Appointment of Civilian Chairperson for Military Culture Improvement Committee

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter]The Ministry of National Defense plans to appoint a civilian chairman for the civilian-military joint committee formed in response to the death of Air Force Staff Sergeant Lee, a victim of sexual harassment. This is because if the military takes the chairmanship, trust in the military both inside and outside the armed forces could further decline.

On the 9th, according to the 'Defense Current Issues Report' submitted to the National Defense Committee, the committee will have Minister of National Defense Seo Wook and a civilian chairman serving as co-chairmen, with the civilian chairman to be appointed soon. The vice-chairmen will be the Army Chief of Staff (senior), the Navy and Air Force Chiefs of Staff, the Marine Corps Commandant, the Deputy Minister of National Defense, and civilian expert members. This follows President Moon Jae-in's directive on the 7th to establish an institution for improving military culture that includes civilian participation, stating "We cannot just let this pass."

The committee will be composed of four subcommittees: protection of soldiers' human rights and organizational culture, prevention of sexual violence and protection of victims, soldiers' living conditions, and improvement of military criminal procedures and the public defender system.

Each subcommittee will include related experts, active-duty and reserve soldiers, female soldiers, cooks and supply officers, university professors, civilian lawyers, and reserve legal officers. The Ministry of National Defense is also considering the participation of 'defense specialized reporters.'

The already launched 'Task Force for Improving Soldiers' Living Conditions' and 'Task Force for Preventing Sexual Violence and Improving Systems' will operate as subcommittees.

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