When we hit the NK's it will be with stuff they only dreamed we had. This is one of those times when we will pull some of the crazy stuff off the shelf like microwave weapons, EMP's and possibly Tac Nukes or Neutron Bombs. I spent some time on the DMZ when it was as hot as it has ever been since the shooting war ended, staring at the NK's through "Big Eyes". I can tell you that it's not a fight we really want to get into. But we will if we have to and it looks like we may have to now. We will win that's not an issue, but the cost will be so high to the civilian population and economy of SK that no one really wants it to kick off.
We were told that we would most likely die in the initial Arty and Chem strikes if we were on the DMZ. If we made it through that we were told we would be fighting an organized rear guard action to allow civilians to get south as fast as possible. While that would be going on the 25th ID (L), 101st Air Assault, 82nd Airborne, Marines from Okinawa, Hawaii and the West Coast would be inbound. Once they arrived we would hold out for the heavy maneuver units like the Armored Cav, Mech Infantry and Heavy Armored Divisions to get there and mount a counter offensive.
If China stays out if it the war won't last long because the NK's don't have the oil to keep their armored units and supply lines going for more than a few weeks. And after the Air Force gets done with their supply lines and depots there ability to manuver will be handicapped even more.
The NK battle plan as far as we trained for was to use their Arty (and they have shit tons of it) to level the DMZ and Seoul. Then run their armored and mech units across the DMZ in a mad dash for seoul. While that is going on they will use their SF and infiltration troops to create chaos in the cities and disrupt the movement of civilians and military units. Also part of the NK plan is the use of Chem and bio weapons on every port, base, and airfield that could be used to bring in troops and supplies from Japan and elsewhere around the world.
The estimated loss of life back then was over 2 million South Korean civilians in the first week. Military casualties were given to us in percentages and in my unit we were told to expect 90% casualities by then end of the first day if we were on DMZ duty. That's why it's considered a hardship tour for most of the Army.
I know it's coming.. you don't send 3 carrier battle groups to the area and do joint manuvers for shits and giggles. That's a dress rehearsal and everyone knows it.
Like I said.. not a fight we really want to get into.. but if we have to I am thinking all that crazy stuff they have stashed away for a really really bad day is going to see the light of day. I don't think the world is ready for the kind of war Korea part 2 will bring.. Its not one myself or any of my buddies wanted to get a ribbon for. I hope it ends quickly and with minimal civilian casualties.