Deceased Trainee Running with Full Combat Gear... Evidence of Training Regulation Violation

Gyuseongsang Fully Loaded Military Gear Allows Only Walking

Regarding the case where an Army recruit collapsed during military discipline training and died two days later, it has been reported that there is evidence of violating the regulation that prohibits running (jogging) while wearing full combat gear.

An Army official told reporters on the 27th that "there are indications that the situation did not comply with regulations" regarding the recruit's military discipline training, adding, "Since the military authorities are investigating with civilian police, we are limited in what we can disclose." According to the Army, at around 5:20 p.m. on the 23rd, one of six recruits undergoing military discipline training at a unit in Inje-gun, Gangwon Province, collapsed. The recruit was transferred to a civilian hospital for treatment but his condition worsened, and he died on the afternoon of the 25th.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Military discipline training refers to physical training and mental conditioning directed by commanders according to regulations and procedures to establish military order. It is conducted when commanders issue corrective instructions and is also called "eolchalyeo" (military punishment drill).

The deceased recruit reportedly underwent military discipline training by jogging around the parade ground wearing full combat gear. However, according to military discipline training regulations, only walking is allowed while wearing full combat gear, and jogging is prohibited.

When asked whether jogging in full combat gear is included as part of physical training under military discipline training, an Army official responded, "It is not included."

If the suspicion that the recruit died due to excessive military discipline training in violation of regulations is confirmed, it is expected to cause significant controversy.

The Military Human Rights Center stated, "According to reports, on the night of the 22nd, six recruits were punished with eolchalyeo by marching around the parade ground wearing full combat gear the next afternoon because they were noisy at night. During the march, when one recruit appeared to be in poor health and had a bad complexion, the other recruits undergoing the punishment reported this to the supervising officers present, but no special measures were taken, and the punishment continued."

An Army official said regarding the Military Human Rights Center's statement, "This is something to be confirmed through an investigation with civilian police."

The deceased recruit enlisted in the frontline division's recruit training battalion on the 13th. The Army decided to recognize the recruit's death as a service-related death and posthumously promoted him to the rank of Private First Class.