▲ Defense Minister Ahn Kyuhun delivers a commemorative address at the 24th anniversary ceremony of the Second Battle of Yeonpyeong, held at the ROK Navy Second Fleet Command in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, on June 29. (Photo: Yonhap News)
Defense Minister Ahn Kyuhun stated today (July 1) that fundamental reform of military academies is urgent, emphasizing that while the expertise of each military branch must be preserved, it should not become a barrier. "The expertise of each branch must be maintained, but that expertise must not become a 'silo,'" Ahn said.
Minister Ahn made the remarks during his opening address at the Major Military Commanders Meeting held at the Ministry of National Defense in Yongsan today, stressing that the concept of 'jointness' must be internalized within the military.
He challenged the commanders, asking, "Ask yourselves: How much time does each branch allocate for joint training throughout the year? And if you break that down to an individual level, how much time is that?"
He further emphasized, "Jointness must be internalized through a process of learning together, training together, and thinking together starting from the military academies, and then further refined and evolved in the field."
This is interpreted as a strong rebuttal to concerns raised in some quarters that the Ministry of National Defense's push for integrated military academies could undermine the expertise of individual branches.
To strengthen joint military operations suitable for modern warfare, the Ministry of National Defense is pursuing a reform plan to establish a 'National Armed Forces Academy' that would integrate the selection of cadets for the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
The plan envisions cadets receiving common education during their first and second years, followed by choosing their respective branches for specialized education in their third and fourth years.
Reiterating a point from a directive sent to the entire military yesterday, he noted that academy entrance scores have been declining, stating, "This is evidence that our current military academies fail to provide talented individuals with the conviction that they can realize their vision and potential."
He also expressed concern, saying, "If we do not cultivate officers today who can design drone warfare and conceptualize AI-based operational systems, we cannot guarantee the future of our military beyond 2040. If we miss this 'golden time,' the void will result in a direct loss of national interest and, furthermore, could become a matter of national survival."
Regarding the transition of wartime operational control (OPCON), he reaffirmed the necessity of the transfer, stating, "A military that cannot make its own decisions cannot be a strong military."
Additionally, regarding the reorganization of counterintelligence and intelligence agencies such as the Defense Counterintelligence Security Command, he emphasized, "We must fundamentally abolish missions that lack clear legal grounds or have the potential for illegality, and completely restructure the organization based on functions."
Minister Ahn concluded by saying, "We have reached the midpoint of the year. No matter what difficulties we face, we must overcome them and complete these reforms with one heart and one mind."
(Photo: Yonhap News)
※
Copying, redistribution, and unauthorized use in AI training are strictly prohibited.