Leaders of the three alumni associations met Ahn to raise concerns over the proposed integration and argue that the government’s reform goals could be achieved without merging the existing academies.
During the meeting, the alumni groups called on the government to suspend legislative, budget and relocation procedures until alternative options are independently reviewed. They also urged the ministry to examine whether military education reform could be achieved while maintaining the existing three academies.
According to their joint statement, Ahn said he would keep an open mind toward the option of pursuing education reform while maintaining the current three-academy system, without committing to that approach. He also agreed to convey the discussions to President Lee Jae Myung.
The dispute centers on a government plan announced July 16 to merge the Korea Military Academy, Korea Naval Academy and Korea Air Force Academy into a single four-year Korea Armed Forces Academy at Jaundae in Daejeon.
Under the plan, cadets would spend all four years at the new campus. First- and second-year cadets would receive common education focused on areas including artificial intelligence and multi-domain operations, while third- and fourth-year cadets would receive more specialized education for the Army, Navy or Air Force.
The government has argued that the integrated system would better prepare future officers for joint and multi-domain warfare, including operations involving space, cyber and the electromagnetic spectrum.
A detailed implementation plan is expected in October, and establishing the new academy would require legislation.
The alumni groups also sought clarification on whether a public hearing scheduled for Aug. 26 would reconsider the need for integration from the ground up or serve as part of the process for implementing the existing proposal.
The associations said they viewed Ahn’s willingness to hear alternative proposals positively, while stressing that they would monitor whether their concerns are reflected in the government’s review.
They also called for continued dialogue with the Defense Ministry and said a direct meeting with Lee may ultimately be necessary.
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