12·3 Emergency Martial Law: Initiatives to Reward Service Members Who Refused Illegal Orders
The Ministry of National Defense is pursuing measures to reward service members who contributed to the protection of the citizens by refusing to follow illegal and unjust orders during the emergency martial law situation on December 3rd of last year.
The Ministry officially announced this plan on the 18th.
A Ministry official explained during a meeting with reporters, "The inspection office is currently organizing facts regarding service members who maintained their duty as soldiers by rejecting illegal or unjust orders during the emergency martial law, starting from the middle of this week."
Service Members Upholding Their Duty as Soldiers
The official stated, "We anticipate that organizing the facts will take about 1 to 2 weeks, and thereafter, rewards and recognition will be granted to those whose contributions are acknowledged," adding, "Specific details are expected to be finalized next week or by the end of this month."
Various Reward Methods and Background
The rewards are set to be given in several forms. According to a Ministry official, various methods are being considered, including early promotion for soldiers, government-level rewards, Ministry of Defense or military-level rewards, additional points for long-term selections of non-commissioned officers, and inclusion in the promotion review for officers.
This reward initiative is being pursued based on the determination of Deputy Minister Lee Doo-hee and is reported to have been discussed in advance with Minister of National Defense candidate Ahn Gyu-baek.
During his pre-confirmation hearing at the National Assembly on June 27 and his confirmation hearing on the 15th of this month, Ahn stated, "I will ensure accountability regarding the illegal emergency martial law."
A Ministry official commented, "Rewards will be granted if the efforts to protect the lives and properties of the citizens are confirmed," and noted that "the punitive measures are currently being addressed by the special prosecutor's office."
The official added that "the promotion reviews for lieutenant colonel and colonel, originally scheduled for early August, will be postponed by about 2 to 3 weeks for this investigation," and mentioned that it is expected that candidates for rewards will emerge from units related to the emergency martial law, with a possibility of uncovering exemplary stories of soldiers.
Image source: Military vehicles stationed near the Democratic Party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, withdrawing on December 4th of last year / News1, Ahn Gyu-baek, Minister of National Defense candidate / News1
