Defense Minister Kang Shin-cheol indicated a retreat from plans to consolidate military academies, stating that no military academy will be closed. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the specialized education and traditions of each branch while also considering a review of their locations. However, alumni associations expressed strong opposition, questioning the necessity of the consolidation. The Army Academy's alumni association warned of potential legal action against decision-makers if the policy is reversed.
During a meeting on November 9 at the Defense Ministry in Yongsan, Seoul, Kang stated, "We will absolutely not close any military academies," adding that education for each branch must continue unless a unified military structure is adopted.
Kang highlighted that the branches must first establish their own expertise to effectively collaborate. Addressing concerns from alumni about the potential loss of academy names and traditions, he assured that the names would remain, and graduates would still receive diplomas and certificates from their respective schools.
Regarding the locations of the academies, he said, "I will consider more opinions as we deliberate." He acknowledged the importance of the Navy Academy's connection to the sea, stating, "I fully agree that the sea is necessary; we cannot abandon that system." This suggests a possible adjustment to the existing plan to educate cadets from the Army, Navy, and Air Force at the newly established National Military Academy in Daejeon.
Kang also mentioned the potential for a network-based education model, stating, "It is not about eating and sleeping together; it is about how we educate."
Despite Kang's remarks aimed at reducing the consolidation's scope, alumni associations remained adamant in their opposition. Park Pan-jun, president of the Army Academy alumni association, argued, "Creating a National Military Academy by eliminating the military academies is not consolidation; it is closure."
Park questioned the motivations behind the push to relocate the Army Academy from Taereung, suggesting political or policy-driven reasons. He advocated for a review of alternatives that would maintain the branches' expertise while allowing for shared educational resources and facilities.
He also raised concerns about the implementation of the policy, stating, "If the policy is not properly executed and is later invalidated, we are prepared to hold accountable those responsible for the decision and execution, including pursuing all possible legal actions such as audits and claims for damages."
The alumni association is compiling a white paper documenting the actions and responsibilities of those involved in the consolidation efforts and is considering disciplinary measures in accordance with its bylaws and legal procedures. Park presented a letter from a cadet and a letter prepared by the alumni associations of the three military academies to Minister Kang.
The Navy and Air Force alumni associations also demanded a review of the consolidation plan, arguing it could undermine the educational characteristics of each branch. Lee Beom-rim, president of the Navy Academy alumni association, stated, "The sea is both the classroom and textbook for Navy cadets," asserting that relocating the Navy Academy inland would sever its roots. He called for a halt to the consolidation efforts and for an independent verification committee to compare the advantages and disadvantages of maintaining the current system versus consolidation, insisting that administrative actions, including related legislation and budget allocations, should be paused until verification and public discussion are completed.
Hwang Seong-jin, president of the Air Force Academy alumni association, emphasized the importance of the four-year aerospace specialization program established in Cheongju, warning that relocating would lead to inefficiencies and financial waste. He clarified, "We are not demanding verification to oppose consolidation; we oppose the Defense Ministry's approach of pursuing consolidation without verification," and suggested forming a joint verification committee involving the Defense Ministry, alumni associations, and civilian experts.
While Kang expressed willingness to consider opposing views, he reiterated the necessity of establishing the National Military Academy. He noted that as each military academy trains cadets, there is a need to elevate their standards at the National Military Academy, proposing educational reforms that include securing excellent faculty and offering graduate-level programs.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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