Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

Disconnect the chain of accidents through thorough analysis of causes.

Proactively implement tailored suicide prevention programs by sector.

Urged to build a military firmly grounded in fundamental principles.

Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back is hosting a meeting of top commanders on September 5 to establish and reinforce military discipline. This marks the second top commanders’ meeting since Minister Ahn took office and the first one to be held following the inauguration of the new military leadership.

Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back urged top military commanders to rigorously apply the “plan-execute-confirm-check” system, even for minor issues, to reinforce military discipline.

Speaking at the top commanders meeting held in the Defense Ministry’s command conference room in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, on September 5, Minister Ahn emphasized, “People stumble not over big stones, but over small stones while walking down the street.”

The meeting, held both in person and via video teleconferencing, was attended by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; the Chiefs of Staff of the Army, Navy, and Air Force; the Deputy Commander of the ROK/US Combined Forces Command; the Army Ground Operations Commander; the Army Second Operations Commander; the Marine Corps Commander; and corps-level and higher commanders.

Minister Ahn Gyu-back was first briefed on methods for establishing military discipline by the Chiefs of Staff of the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Minister Ahn explained the background of holding the conference, saying, “This conference is urgently called to thoroughly analyze the causes of a series of recent accidents, such as the accidental bombing during an Air Force training exercise in Pocheon, the KF-16 fighter jets mistakenly entering the taxiway instead of the runway during drills in Alaska, and the recent firearms-related death in the Army, and to sever the connecting links of these accidents.”

He added, “Commanders must not overlook even minor issues; they must rigorously operate the ‘Plan-Execute-Confirm-Check’ system and strive to eradicate complacency and lax military discipline.”

The meeting was the second top commanders’ meeting since Minister Ahn took office and the first since the inauguration of the new military leadership.

A Defense Ministry official said, “Minister Ahn convened the commanders’ meeting on the first day of his tenure to assess the readiness posture and to establish military discipline. This demonstrates his recognition of the seriousness of the recent series of incidents and his deep regret over the fatalities.” The official added, “During the meeting, Minister Ahn emphasized to the commanders the importance of thoroughly examining every matter with utmost sincerity and consistency.”

At the meeting, Minister Ahn also emphasized that to fundamentally address these issues, it is essential to cultivate a positive military barracks culture and implement systemic measures to prevent accidents.

Minister Ahn emphasized, “We need to foster an environment where soldiers can communicate openly and respectfully between seniors and juniors, as well as among colleagues within units. I urge you to focus on accident prevention by implementing institutional measures, including tailored suicide prevention programs by sector.”

Minister Ahn urged commanders to remain faithful to the basics and fundamentals, cherishing the lives of soldiers with the conviction that “if the fundamentals are solid, the path forward will become clear.” He called for building a military that is “a place where soldiers are happy,” “a military that upholds the basics,” and “a force trusted by the people.”

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

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