Appropriate Additional Points for Veteran Recruitment Are '1~2%'

Kang Dae-sik, a member of the National Defense Committee from the People Power Party, held the '2021 Veterans Social Settlement Support Policy Seminar' on the 8th together with Kim Byung-joo, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, to discuss support measures for discharged soldiers. Seong Il-jong from the People Power Party and Kim Byung-wook from the Democratic Party of Korea also participated.

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] A claim has emerged that an appropriate additional score for companies hiring active-duty soldiers who have completed mandatory military service is at the "1-2% level." Granting a 5-10% bonus as per the U.S. Veterans Preference Act is said to be inconsistent with public sentiment.

At a policy seminar held on the 8th at the National Assembly on the topic of "Support Measures for Soldiers' Social Settlement," Professor Lee Byung-wook of Sookmyung Women's University stated, "Active-duty soldiers who have completed mandatory service identified discharge support funds (44%) as the most needed support measure, while the general public answered recognition of military service period as work experience (34%)."

Professor Lee emphasized, "For soldiers who have completed mandatory service, it is difficult to prepare for employment during their military service period, putting them at a disadvantage compared to other job seekers. Therefore, we need to gather opinions and build consensus on granting additional points at a level acceptable to the public." However, he added, "The timing of policy implementation is also important as companies are warning of mass layoffs due to worsening business conditions caused by COVID-19."

At the seminar, Kang Dae-sik, a member of the National Assembly’s National Defense Committee (People Power Party), who co-hosted the event, said, "Veterans face situations where they are discharged into society regardless of their will due to age, length of service, rank, and retirement age compared to general public officials," and emphasized, "Our role is to ensure that those who sacrificed for the country do not fall into the 'vulnerable class' after discharge."

The seminar discussed measures such as mandating the inclusion of soldiers' service periods as work experience, legislating a certification system that favors military employment, and preparing support policies for female veterans.