Defense chief signals potential shift in plans to integrate military academies

Defense Minister Kang Shin-chul hinted on Monday that the government may reconsider the site for a proposed integrated military academy, indicating a possible shift in its strategy to establish a central location in Daejeon despite resistance. The defense chief made these comments during a meeting with leaders of the Army, Navy, and Air Force alumni associations, as the ministry's plan to consolidate the academies has encountered opposition from graduates and reserve personnel.

According to the basic plan announced in July, the government intended to establish a single military academy at Jaundae, a complex of military training and education facilities in Daejeon, roughly 140 kilometers southwest of Seoul. However, Kang clarified that the government is not aiming to dismantle each individual military academy. Instead, he emphasized that specialized education for each branch of the military should remain intact, as long as a unified force is not formed.

Kang expressed his willingness to consider diverse perspectives regarding the location of the envisioned school. He has previously indicated the possibility of partially revising the original plan.