"Just Enlisting"...Record 2,838 Medical Students Choose to Serve as Regular Soldiers

Surge in Medical Students Choosing Active-Duty Service Due to Government-Medical Association Conflict and Shortened Service Periods
Concerns Grow Over Potential Shortage of Military Medical Officers

There has been a sharp increase in the number of medical students enlisting as regular soldiers instead of serving as military doctors. Notably, this year, related statistics reached an all-time high in just eight months.

A military doctor arriving at the hospital and moving. Photo by Yonhap News

According to data received by Democratic Party lawmaker Hwang Hee, a member of the National Assembly's National Defense Committee, from the Military Manpower Administration on October 13, the number of medical students enlisted as active-duty soldiers by August this year was 2,838, which is about 19 times higher than the 150 recorded in 2020.

The figures stood at 214 in 2021, 191 in 2022, and 267 in 2023. However, due to the prolonged conflict between the medical community and the government last year, which led to extended leaves of absence and class boycotts, the number of medical students choosing to enlist as active-duty soldiers surged to 1,363, and this trend has continued into this year.

As of this year, 1,997 enlisted in the Army (70.4%), 754 in the Air Force (26.6%), 62 in the Navy (2.2%), and 25 in the Marine Corps (0.9%).

Typically, medical students serve as military doctors or public health doctors after obtaining their medical licenses. However, an increasing number are choosing to enlist as active-duty soldiers due to improved conditions for regular soldiers and shorter service periods.

The service period for military doctors and public health doctors, including military training, is 37 to 38 months, whereas active-duty service is only 18 months for the Army and Marine Corps, 20 months for the Navy, and 21 months for the Air Force-about half as long.

Currently, the military doctor staffing rate is relatively stable, with 2,442 out of 2,475 positions filled. However, Assemblyman Hwang pointed out that if the trend of medical students enlisting as active-duty soldiers continues, there could be disruptions in military medical personnel supply between 2029 and 2030.

Assemblyman Hwang stressed, "The government must accurately assess the aftereffects of the conflict between the medical community and the government and quickly establish practical and proactive measures to address the shortage of military doctors and the lack of on-site medical support."