S. Korea, U.S. to raise military readiness

South Korea and the United States plan to formalize a joint operation plan to counter potential threats from North Korea, the Defense Ministry said Wednesday. In a report detailing its policy plans for 2012, the South Korean ministry said the joint plan will be signed this month, the Yonhap News Agency reported. The two countries agreed to the joint operations plan in principle during their annual defense ministerial talks in October. \"After completing our joint contingency plan, we will hold regular exercises together to establish a strong defense posture,\" the Defense Ministry said in a statement. During a news briefing, Deputy Defense Minister for Policy Lim Kwan-bin said the signing will reiterate the two countries\' commitment to military preparedness. \"South Korea and the U.S. already hold major joint exercises ... in addition to smaller ones between strategic echelons,\" Lim said. \"Once the joint operational plan is signed, we will engage in more exercises that will help us execute that plan. It will specify how such exercises should be held.\" Administrative plans for 2012 also include an exemption for troops from paying interest on their income-based student loans. The ministry estimated that more than 25,000 veterans will qualify for the exemption, Yonhap said. The ministry also said it would work to eliminate bureaucracy within the military and make troops more combat-ready. The military was criticized for its slow responses to the torpedo attack on the naval ship Cheonan and shelling of Yeonpyeong Island by North Korea.