Kim Jong Un inspects artillery unit during North Korea's winter military drill

PYONGYANG, North Korea, Dec. 2 (UPI) -- North Korea has begun its winter military exercises, the North's party-run daily Rodong Sinmun reported Tuesday.

Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un inspected the artillery company under Unit 963 of the Korean People's Army.

During his visit, Kim told the unit that "all commanding officers and soldiers should bear deep in mind the slogan of faith 'Do not abandon the revolutionary faith though one may die' and prepare themselves as vanguard fighters strong in faith advancing with arms in one direction only as indicated by the party by sincerely taking part in all political lectures."

He also reportedly encouraged "specialized training under the simulated conditions of an actual war."

Kim was accompanied by KPA political bureau director general Hwang Pyong So and Pak Jong, vice-chief of the KPA staff and fire command department director.

The North's military drills are regularly held from December through March.