The Ministry of National Defense is reportedly considering the establishment of a four-year integrated military academy in Daejeon Jowon, which would combine the Army, Navy, and Air Force academies.
The government and ruling party plan to hold a meeting on July 16 at the National Assembly to review and announce the basic plan for the establishment of the military academy.
According to military sources on July 15, the Ministry of National Defense is actively reviewing the establishment of the integrated military academy in Daejeon Jowon, where cadets would receive four years of unified education.
Initially, the ministry considered a '2+2 model' where cadets would be selected together, receive common education in their first two years, and then split into their respective branches for specialized training in their final two years. However, the plan for a four-year integrated education in Daejeon Jowon has gained traction due to considerations for enhancing joint operations.
The plan is for cadets to spend four years at Daejeon Jowon, with specialized training in their respective branches starting in the upper years.
Daejeon Jowon, located in Yuseong District, is a hub for military education and training facilities, housing the Army, Navy, and Air Force universities, as well as the Joint Military University.
Until the facilities in Jowon are completed, the ministry plans to temporarily use the Army Academy in Nowon District, Seoul, as the military academy. The existing Air Force Academy in Cheongju and the Naval Academy in Jinhae will also be partially utilized for specialized training.
However, the selection process and timing for cadets have not yet been determined. Options being discussed include selecting a certain percentage of cadets from each branch from the outset or allowing cadets to choose their branch after a unified selection.
Establishing the military academy will require legislative action, including the enactment of laws by the National Assembly. If the plan proceeds as scheduled, cadet selection could begin as early as the 2028 academic year, when current high school sophomores would enter college.
In addition to the integration of the three military academies, the Ministry of National Defense is reportedly considering a long-term plan to merge other educational institutions, such as the Army Nursing Academy and the Defense Advanced Technology Academy, into a comprehensive military academy that encompasses various colleges.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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