong unit with 6x Type 88 (North Korean AK-74), 2x Type 68 MG (PK equivalent), and RPG-7VM, riding the SEUNGRI-58 truck. The BOBYEONG JIHWI is its 4-man command variant, with 4x Type 88, RPG-7VM, and smoke grenades, riding the GAENGSAENG-68.

The DANDO-JEOGYEOK BAN reflects battalion anti-tank elements, a 6-strong squad with 2 RPG-7VS racks, also riding the SEUNGRI-58.

Infantry fire support units include:

-Type 68 7.62 7.62mm GPMG teams

-B-10 82mm recoilless rifle squads

Susong-po in action during the 80s

-BAN-TANK SUSONG-PO (a copy of the Malyutka-M) ATGM teams

All will ride the GAENGSAENG-68 jeep.

You can't push through the minefields of the Korean border without engineers! North Korea has a nickname for them: dudeoji, meaning "mole." As digging experts, they proudly carry this name into battle.

BTS-2 preparing for a parade

-DUDEOJI is a 6-strong unit with 5x Type 68 (North Korean AKM), a Type 68 MG, PGN-60 Polish anti-tank grenades, and satchel charges. They ride the SEUNGRI-58 truck or the BTS-2 — a turretless T-54 armed with a KPVT heavy machine gun, used as an ARV. Despite the name, they won't be singing K-pop! DUDEOJI [FLAM] is a 10-strong unit with 9x Type 68 and an LPO-50 flamethrower, riding the SEUNGRI-58.

DUDEOJI JIHWI is a 6-man command unit with 6x Type 68 and PGN-60, riding the SEUNGRI-58 truck or the BTS-2. As engineers, they will automatically have the shock trait.

Every North Korean corps has a light infantry brigade for flanking and infiltration missions within its operational area, relying on superior mobility. Unlike Western concepts of light infantry, North Korea's version is literally light — units sacrifice weight for mobility, and that's reflected here.

-GYEONG-BOBYEONG is a 7-man unit with 6x Type 88, a Type 62 (RPD), and the lighter RPG-2. They ride the BTR-60PB or the HYEOKSIN-2 helicopter for extra mobility, and carry the mountaineer trait as dedicated light infantry.

A Gyeongmu-bu soldier in the 2000s / all these soldiers will wear a red armband

-As a communist dictatorship, North Korea stationed political officers throughout its corps, divisions, and lower units to monitor loyalty to the regime rather than combat readiness. This is represented by the GYEONGMU-BU, a 4-strong unit with 4x Type 88 riding the GAENGSAENG-68 GYEONGMU military police jeep. As men sent from the labor party, they carry both the military police and resolute traits.

ART

A good category. Where South Korea's artillery doctrine focused on saturating the North before it could properly attack, North Korea's artillery aimed to neutralize South Korean defenses to enable its own advance. Expect a wide range of calibers, from divisional guns to outside artillery support.

-Mortars include the Korean War-era PM-37 82mm mortar and PM-43 120mm mortar, both towed by the GAENGSAENG-68.

Type 66 152mm howitzers

-Tube artillery consists of the ZIS-3 76.2mm gun, D-30 122mm artillery, and Type 66 152mm artillery (a Chinese copy of the Soviet D-20). All towed by the ZIL-131 truck.

https://preview.redd.it/j5xmk7ir8xgh1.png?width=598&format=png&auto=webp&s=246a28ec40e3c69c50e9f5e0b8793acc7911a013

-North Korea was a dedicated MLRS user from the 1970s onward, experimenting with foreign systems and its own designs, including various vehicle-mounted attempts. Divisional MLRS assets are represented by the SEUNGRI-61NA BANGSA-PO, a 24-round Type 75 107mm MRL mounted on a SEUNGRI-61NA truck.

M-1975 Jahaeng-po loading a round

-The 620th Artillery Corps, based within the 2nd Corps' operational area, contributes a few assets to the push. Self-propelled artillery is available as the M-1975 JAHAENG-PO, a North Korean-built ATS-59 tractor fitted with the Chinese Type 59-1 130mm gun. And an MLRS option as the BM-11 BANGSA-PO, a 30-round 122mm rocket system.

TANK

An expensive category. Tanks in a regular infantry division weren't especially impressive, since the better tanks went to heavier divisions (North Koreans pronounce tank as "ddank"). Still, their fire support capability shouldn't be underestimated!

