From December 14 Next Year, Army Soldier Service Period Shortened to 18 Months (Update)

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu Reporter]

Starting from December 14 next year, the service period for all active-duty Army soldiers will be shortened to 18 months.

On the afternoon of the 17th, the Ministry of National Defense held the 'Defense Reform 2.0 Smart Defense Innovation Progress Review Meeting' chaired by Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo, announcing, "Although the service period for soldiers has already been reduced by 45 days (as of April 17 for the Army), the 90-day reduction will be completed by December 14 next year."

The military decided in 2018 to shorten the Army's service period to 18 months and has been gradually reducing the service period. The phased reduction is planned to be completed by the end of next year.

In response to the increasing social roles of women, the proportion of female soldiers will also be expanded from 6.7% last year to 7.4% this year. Additionally, three Ministry of National Defense director-level positions will be converted to civilian positions.

The Ministry of National Defense plans to designate additional special mission units for counter-terrorism and chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) terrorism to strengthen specialized capabilities against domestic and international terrorism and disasters, and to enhance proactive support and response capabilities for national disaster situations.

In addition to the Army Special Warfare Command’s 707 Counter-Terrorism Special Mission Unit and the special mission units under the Armed Forces CBRN Command, additional specialized counter-terrorism units are expected to be designated.

The Ministry of National Defense stated, "We have clearly recognized the importance of comprehensive security in relation to the COVID-19 situation," and added, "We will expand the task of 'strengthening specialized capabilities for terrorism and disaster preparedness' into a comprehensive 'development of a defense response system for non-traditional threats' to enhance military capabilities."

In the area of military culture, soldiers’ pay will be increased to approximately 45% of the 2017 minimum wage level.