Ahn Gyu-back delivers special lecture to Air Force squadron commanders.

Says most military accidents stem from failure to uphold the basics.

Stresses strict implementation of planning, execution, verification, and inspection.

Inspects energy conservation efforts at the base.

Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back visits the Republic of Korea Air Force 8th Fighter Wing and delivers a lecture on strengthening command capabilities to Air Force squadron commanders on April 7.

Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back presented “communication and empathy” as key elements for leadership to Air Force squadron commanders and urged small acts of interest and empathy toward subordinates on April 7. Defense Minister Ahn has attributed recent military camp accidents to failures in establishing fundamental discipline and operations. He presented Bonrip-Doseong—meaning “if the fundamentals are solid, the path forward will become clear”—as the core principle for commanders’ leadership roles.

Minister Ahn made these remarks during a special lecture on strengthening command capabilities for all Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) squadron commanders at the 8th Fighter Wing.

In his lecture titled “For My Precious Life: The Ways of Bonrip-Doseong,” Minister Ahn stressed the importance of communication. Defining “solitude and loneliness as the hardest things for people to endure,” Minister Ahn pointed out that poor communication drains organizational vitality and eventually breeds issues.

Minister Ahn advised commanders to prioritize emotional empathy over pure logic when engaging troops, using simple gestures like shoulder taps as powerful motivators. He added, “Communication begins right in daily activities, not from afar; talking comfortably with soldiers and showing close empathy is the starting point of command.”

Minister Ahn again urged commanders to solidify basics and principles, diagnosing that “most military accidents arise because the basics are not properly established, and many accidents can be prevented just by following a minor procedure.”

Minister Ahn Gyu-back inspects operations and energy conservation efforts at the oil storage facility of the ROK Air Force 8th Fighter Wing.

He emphasized, “Diligent footsteps, cool-headed observation, and meticulous care by commanders represent the surest way to preserve safety at sites; the basic principle of Plan-Do-See-Check must be rigorously followed for every operation.”

Minister Ahn described the ideal commander’s posture as balancing firm principles with necessary flexibility. Citing Kim Dae-jung’s “a scholar’s critical mind and a merchant’s realistic sense,” Minister Ahn stated, “While principles must be strictly followed, methods should adapt to varying situations.” He listed love, consideration, trust, and tolerance as core virtues of effective commanders. Drawing from Sun Tzu’s The Art of War, Minister Ahn highlighted wisdom, benevolence, courage, strictness, and trust as a general’s virtues, stressing benevolence —a commander’s loving and sincere attitude toward subordinates—as the fundamental element of command. Minister Ahn repeatedly stressed trust-based leadership, warning that its collapse dooms any organization.

He motivated squadron commanders, reminding them of soldiers’ fundamental duties to safeguard the Republic of Korea. Minister Ahn asserted that a soldier does not merely get a job, but serve the nation with dedication. Among countless professions, soldiers uniquely sacrifice their lives for nation and people. He declared, “A soldier serves for state and people with a sense of mission; you have the capacity for such missions. I have deep confidence in all of you.”

Minister Ahn held a question-and-answer session with Air Force squadron commanders after his lecture. When a squadron commander raised concerns about command challenges and systemic needs, Minister Ahn assured, “I will address these issues so that this commanding philosophy can be realized in the field.” Lieutenant Colonel Kim Jun-beom, attending the lecture, stated, “It served as a chance to reflect on the attitude and mindset I should have; I will dedicate myself to creating a unit trusted by soldiers, based on fundamentals and communication.”

The event was attended by ROK Air Force Chief of Staff Son Seok-rak and other senior officials of the Air Force Headquarters alongside squadron commanders. The Defense Ministry stated the lecture was designed for Minister Ahn to communicate directly with field commanders, instill correct leadership in squadron commanders, and share a direction grounded in basics and principles.

Following the lecture, Minister Ahn inspected the oil storage facility within the ROK Air Force 8th Fighter Wing base, reviewing energy operations and conservation efforts.

During the inspection, he directed, “While saving energy, trainings should be conducted without change.” Having closely examined fuel storage, management, emergency response systems, and supply-demand conditions, Minister Ahn emphasized, “Amid growing uncertainty over global energy supply due to recent Middle East conflicts, fuel is not simply a resource, but another pillar of combat capabilities that determines military operational sustainability.” He then urged, “Please maintain a military readiness posture from peacetime through the stable procurement of fuel and thorough management.”

By Byeong-No, Yun <trylover@dema.mil.kr >

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