Kang Shin-cheol, the Minister of National Defense, stated that the official class for the newly established National Military Academy, which integrates the Army, Navy, and Air Force academies, will be designated as 'National Military Academy Class 1.' He emphasized the necessity of maintaining specialized training for each military branch but noted that a legal review is required regarding the existing academy names and their independent status.
During a session of the National Assembly's Budget and Accounts Committee on November 11, Minister Kang confirmed that efforts to establish the National Military Academy are ongoing. He explained that the academy will be directly under the Ministry of National Defense, although the timeline for selecting new students and announcing the revised basic plan has not yet been determined.
In response to a question from Lee Jong-wook, a member of the ruling People Power Party, about his previous statement on November 9 regarding the non-closure of existing academies during a meeting with alumni associations, Kang was asked specifically about the legal status, name, and class succession of the integrated academy.
Kang explained that legislation is necessary for the establishment of the National Military Academy. When asked if the new law would eliminate the existing legal basis for the current academies, he affirmed, 'Yes.' However, he clarified that maintaining the three-branch system requires the continuation of each military's educational programs, which should be detailed in implementation regulations.
Lee sought further clarification on whether the existing Army, Navy, and Air Force academies would be incorporated as departments or campuses under the National Military Academy or continue to exist independently. Kang responded that specific explanations are limited until the basic plan is finalized, and the legal status of the organization—whether it is a unit, agency, or school—needs to be reviewed.
Discussions also covered student selection, diplomas, and class designations. Kang indicated that the responsibility for officer recruitment and training lies with the chiefs of staff of each military branch, suggesting that student selection would occur within each branch, although additional legal review is necessary. He noted that diplomas would ultimately be issued in the name of the National Military Academy's president.
Kang confirmed that the official designation will be 'National Military Academy Class 1.' Regarding the connection to existing academy classes, he stated that it is a matter for the parties involved to decide how to refer to their classes. Lee emphasized the distinction between continuing to use existing class names and officially inheriting them, calling for further discussion and communication.
The Ministry of National Defense announced in July the basic plan for establishing a four-year National Military Academy at the Jaeun base in Daejeon. The plan includes integrated training at the base and utilizing external facilities, such as the Cheongju Air Force Academy airfield and the Pyeongtaek Navy Second Fleet, for specialized training. However, there has been pushback over concerns that this could weaken the specialized training and historical traditions of the existing academies, prompting a review of supplementary measures.
During the alumni meeting on November 9, Kang stated, 'We absolutely will not close the existing military academies,' and clarified that their names will not be eliminated. He acknowledged concerns regarding the Navy Academy's maritime education environment and expressed a willingness to gather more opinions on the location of the schools. The review of maintaining military-specific education using facilities from the Jinhae Naval Academy and Cheongju Army Academy is ongoing.
On November 10, Kang met with over 60 cadets from the Army, Navy, and Air Force academies to explain the need for integrated education. The cadets raised questions about the rationale for integration and the enhancement of joint capabilities. As disagreements continue over the location of the schools and the restructuring of the educational system, the issue of legal status and identity succession has emerged in the National Assembly.
Lee highlighted the significance of the sea in training Navy officers, citing the importance of utilizing training grounds, maritime training facilities, and vessels to ensure expertise. He proposed maintaining the four-year education of the existing Army, Navy, and Air Force academies while assigning the National Military Academy to handle graduate and advanced professional education.
Kang stated that he has not set a specific date for announcing the revised basic plan, indicating that he will gather more opinions before presenting it at the appropriate time. He emphasized that the plan's revision is not a response to opposition or a retreat but rather a compromise aimed at cultivating outstanding talent to lead future warfare. He also requested that discussions on the integration of the academies not be politicized.
Meanwhile, the National Assembly has begun reviewing the government's proposed defense budget for 2027, which is set to increase by 8.2% to 73.2777 trillion won compared to this year. The budget allocates 50.0416 trillion won for operational capabilities, 22.7112 trillion won for defense improvements, and 524.9 billion won for military administration. Specifically, the budget for the transfer of operational control and strengthening self-defense capabilities has been expanded by 34.9% to 12.1744 trillion won. Approximately 3.3 trillion won is earmarked for the production of the KF-21, and around 100 billion won is allocated for projects related to nuclear-powered submarines.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.