KPVT used as an AA machine gun for tanks

-One card of the venerable T-55A. North Korea favored the KPVT heavy machine gun, so this tank carries a KPVT instead of a DShK! Another option is the numerous Chinese TYPE 59-1, a copy of the T-54A — though unlike the Soviet original, it lacks a stabilizer. It also mounts the KPVT as its heavy machine gun. A command variant, the TYPE 59-1 JIHWI, is also available.

-Towed anti-tank guns are the D-44 85mm and BS-3 100mm, both towed by the ZIL-131.

-A small contingent of GAENGSAENG-85 SUSONG-PO ATGM jeeps represents a dispatched ATGM battalion from the 2nd Corps. (The GAENGSAENG-85 is a copy of the UAZ-469. There's no confirmed evidence North Korea operated ATGM jeeps in the 1980s, but the concept did enter service later — so consider this unit a predecessor of future equipment!)

REC

A decent category. Unlike South Korea, North Korea pursued proper recon equipment through the Soviets and Eastern Europeans, and sometimes smuggled commercial gear from Japan. Soviet instructors also helped improve North Korea's electronic warfare and jamming capabilities in the mid-1980s.

-Divisional recon is assumed to be roughly company-sized, represented by the JEONGCHALDAE — a 4-man unit with 4x Type 88 rifles and an RPG-7VM, riding the GAENGSAENG-68 jeep.

Yet another impressive quality picture of North Korean Il-jedae soldiers around a post

-Like its South Korean counterpart, North Korea naturally manned its GOP (General Outpost), which it calls the "1st Echelon." The IL-JEDAE is an 8-strong unit with 6x Type 88, 2x Type 68 MG, and an RPG-7VM, riding the SEUNGRI-58 truck.

North Korean Navy recon battalion agents captured in South Korea

-The General Staff's Reconnaissance Bureau handled intelligence gathering and special operations. The 2nd Corps fields a recon battalion from this bureau for DMZ infiltration missions, represented here as Unit 586 (the Reconnaissance Bureau's actual designation) — a 5-man unit armed with 2x Vz. 61 SMGs, 3x M16A1 rifles, and a captured M72A1 LAW from Vietnam. As special infiltration troops, they carry the ground surveillance radar, special force, shock, and false flag traits, and are airborne-forward-deployed. They ride the GAENGSAENG-85 JEONGCHAL unarmed recon jeep, which also carries the special force trait.

Vehicle options include:

-The venerable BTR-40, armed with a single 7.62mm SGMB machine gun.

SNAR-2 radar / person on the far right is Kim Jong-il

-The SNAR-2 counter-battery radar, mounted on an ATS-59 tractor. The exact service date is unconfirmed, but even as older equipment by the late 80s, it's still capable of detecting enemy artillery.

-The MD500 JEONGCHAL, the sole helicopter recon option. North Korea smuggled MD500 samples through West Germany in the mid-80s and is believed to operate around 80 of them. Since South Korea flew the same helicopter during the Cold War, mix-ups over whether it was friend or foe reportedly happened more than once — hence this unit will feature the false flag trait.

AN-2 with rocket pods under it's wings

-North Korea also operated large numbers of the AN-2 biplane. Here it's converted into a recon role with wing-mounted rocket pods for attack capability! The AN-2 JEONGCHAL, despite being considered a museum piece, will carry 20x 57mm rockets.

AA

A somewhat truncated category. Organic anti-air battalions were limited to 14.5mm heavy machine guns — but the 2nd Corps helps fill the gap.

-Divisional assets are the ZPU-4, towed by the SEUNGRI-58 truck.

S-60 ready to be sent via train

-Corps support is reflected as the HWASUNG-CHONG Strela-2M MANPADS team, deployable from the GAENGSAENG-68 jeep. The S-60 57mm anti-air gun, towed by the ZIL-131. And the PONGAE-2 returns to WARNO! — a KrAZ-255 truck carrying two S-125 missiles on its cargo bed. This valuable long-range AA asset is available as a single card only.

HEL

An expensive category with just one slot. Despite having some helicopters available, higher command reserved them for more mobile divisions.

-MD500 SUSONG-PO, armed with 4x SUSONG-PO ATGM missiles.

AIR

A strong category. The KPAAF supports the 6th Guards Infantry Division's push through the DMZ. The aircraft aren't top quality, but they make up for it in numbers.

