Page 269 - 2018 Defense White Paper

Section 5 Ensuring Fair Enforcement

of the Duty of Military Service

and Enhancing the

Benefits for the People

The MND is advancing its military service system to foster an environment for a fair and reasonable imposition
of military duty, and to enhance the fairness of carrying out the military service. In addition, to eliminate
inconveniences and promote the benefits enjoyed by the people, within a scope that does not interfere with
military operations, the MND is implementing regulatory reforms while relocating military air bases and building
military installations for shared growth with the local communities, and exerting efforts to build environment-
friendly armed forces.

1. Ensuring Fair Enforcement of the Duty of Military Service and
Improving Military Service Administration

Chapter 6
| Stable Recruitment of Servicemembers | The MND has allowed for secondments
and alternative services 27) in lieu of military service as long as they do not interfere with the
recruitment of the required number of servicemembers. However, with the number of potential

servicemembers expected to plunge in early 2020 because of the low birth rate, the secondments
and alternative services should be reduced and ultimately abolished. The MND is currently
seeking the best solution through close cooperation with the relevant ministries, based on a

comprehensive consideration of the need for national defense posture, the fairness of military

27) Secondment means allowing people required to enlist in the Armed Forces to serve in other capacities such as
the police, the coast guard, or the fire agency. Alternative service means serving as civilians in positions such
as public health doctors and skilled industrial personnel at organizations designated by the Military Manpower
Administration for set periods in lieu of military service.

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