▲ Anticipated conceptual rendering of the Korea National Defense Academy (Graphic)
The Ministry of National Defense has reaffirmed its policy to swiftly pursue the integration of military academies, stating that it will serve as "a cornerstone for breaking away from wrongful history and establishing the identity of a military loyal to the Constitution and the people."
A Ministry of National Defense official made the remarks while meeting with reporters today, saying, "We will push ahead with a sense of speed."
"The establishment of the Korea National Defense Academy is being pursued in terms of preparing for future warfare, enhancing educational efficiency, and strengthening jointness," the official said, while also citing the severance from wrongful history and the establishment of a military identity loyal to the Constitution as the background for the initiative.
This is interpreted as a reflection of President Lee Jae-myung's remarks during a Ministry of National Defense work report on the 5th, where he mentioned three past military coups and emphasized, "These were acts committed by graduates of the Korea Military Academy, yet has anyone ever been held accountable?" stressing that the integration of military academies must prevent a recurrence.
Regarding yesterday's joint statement by 46 former chiefs of staff of the various military branches urging a "strong reconsideration of the military academy integration," a Ministry of National Defense official only stated, "We have no separate official stance. Various opinions can be expressed."
The integration of military academies is a presidential election pledge and a national policy task of President Lee. Last month, the Ministry of National Defense announced the basic plan for the establishment of the Korea National Defense Academy, which centers on merging the Army, Navy, and Air Force academies into a four-year "Korea National Defense Academy" to be established in Jaundae, Daejeon.
The Ministry of National Defense plans to hold a public hearing on the establishment of the Korea National Defense Academy on the 26th of this month to gather opinions from all walks of life, and to establish and announce a detailed plan for the academy's creation around October.
(Photo provided by the Ministry of National Defense, Yonhap News)
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