Human Rights Commission Recommends Improvements to Treatment and Working Conditions of Junior Non-Commissioned Officers

"Excessive Workload and Limited Training Opportunities...
Systemic Improvements Needed"

The National Human Rights Commission of Korea has recommended improvements to the treatment and overall working environment of junior non-commissioned officers, who are often referred to as the "backbone" of the military organization.

On the 26th of last month, new non-commissioned officers took a commemorative photo at the Army 26-1st NCO commissioning ceremony held at the Army NCO Academy in Iksan, Jeonbuk. Photo by Yonhap News

On the 29th, the National Human Rights Commission announced that it had recommended to the Minister of National Defense to improve systems for promoting the human rights of junior non-commissioned officers. The commission emphasized that junior NCOs are in a dual position, as they command soldiers of a similar age group while also needing to adapt to the military organization. It pointed out that this structural characteristic is a key factor that lowers individual job satisfaction and affects unit management, military culture, and the recruitment and retention of officers. The recommendations are based on four pillars: ensuring fairness in the criteria for incentive payments; alleviating the burden of non-combat duties; establishing an effective communication system; and expanding educational and training opportunities.

Regarding incentive payments, the commission noted the need to clarify rationality and fairness in the process of revising regulations related to the Military Personnel Act, so that junior NCOs are not subject to unfavorable treatment. In addition, the commission pointed out that as the rates of both enlisted personnel and NCO recruitment decline, junior NCOs are being overburdened with work, including non-combat tasks such as weeding and snow removal, which diminishes their capacity to perform their primary duties. The commission called for improvements in the project that utilizes civilian personnel to address this issue.

A representative from the commission stated, "Junior non-commissioned officers are the key to managing soldiers and maintaining combat readiness. Their treatment and working environment are directly linked to the overall military culture and the stability of the organization, so comprehensive improvements are necessary."

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