-MIG-21PFM [RKT], armed with 2x UB-16 57mm rocket pods; a [HE] variant swaps the rockets and missiles for 2x FAB-500 bombs. It has no internal cannons, so don't take unnecessary risks with it!

North Korea quite successfully 'upgraded' their F-6 fleet by adding six additional wing/fuselage hardpoints to carry a much heavier payload

-A stronger ground-attack option is the F-6, a Chinese version of the MiG-19. As one of the few true fighter-bombers available, it comes with plenty of cards. The F-6 [HE] carries 3x NR-30 30mm cannons, 4x FAB-250 250kg bombs, and 2x R-3S missiles.

-A single card of the heavy bomber B-5 [HE] — an unlicensed Chinese copy of the Il-28 — carries one FAB-3000M-46 3,000kg bomb for bigger boom!

-The sole air-superiority role goes to the MIG-21MF [AA], armed with a GSh-23L cannon and 4x R-3S missiles.

Summary

The Geunwi Je-Yuk Bobyeong Sadan is a division rich in infantry, artillery, and air support, built for a major offensive push. It may lack high-tech equipment, but it makes up for it with a large pool of older gear.

Ending Remarks

Researching North Korean armed forces was quite a journey. I lost count of how many documents, records, and quotes I read just to get a glimpse into this country. North Korea is like a black hole — no one truly understands what's going on inside, and the only way to get a clear picture is to go in personally.

Foreign and Korean records often disagree, and defector accounts add even more confusion. Still, I feel I've put together something with this division — and there's more to come!

Main sources

Bermudez – Shield of the Great Leader (link)

Mitzer & Oliemans – The Armed Forces of North Korea (link)

Minnich – The North Korean People's Army: Origins and Current Tactics (link)

Hi again!

This is the last BLUFOR write-up for now. The last division is, once again, a South Korean division — but this time a reservist one. I know a lot of people don't like reservist "slop" divisions, but as in many countries, the reserve force is an essential part of Korea's national defense. Let's dive right in!

Military duty in South Korea

First, let's briefly cover the military service duty every Korean man has to complete upon becoming an adult. No one wants to do it, but there's no other option. In 1989, when WARNO was set, the Army and Marine Corps service period was 30 months. Navy service was a bit longer at 32 months, and the Air Force was 35 months. Plenty of time to master one's occupational specialty!

As a joke, Bangwi would be assigned the 'important' task of shaking nickel-silver lunch boxes on top of tall buildings to jam enemy radar. (Scene from the movie 'The Ugly Duckling')

Alternative service included Bangwi (Defense Servicemen) duty. These short-term conscripts, who received only basic training, were deployed to the rear because divisions farther back — or mobilization divisions — lacked manpower. Service periods varied from 6 to 18 months depending on the individual's situation. Although they were conscripts just like everyone else, Bangwis were usually deemed unfit for active duty and tended to have a much easier time than "real" active-duty service members. After all, Bangwis went home after their shift! That alone shows how privileged they were compared to others. (These conscripts will come up again later, so don't forget them!)

South Korean reserve force

South Korean Reserve Force with their 'Duckhunter' uniform

After being discharged, everyone automatically became a reservist — a status that lasted until they turned 33. Despite their reserve status, reserves were mobilized numerous times during the Cold War whenever North Korean infiltrators breached an area. In 1968 alone, more than 300 infiltrations occurred across the country, with reserve units responding as a punitive force.

Organizationally, reserves were divided into Mobilization Reserves (Gapho) and General Reserves. Mobilization reserves were people who had been discharged relatively recently; these "fresh" reserves were armed similarly to active members and briefly trained to reinforce active front-line divisions or fill out mobilization divisions. General reserves, meanwhile, mostly served a security role near their hometowns or important facilities.

72nd Infantry Division

Starting in the 1960s, reserve training units began forming around the country. In 1981, the 72nd Training Unit was formed under the Capital Corps in Yangju (near Paju, where the 1st Infantry Division is located). Two years later, the unit was reassigned to 1st Corps and became the Je-Chilsibi Bobyeong Sadan, or 72nd Infantry Division "Olympic."

Je-Chilsibi Bobyeong Sadan history and its place in WARNO's timeline

start NATOWAVE music!

Once it became a division, its main peacetime mission was training reserves. As a low-readiness mobilization division, it was expected to absorb thousands of reserves in the event of war.

