Page 247 - 2018 Defense White Paper

servicemembers and requiring intensive actions. The MND also conducted small debate groups

that consist of field-grade off icers and higher, expanded the sexual violence prevention sessions
taught by civilian instructors, and increased the number of civilian professional counselors.
In February 2018, in keeping with the MeToo movement that swept across the Korean society,

the MND formed the Ministry of National Defense Task Force for Special Measures against
Sexual Crimes that consists of civilian members, which operated for three months. Based on
the institutional improvements identif ied through the operation of the task force, the MND is

actively pursuing 17 improvement tasks including the inclusion of gender sensitivity items in
off icer recruitment and the reinforced screening of the contents taught by civilian instructors to
raise the eff icacy of sexual violence prevention education. The MND also reviewed the military

culture and institutions from a gender equality perspective, and is working toward instilling
a military culture safe from sexual violence, in which victims can file reports without fear of
retaliation. In addition, the principle of zero tolerance for sexual criminals will be strictly applied
to move toward eradication of sexual violence in the military.

| Expanding Convenience Facilities for Female Servicemembers | In response to the

abolishment of position restrictions for female servicemembers and the increased number of
female recruits, the MND continues to expand convenience facilities for women. The MND
inspects all convenience facilities on a regular basis, and expands barracks, training ranges, and
other facilities to accommodate the increased number of female recruits per year, service, and
Chapter 6
training institution. Going forward, the MND will continue to improve the working environment
for female servicemembers by improving the National Defense and Military Facility Standards,
installing women’s restrooms at all units, and incorporating the need for women’s convenience

facilities in the medium-term national defense plans.

3. Advancing Residential Support Programs for

Career Servicemembers

Guaranteeing a stable residential environment is a crucial element that affects the mission
capabilities and morale of career servicemembers. To this end, under the Framework Act on
Military Warfare, the MND has implemented various residential support policies, provided

Section 2 Improving the Welfare and Working Environment for Servicemembers 245