The South Korean government and the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) pledge to move quickly toward establishing an integrated military academy for future Army, Navy, and Air Force officers. Officials say the current system, which trains cadets separately in three branches, has practical limitations and that unifying training would better prepare personnel for a fast-changing defense environment.
A policy consultation meeting at the National Assembly sets out the direction for the project, with the government expected to unveil more detailed plans later. Acting DPK leader Han Byung-do calls the effort a task that cannot be delayed and says the party will work to develop the new academy into a world-class institution. Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back, noting his role as the first civilian defense minister in 64 years, reiterates support for defense reforms.
One outlet reports the intended location as Jaundae, a compound of military training and education facilities in Daejeon, about 140 kilometers south of Seoul. The defense minister describes an academic system intended to provide autonomy and maximize each cadet’s potential, and highlights the academy’s proximity to research and technology-related institutions in the region.