The division had three infantry regiments: the 200th, 201st, and 202nd. The latter two were manned by a skeleton crew of regular conscripts and short-term Bangwis. The 200th regiment, on the other hand, operated at full strength, with a handful of regulars and a large number of Bangwis filling most positions. Because of this, despite Bangwis generally being known for easier service, those in the 200th regiment were notorious for having it rough. Since the regiment trained like an ordinary frontline unit, these short-term soldiers even took part in Team Spirit exercises lasting four to eight weeks.

Since the 200th regiment had the most manpower, it was also deployed for security duty during the 1988 Seoul Olympics. This is when the president gave the division its nickname, "Olympic."

With WARNO's alternate-history twist, North Korean espionage activity surges in the late 80s. Active-duty divisions on the frontline are preparing for war, while mobilization divisions start gathering reserves. A mobilization division like the 72nd Infantry — far from first in line for new equipment — rushes to arm itself with whatever is available in storage. It also starts consulting nearby units to get familiar with "new" equipment.

BLUFOR formations of all the writeups so far

Despite being a mobilization unit, this division was stationed at key points in upper Gyeonggi Province. With infiltrations happening non-stop in WARNO's timeline, the division mobilizes its reserves to fight the infiltrators who breached upper Seoul. So even before the Second Korean War erupts, the division has already mobilized most of its troops for local skirmishes. With the war going hot in the summer of 1989, the 72nd Infantry Division's mission becomes more than just local warfare.

Je-Chilsibi Bobyeong Sadan in WARNO

How will the Je-Chilsibi Bobyeong Sadan be featured in WARNO? New units are shown in bold italics. As always, the following is still a work in progress and subject to change.

LOG

A very good category. The division has already been fighting North Korean spies before the war even began, and its logistical routes have been formed with whatever it could gather and mobilize.

-Command units are the usual K-111 BONBU jeep and the new KM900 BONBU APC. The latter is a license-built Italian FIAT 6614 armed with an M60.

A SH 8T cargo truck

-Supply units consist of the M715 BOGEUP light truck, the SH 8T BOGEUP medium truck, and the SH 11T BOGEUP heavy truck. The latter two are civilian trucks, since Korea had an "Act on Emergency Preparedness" that allowed the government to requisition trucks during emergencies. As a division already prepared to fight, it will also have the BOGEUPSO (FOB).

INF

Also a very good category. The handful of conscripts in a mobilization division work as instructors for reserves during both peacetime and wartime. The short-term Bangwis, despite also being conscripts, lacked professionalism due to their short service time. And since reserve forces have been mobilized numerous times in the past to fight off infiltrators, they won't be inexperienced "green" soldiers.

Reserves riding civilian trucks during mobilization training in 1977

-The bread and butter of the 72nd Infantry is the numerous YEBIGUN. Despite being reserves armed with Korean War-era weapons, their experience is not to be underestimated! This 9-man squad is armed with 7x M1 Carbine, 2x BAR, and an M20 Super Bazooka, riding the civilian SH 8T TRUCK. The Younger Mobilization Reserves will be represented as YEBIGUN GAPHO, a 15-strong unit with 12x M1 Carbine, a BAR, 2x M1919A6, and an M18 RCL. They will ride the SH 11T TRUCK into battle.

Reserve forces mobilized in 1978

All YEBIGUN units will have the reservist trait. However, since the reserves are already deployed fighting their own local war, they will be up-vettable.

-The sole command unit in this tab will be the YEBIGUN BONBU, a 4-man squad with 4x M1 Carbine and smoke grenades. They will ride the M715 light truck.

JOGYO instructors of the Korea Military Academy in 1979 (also conscripts!)

-The handful of conscripts will be represented as JOGYO, a 6-strong instructor squad with 5x M16A1, an M60, and an M67 RCL, riding the M715 or the KM900 APC armed with a heavy .50 cal machine gun. As instructors, this unit will naturally have the instructor trait.

K-300 truck armed with MG50 during a parade in the 80s

-The countless short-term Bangwi soldiers of the 200th regiment will be represented as BANGWI, a 10-man unit with 9x M16A1, an M60, and an M72 LAW, riding the K-300 [MG50], a .50 cal-armed soft-skin truck. As short-term, "unprofessional" troops, these units will be vet-locked.

Just because this is a poor mobilization division doesn't mean it has no engineer support!

