[Changes in the Second Half] Full Implementation of "Pre-enlistment Physical Examination" to Prevent Unfit Conscripts After Enlistment

On the morning of the 17th, when the first military service physical examination of 2021 was conducted, a examinee received a "fit for active duty" result at the Seoul Regional Military Manpower Administration in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul. Photo by Kim Hyunmin kimhyun81@

Starting in the second half of this year, the "pre-enlistment physical examination" system will be fully implemented. While the existing military service physical examination served as the initial screening to classify conscripts, the pre-enlistment physical examination is a double safety measure that conducts a more detailed health check immediately before enlistment.

The examination items include sensitive conditions such as mental health, sleep disorders, and musculoskeletal issues. This measure is intended to prevent incidents such as sudden death and suicide during service, which have recently become social issues.

The Military Manpower Administration explained, "We have improved the accuracy of pre-enlistment assessments to reduce early discharges due to unfitness for service after enlistment, and to ensure that neither the service members themselves nor their units are burdened."

The so-called "fixed unit assignment system," in which conscripts from regional Military Manpower Administrations were automatically assigned to frontline divisions, will be abolished. The Military Manpower Administration and the Ministry of National Defense expect that abolishing this system will enable more efficient matching between conscripts and military units.

This change is also expected to resolve side effects such as the concentration of conscripts from certain regions in a single unit and regional discrimination.

A new system will be introduced that allows social service personnel who develop illnesses during their service to suspend their duty for treatment and then resume service after full recovery. The Military Manpower Administration has named this the "split service system for alternative service personnel," and plans to fully implement it starting in September.

Previously, discharge or release from duty was common when illness occurred, but going forward, personnel will be able to return to service after treatment, ensuring both continuity and fairness in fulfilling military obligations. However, strict documentation procedures, such as submission of medical certificates and doctors' opinions, will be required.