[2023 National Audit] Army Realizes Overtime Pay... Up to 100 Hours per Month

Army Headquarters Reports to the National Defense Committee of the National Assembly on the National Audit

Starting next year, the overtime work allowance limit for professional soldiers will increase from 57 hours to 100 hours per month. The plan is to update the allowance payment standards that do not align with the military's work system.

On the 23rd, during the National Assembly National Defense Committee's audit held at Gyeryongdae in Chungnam, the Army Headquarters stated, "We are promoting the realization of allowances appropriate to the sacrifices and service of soldiers," and announced that the 'overtime work allowance' limit will be increased from 57 hours to 100 hours per month. Although soldiers frequently work overtime due to emergency standby and other duties, they have not been properly compensated because of the 'monthly limit,' and this appears to be an improvement in response to such criticism.

General Park Jung-hwan, Chief of Staff of the Army [Photo by Yonhap News]

The Army also decided to raise the incentive payment given once to short-term service officers. For officers, the amount will increase from 9 million won to 12 million won, and for non-commissioned officers, from 7.5 million won to 10 million won. Additionally, single officers' quarters will secure 'one room per person' by 2026, and aging quarters will be renovated based on next year's budget of 294.9 billion won.

The Army also reiterated its existing plan to dramatically improve the capabilities of the 'Korean-style 3-axis system.' The Korean-style 3-axis system refers to ▲Korean Air and Missile Defense (KAMD) ▲Kill Chain ▲Massive Punishment and Retaliation (KMPR), which respond to North Korea's nuclear and missile threats.

To counter North Korea's long-range artillery and missile threats, the Army plans to establish a complex and multi-layered defense system in key areas. Furthermore, to prepare for threats to the Seoul metropolitan area, the 'long-range artillery interception system' will be operationalized early, and a 'cruise missile response system' capable of intercepting low-altitude cruise missiles will also be established. As a means of massive punishment and retaliation, additional high-power, ultra-precision missiles will be secured, and the operational capabilities of special mission brigades will be reinforced. In particular, there is a plan to improve both the quantitative and qualitative capabilities of the 'Kill Chain,' which strikes before the enemy launches missiles.

In his greeting, Army Chief of Staff Park Jeong-hwan said, "The Army clearly recognizes the severity of the current security environment and will fulfill the mission of defending the Republic of Korea, entrusted by the nation and its people, through a leading role in promoting 'Defense Innovation 4.0.'" "To this end, all soldiers will first be firmly armed with a resolute mindset against the enemy and continuously train, train again, to develop the ability and posture to retaliate against the enemy with strong power," he added.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.