Acting Defense Minister: "Improve Service Conditions and Treatment to Ensure Military Focuses on Its Core Mission"

Acting Minister Kim promises to improve conditions for new officers
Emphasizes the importance of mission and role amid heightened security threats
Calls for rigorous training and family support for confident leadership

Acting Minister of National Defense Kim Seon-ho said on the 25th, "We will do our duty to improve the conditions of military service and the treatment of soldiers so that you, the new Army officers, can focus on your duties and have a lively and proud military life."

Acting Minister of National Defense Kim Seon-ho Photo by Yonhap News

Acting Minister Kim attended the 60th graduation and commissioning ceremony of the 3rd Army Officer Candidate School held in Yeongcheon, Gyeongbuk, in the morning and gave a congratulatory speech, stating, "As the Acting Minister, I promise this to the new officers."

He pointed out, "The security situation on the Korean Peninsula and globally is more severe than ever. North Korea is raising military tensions on the peninsula through ballistic missile provocations and GPS jamming, and, taking advantage of the Russia-Ukraine war, is accumulating real combat experience in modern warfare and acquiring Russia's advanced military technology, thereby increasing security threats to the Korean Peninsula."

Acting Minister Kim continued, "In the face of these security threats, your 'mission and role' as the commanders of frontline combat units are very important," urging, "Become officers 'full of combat mindset and warrior spirit,' and 'leaders who must win in battle.'" He also added, "As General Rommel said, 'The best welfare for subordinates is training.' Practical and rigorous training leads to victory in battle and protects the lives of your subordinates."

He also addressed the families, saying, "Now your sons and daughters will become honorable officers of the Republic of Korea and protect the lives and safety of our people," and requested, "Please give your unwavering support and encouragement so that they become confident and dignified leaders and strong officers who fear nothing."

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