NNSC Tasks
Original Tasks
Since its establishment in 1953, the NNSC has been active with three original tasks as defined by the letter of in the Armistice Agreement (AA).
Between 1953 and 1956, NNSC’s key task was to supervise and inspect the rotations of units and personnel and the replacement of military equipment at the five northern and the five southern ports of entry. Today, in this first area of activities, the NNSC still registers on the South side the number of military personnel throughout the year (Sub-paragraphs 13c and 13d AA).
Secondly, NNSC has been conducting special observations and inspections by invitation of one of the parties to the Armistice Agreement at places outside the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) where violations have been reported (Art. 28 AA).
Making recommendations to the Military Armistice Commission (MAC) with respect to amendments or additions to the Armistice Agreement to ensure a more effective armistice has been the third original task being conducted by the NNSC (Art. 49 AA).
Expanded Contributions
The signatories of the Armistice Agreement foresaw the requirement of observance of both the letter and the spirit of the provisions of the Armistice Agreement (Art. 17 AA).
In this regard, the original tasks of the NNSC have evolved significantly over time. In 2010, they were further developed and formalized into nine Expanded Tasks by agreement between the NNSC and the Commander UNC. In 2016, these nine tasks were reaffirmed and re-categorized into four mission sets, including at total of 13 tasks. These four mission sets take place on invitation from the United Nations Military Armistice Commission (UNCMAC) and are defined as follows:
- Mission 1 - Observe UNCMAC’s Armistice Operations
Task 1: Observe Special Investigation Team Operations
Task 2: Observe Area Inspections of DMZ/HRE/NWI
Task 3: Observe H128 Right-to-Flight Operations
Task 4: Observe Armistice related fact-finding missions
Task 1: Observe Special Investigation Team Operations
Task 2: Observe Area Inspections of DMZ/HRE/NWI
Task 3: Observe H128 Right-to-Flight Operations
Task 4: Observe Armistice related fact-finding missions
Task 1: Observe Special Investigation Team Operations
Task 2: Observe Area Inspections of DMZ/HRE/NWI
Task 3: Observe H128 Right-to-Flight Operations
Task 4: Observe Armistice related fact-finding missions
- Mission 2 - Observe and augment UNCMAC’s Armistice Education and Orientation Outreach
Task 5: Observe and Augment Armistice Education of ROK, US and UNC Forces and Leaders
Task 6: Provide Armistice Education and Orientation to NNSC Camp Visitors
Task 7: Observe and Augment Other Armistice Education and Orientations
Task 5: Observe and Augment Armistice Education of ROK, US and UNC Forces and Leaders
Task 6: Provide Armistice Education and Orientation to NNSC Camp Visitors
Task 7: Observe and Augment Other Armistice Education and Orientations
Task 5: Observe and Augment Armistice Education of ROK, US and UNC Forces and Leaders
Task 6: Provide Armistice Education and Orientation to NNSC Camp Visitors
Task 7: Observe and Augment Other Armistice Education and Orientations
- Mission 3 - Observe Military Exercises
Task 8: Observe UNC/CFC/USFK Command Post and Field Training Exercises
Task 9: Observe ROK Military Command Post and Field Training Exercises
Task 8: Observe UNC/CFC/USFK Command Post and Field Training Exercises
Task 9: Observe ROK Military Command Post and Field Training Exercises
Task 8: Observe UNC/CFC/USFK Command Post and Field Training Exercises
Task 9: Observe ROK Military Command Post and Field Training Exercises
- Mission 4 - Observe UNC/USFK forces deployment activities
Task 10: Observe UNC/CFC/USFK Joint Reception Center Operations and Monthly Personnel Status Reports
Task 11: Observe Rotational Forces and Equipment on USFK Installations
Task 12: Observe Army Prepositioned Stocks and Maritime Prepositioning Forces in Korea
Task 13: Observe Other Force Development Activities by invitation
Task 10: Observe UNC/CFC/USFK Joint Reception Center Operations and Monthly Personnel Status Reports
Task 11: Observe Rotational Forces and Equipment on USFK Installations
Task 12: Observe Army Prepositioned Stocks and Maritime Prepositioning Forces in Korea
Task 13: Observe Other Force Development Activities by invitation
Task 10: Observe UNC/CFC/USFK Joint Reception Center Operations and Monthly Personnel Status Reports
Task 11: Observe Rotational Forces and Equipment on USFK Installations
Task 12: Observe Army Prepositioned Stocks and Maritime Prepositioning Forces in Korea
Task 13: Observe Other Force Development Activities by invitation
Today, the performance of these Expanded Contributions and the making of corresponding recommendations to UNCMAC form the main operational activities of the NNSC. They are solely conducted in the southern part on the Korean Peninsula.
Development of Armistice
Agreement Activities
In order to enhance the stability on the Korean Peninsula, NNSC continues to develop Armistice Agreement activities in the interest of all parties involved. This includes the development of operational tasks as well as diplomatic initiatives. One such initiative is to revitalize communication between the involved parties of the Armistice Agreement.
Capital Level Consultations
Representatives of the three member states meet annually for government level consultations. During these so-called Capital Level Consultations (CLC), discussions about the situation on and around the Korean Peninsula, about the NNSC and its impact on the Korean Peninsula as well as its role as the sole independent and impartial institution of the Armistice Agreement, take place.
