"The Need for a Structure that Combines the Advantages of Conscription and Volunteer Military Service"

Lee Jae-myung, a presidential candidate from the Democratic Party, emphasized the necessity of transitioning the military service system and advocated for the introduction of a selective volunteer military service. He had promised to implement a volunteer system during the previous presidential election.

On the 17th, after visiting the Agency for Defense Development (ADD) in Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, he told reporters, "It is desirable to operate a selective volunteer service that combines the advantages of conscription and volunteer systems."

He stated, "Rather than deploying young people to simple, repetitive training, they should be guided to develop capabilities in complex weapon systems or research and development (R&D)." He also added, "We need to flexibly restructure the military service system so that they can transition into those fields after their service."

"Expand Combat Sergeants and Specialized Military Personnel… Reduce Conscripts"

The selective volunteer service envisioned by Lee allows military service candidates to choose between being a conscript or a combat sergeant. The plan includes reducing the existing number of conscripts from about 150,000 to a smaller figure, while expanding the number of combat sergeants to 50,000 and specialized military personnel in administration, supply, and education to another 50,000, thereby transitioning to a structure centered around non-commissioned officers.

During his visit to ADD, he remarked, "The method of confining hundreds of thousands of young people to military service is inefficient," and said, "If we train them as specialized sergeants and focus on operations or development of weapons and equipment, military service itself can become excellent vocational training."

"Preparing for Future Battlefields with Specialized Personnel"

Lee asserted, "Operating a military focused on troop strength like in the past does not align with modern battlefield environments." He emphasized that "In a defense environment led by advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, unmanned combat systems, and precision strike systems, it is essential to operate with a focus on expertise."

He continued, "If military service resources are allocated to R&D institutions like the Agency for Defense Development, it will benefit individuals' careers and would be a much more advantageous choice for the military."

Lee's comments are interpreted as a policy proposal aimed at addressing the reduction of military resources due to low birth rates while also enhancing defense expertise and increasing the social value of military service.

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