Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon has voiced significant concerns regarding the government’s proposed consolidation of the Army, Navy, and Air Force academies. He stated that the plan should not proceed hastily under the guise of fulfilling presidential pledges without thorough deliberation and broad public consensus. Mayor Oh also expressed apprehension that the consolidation might be a pretext to increase housing supply by relocating the Army Academy.
Concerns Over National Security Foundation
In a Facebook post on the 5th, titled “The Foundation of National Security, the Military Academy System, Should Not Be Shaken,” Mayor Oh articulated his unease with the government’s swift move to merge the three military academies. He emphasized that the military academy system is a “century-long foundation of national security” and should not be altered solely to implement presidential promises without adequate review and national agreement.
The mayor argued that merging the academies under the superficial reason of strengthening joint operations could undermine the expertise and institutional integrity that each branch has cultivated over extended periods. “The jointness we seek is not built by forcing academies into one, but by achieving cooperation based on the specialized capabilities of each military branch,” he explained, drawing an analogy to how different art and music institutions like universities for fine arts, music, and sports are not merged, despite the importance of interdisciplinary arts.
US Model and Specialization
Mayor Oh cited the United States as an example, noting that major military powers, while prioritizing joint operations, maintain separate academies for each service branch. The U.S. operates distinct Army, Navy, and Air Force academies, fostering combined operational capabilities through joint training and education. This approach, he suggested, allows for specialized development within each service while still enabling effective joint action.
He further elaborated that true jointness is achieved through cooperation built upon specialized foundations, not by forced amalgamation. The analogy of not merging universities for fine arts, music, and sports was used to illustrate that distinct fields require distinct educational institutions to preserve their unique strengths and expertise.
Potential Housing Development Motives
Mayor Oh specifically addressed the potential relocation of the Army Academy in connection with the Taereung CC (Citizens’ Complex) housing development. He warned that if the relocation of the Army Academy is primarily aimed at providing housing, it warrants even greater caution. He stressed that the opinions of local residents are paramount and that decisions regarding the Taereung CC development or the Army Academy’s relocation should not be unilaterally made by the central government.
While acknowledging the importance of housing supply, Mayor Oh cautioned against irreversible changes to the military academy system, which has been built over 80 years, and the historical assets of the armed forces. He expressed concern that the military’s readiness, symbolized by the Army Academy, might be exploited to increase housing numbers, similar to how the Yongsan International Business District project was perceived to prioritize housing over other needs.
Focus on Military Competitiveness and Morale
The mayor asserted that the immediate need is not a “showy consolidation” but reforms that enhance the military’s overall competitiveness. He highlighted critical issues such as the reduction in junior officer support rates, the retention of talented personnel, and improvements in working conditions and treatment, which are currently affecting military morale. He argued that restoring pride and ensuring that young individuals can confidently choose a military career should be the more pressing priorities.
Mayor Oh concluded by stating that addressing these fundamental issues is crucial for revitalizing the military and attracting capable individuals, rather than pursuing a potentially disruptive consolidation that could jeopardize long-standing institutions and national security foundations.
Government’s Proposed Reform Plan
Meanwhile, the Ministry of National Defense is reportedly considering a reform plan to establish a unified Korean Military Academy. This would involve integrating cadets from the Army, Navy, and Air Force academies. Under the proposed structure, cadets would undergo common education for the first two years and then specialize in their respective branches for the final two years.
This integrated admission system is reportedly being considered for implementation starting from the 2028 academic year. For the Army, a relocation to Jangseong, Jeonnam, is being considered as a viable option.