Elements of 6th Corps using the M2 Flamethrower during training. Although phased out by the late 80s, the flamethrower was still an option for ROK armed forces.

-Reserves mobilized as engineers will be represented as YEBI. GONGBYEONG, a 10-man unit armed with 9x M1 Carbine, a BAR, and satchel charges. Unfortunately, FLASH launchers weren't something reserve storage would have, so instead they will have YEBI. GONGBYEONG [FLAM], a 7-strong squad with 3x M3 Grease Gun, 3x M1 Carbine, and an M2 flamethrower. Both will have the reservist and shock trait, while riding the SH 8T TRUCK.

Support units consist of:

Reserve forces firing the M1919 during Urban defence training in Daegu, 1982

-YEBI. M1919 medium machine gun teams and the YEBI. M2HB 12.7mm M63 multi-purpose machine gun team, deploying in the M715.

-M40 recoilless rifle teams, deploying in the K-111 jeep. This unit will be manned by active conscripts.

-The only ATGM unit in this division is the TOW, deployed in K-111 jeeps. This will be the old "OG" TOW missile, operated by conscripts.

-The usual HEONBYEONG military police squads will watch over the reserves with their K-111 HEONBYEONG military police jeep.

ART

A decent category. As a mobilization division, its organic artillery was limited to old weaponry — definitely a "quantity over quality" tab.

-Mortars consist of the KM29A1 81mm mortar, manned by active soldiers, and the WW2-era YEBI. M2 4.2" mortar, manned by reserves. Both will be towed by the M715 truck.

Civilian trucks drafted as troop transport and artillery tow trucks in 1978

-More reserves will operate the numerous YEBI. M101 105mm and YEBI. M59 LONG TOM 155mm artillery. Both will be towed by the ROKA M35.

The K-136 MLRS during training. The Agency for Defense Development was apparently given a photo of the BM-21 without any further information from the government and had been ordered to make 'something similar' to the one in the photo.

-The nearby 1st Artillery Brigade will aid the lackluster 72nd Infantry with whatever it can spare, though! The brigade's assets are the M107 PYEONGSA-PO 175mm SPGs and the K-136 KOORYONG 36-round 130mm MLRS.

TANK

A not-so-good category. The 72nd Infantry established its organic tank company (not even a full battalion) in 1992. However, with the tide of war in 1989, the division started looking for tanks of its own much earlier. Since it has never operated tanks before, it will need to consult outside tank formations!

-The hastily established tank unit consists of the reserve-operated YEBI. M47 tank and the YEBI. M47 BONBU leader variant. As a reservist unit, it will be identical to the Belgian M47.

ROK M48A3K duirng Team Spirit '83

-The nearby 6th Corps' independent tank battalion will instruct these units with their JOGYO M48A3K. This tank will have the instructor trait and will be similar in stats to the West German M48A2CGA1, but lacking the reservist trait.

REC

An okay category. The 72nd Infantry's operational zone included the main North Korean commando route used during the Bluehouse Raid in 1968 — a route they used to reach Seoul and try to assassinate the president! With this history and the rise in spy activity, the division is using everything possible to patrol its divisional area.

-The division's recon battalion assets are the SUSAEK BAN, a 4-man scout unit with 4x K1A submachine guns, carrying the shock and mountaineer traits. They will ride the K-111 jeep or the JEONGCHAL KM900 recon APC armed with a .50 cal.

-Reserves will bolster recon efforts with YEBI. SUSAEK BAN, a 6-strong unit with 2x M3 Grease Gun and 4x M1 Carbine. They will ride the M715 truck.

Commando Regiment soldiers in the late 80s in front of a Heuy

-With active enemy spies in the 1st Corps area, the 701st Commando Regiment will already be deployed to hunt down North Korean infiltrators, even within this division's zone. This will be represented as TEUKGONG-DAE, 6-strong squads with 5x K2 rifle, a K3 LMG, and an M72 LAW, riding the K-511 truck or the ROKA UH-1H. Despite the name, these regiments were mostly made up of conscripts, so they will only have the shock and mountaineer traits.

Vehicle reconnaissance options are the following:

-The typical JEONGCHAL K-111 jeep, armed with the M60.

-MD500 [RKT] light helicopter, armed with 14 FFAR rockets.

