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`The year 1998 marks the 50th Anniversary of the creation of the Republic fo Korea(ROK) Armed Forces, which were established in 1948 when the government of the ROK was inaugurated. The Korean Armed Forces were previously as the righteous army, the independence militia, or the Korean Sovereighty Restoration Corps. In 1946, these groups were consolidated into the National Constabulary, which became the basis of the present-day ROK Armed Forces. When the ROK was established in 1948, the constabulary was renamed as the Army. In 1945 the marine corps was established and the Korean Coast Guard was reorganized into the Korean Navy in 1948. The newly formed Air Force was not separated from the Army until May, 1948. Meanwhile, the Korean Marines were created in April 1949, with 380-plus strength. Although initially the military, was in poor condition, the South Korean military, together with United Nations allied forces, made a great contribution to defending the country. Since then, the Korean military has built up an impressive service record. Through experience in the Vietnam and Gulf wars, as well as many peacekeeping oprations around the world, the Korean Armed Forces has grown to become comparable to those in advanced countries in its contribution to keeping in the world. Fifty years after its founding , It is incumbent on the military to review its past and reinvent itself as a major player in keeping world peace, and in so doing come to be trusted by the people and play an instrumental role in achieving the people`s goal of a reunified Korea. In honor of the 50th anniversary of the Korean Armed Forces, the Ministry of Inforamation and Communication is issuing a new commemorative stamp to salute and thank the 700 thousand military personnel for their collective efforts to protect the security of the country over the past five decades.`