Democratic Party Pledges to Shorten Reserve Forces Mobilization Training and Realize Compensation Costs

Soldiers, Expanded Support for e-Learning
Mobile Phone Charges Reduced by 50%

The Democratic Party of Korea announced its defense pledges for the general election on the 24th, which include shortening the reserve forces mobilization training period, realizing compensation for mobilization training, and improving welfare conditions for military personnel.

Regarding the welfare of military personnel (enlisted soldiers, non-commissioned officers, officers, and civilian military employees), the party stated it would raise the duty allowance to the general public servant level of 30,000 KRW on weekdays and 60,000 KRW on holidays, and provide comprehensive health check-up vouchers worth about 300,000 KRW every two years to long-term service members (sergeants and above, including civilian military employees) with over 20 years of service. Additionally, it plans to expand interest support for jeonse and monthly rent so that junior officers can live off-base. Furthermore, civilian military employees will also be allowed to work at the Ministry of National Defense.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Moreover, to improve the educational environment for military personnel, the party plans to expand the number of universities participating in e-learning remote courses, which allow soldiers to earn up to 6 credits per semester and a maximum of 18 credits during their military service period, and increase the number of participating universities.

In addition, the party pledged to increase the discount rate on mobile phone bills for enlisted soldiers from the current 20% to 50%, with the government and telecommunications companies sharing the cost equally.

Regarding the reserve forces, the party promised to shorten the mobilization reserve training period and increase compensation. Currently, reservists in their 1st to 4th years undergo 2 nights and 3 days of training; this will be expanded to 3 nights and 4 days by including weekends, while reducing the mobilization training period to 3 years. Compensation for reserve mobilization training will also be increased up to 160,000 KRW.

A Democratic Party official stated, "We will strive to build a competent military that creates peace beyond just maintaining it, and a strong military that proactively responds to future security environment changes," adding, "We will present additional defense pledges to demonstrate our role as a security-oriented party."

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