[Exclusive] Navy Has Over Ten More Non-Commissioned Officers Who Drank Alcohol... Unprecedented Commissioning Ceremony Postponed

Navy Initially Explained 3 Drunk Personnel
Drinking Suspicion Found in Many of 66 Members
First Ever Warrant Officer Commissioning Ceremony Postponed Since Establishment

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Byung-don] The military has launched an investigation into all candidates following the discovery that Navy non-commissioned officers (sergeant to master sergeant) undergoing training for warrant officer (junwi) commissioning held a drinking party. This incident even caused the warrant officer commissioning ceremony to be postponed for the first time since the Navy's establishment.

▶Refer to our July 3 report 'Navy officers drinking before warrant officer appointment... Serious discipline lapse during Security Week'

According to the Navy on the 7th, the Naval Education Command in Changwon, Gyeongnam, postponed the 61st Navy and Marine Corps warrant officer candidate commissioning ceremony, originally scheduled for the 3rd, by one week. A Navy official stated, "The commissioning ceremony was postponed due to a comprehensive investigation related to the regrettable drinking incident," adding, "Since the investigation results have not yet been released, it is difficult to clarify our position, but if misconduct is confirmed, we will respond strictly."

Regarding the incident revealed to the public through our report on the 3rd, the Navy explained that 3 out of 66 candidates shared two bottles of beer. Subsequently, the Navy conducted an all-out investigation, including cross-checking the entry logs of the Education Command during the training period to identify the route of alcohol entry and the individuals who drank. During this process, suspicions arose that 61 out of 66 candidates, except for only 5, shared alcohol. The Navy has already expelled the 3 individuals caught earlier and is currently receiving explanations from about 10 others suspected of drinking. The remaining candidates are being held within the Education Command and are under investigation.

This training is for non-commissioned officers, referring to ranks from sergeant to master sergeant, to be commissioned as warrant officers, a rank just below commissioned officers (second lieutenant) and just above master sergeant. Drinking and smoking are completely prohibited during the training period.

Meanwhile, there are criticisms that the response to the 3 candidates who were already expelled was inadequate. Although the Navy held a dismissal review committee and decided on expulsion after the incident, it is suspected that basic protocols were not followed, such as failing to properly notify the individuals involved.