Page 20 - 2020 Defence White Paper

Special
Appendix Use of Mobile Phones for Servicemembers After Work
04

1. Background and Significance

| Background | In line with Defense Reform 2.0, the MND reviewed the use of mobile phones after work
(including public holidays) to acknowledge the independent personalities of and relieve their sense of
isolation, promote self-development, and encourage them to make the best out their leisure time. As a
result, the policy was introduced as it was determined that the "use of mobile phones for
servicemembers after work" would contribute to open defense operations through civilian–military
convergence as well as the establishment of an advanced military culture of respect for human rights.

| Significance | The use of mobile phones is directly related to the people’s right to pursue happiness,
rights to equality, and freedom of communication as the basic rights guaranteed under the Constitution.
Therefore, allowing the use of mobile phones by servicemembers is part of the effort to guarantee the
basic rights of servicemembers who are "democratic citizens in military uniform" under the Constitution
and to connect the military and society by strengthening the former’s interaction with society.

2. Promotional Details

| Progress | In April 2018, a pilot operation of allowing mobile phone use after work (18:00 - 21:00) and
during public holidays (08:30 - 21:00) commenced for four units under the direct control of the MND. In
April 2019, the pilot operation was expanded to cover all units except for GPs and servicemembers in

<Progress on the Introduction of the Use of Mobile Phones for Servicemembers After Work>

Pilot operation Military service Installation of the
on 4 units policy Full
under the control review committee security control implementation
system
of the MND (2018 - 2nd)
(April ) (December ) (February ) (July 1, 2020)

Military service
Open forum
participated Pilot operation policy review
committee
by citizens at all units (2020 - 1st)
(November ) (April ) (June )

2020 Defense White Paper