AA

An average category. A backline mobilization division wouldn't usually have organic AA units in 1989. But like other tabs, the division will arm itself with whatever is available and whatever help it can get.

-SEUNGJEON-PO is a quad .50 cal towed by the K-300 truck. Despite being a phased-out weapon, it will be manned by active conscripts.

-The M2A1 40mm is a WW2-era 40mm Bofors cannon without any upgrades, manned by reserves. It will have the reservist trait and will be towed by the K-300 truck.

K-300 wielding a vulcan cannon during a parade in the 80s

-For decades, South Korea tried to develop a mobile SPAAG, with many prototypes and failed attempts during the Cold War. This will be represented as the K-300 VULCAN, a K-300 truck with the KM167 VADS bolted onto the cargo bed.

-The sole missile option is the valuable I-HAWK, spared by the 1st Corps.

HEL

There is nothing. Army Command and the USFK cannot spare attack helicopters for a mere mobilization division during war.

AIR

An average category, but slot costs will rise steeply. The air force is already busy prioritizing strike missions near the border. Make every plane count!

F-86 fleet in 1960

-Welcome the old-timers! The F-86F Sabres of the Republic of Korea Air Force didn't retire until 1990. These old jets will be represented as the F-86F [RKT], armed with 6x .50 cal and 16 HVAR rockets, and the [HE] variant, which replaces the rockets with 4x MK 82 bombs. Plus the [AA] version, with 2x AIM-9B missiles.

-The usual KF-5E JEGONGHO [HE], with twin 20mm guns and 2x MK 82 bombs, and the [AA] variant, with 2x AIM-9P missiles.

-ROKAF's most venerable Phantom jets will help out this division too. The 72nd Infantry will have access to one card of the F-4E PEACE PHEASANT II [AT], with a 20mm Vulcan cannon, 2x AIM-7E missiles, and 2x AGM-65B Maverick missiles.

Summary

The South Korean Je-Chilsibi Bobyeong Sadan is a division with experienced reserves and infantry, tank instructors. However, it lacks any helicopter support and faces a tight air-force situation. Mistakes are not tolerated for its few expensive assets!

Ending remarks

I feel this might be one of the poorest reservist divisions, if it somehow makes it into WARNO. Without outside support, a South Korean mobilization division would have been barely operational in the 80s.

-No helicopters?

This seems to be an option Eugen implements for poor divisions. But in real life too, there's essentially no possibility that higher command would spare helicopters for a mobilization division. I added the rocket MD500 as a miracle "what-if" for this division.

-How can this division fight air spam?

This actually bugged me more than I expected. South Korean divisions' doctrine is to cooperate with corps assets when necessary; with a ton of air defense nets in the upper Gyeonggi area, the odds of a division this poor receiving support from I-HAWK batteries are very low, but never zero.

Due to the I-HAWK, I decided not to add a proper long-range interceptor. In case of war, 1st Corps' airspace would be saturated with ROKAF, USAF, and KPAAF jets — an air-superiority Phantom or Falcon jet passing through the 72nd Division's operational zone is all but certain.

However, since the ROKAF F-4 AT has long-range missiles, it can operate as a pseudo-ASF fighter (similar to how the ground-attack Phantoms on the UK's 4th Armoured can be used as multi-purpose aircraft). In my opinion, using only the I-HAWK and the AT jet seemed like a fun way to handle long-range AA for this division!

-Upvettable reserves + instructors might be too strong?

This division is a junkyard as is. It doesn't have the equipment to make it viable on its own, so I had to make the most of what it has. The conscripts in mobilization divisions were, and still are, tasked with instructing reserves after all!

-Why not more KM900?

I found it funny how much of a clown car this APC was in WGRD, transporting 15-man Marine squads. This wheeled APC was widely used in the rear, but it was more concentrated among Capital Defense Command units in Seoul.

-Is this all South Korea can offer?

Hell no! But I do feel I've covered most of what the army and air force could muster in the late 80s. There are still interesting formations that could definitely make it in if this game somehow expands to the Korean peninsula. Here are some units/formations that didn't leave my writing board :)

Can you guess what these might be?

-What's next?

The red Koreans, a.k.a. North Korea, are next! However, there are even fewer documents or records for this closed country. I feel like I'm pulling my hair out just looking at what equipment they probably used in the late 80s. I'll have to rely on North Korean defector quotes for some aspects. I expect this will take way more time than my BLUFOR write-ups.