The South Korean government is contemplating gradually cutting the two-year length of mandatory military service by one quarter, government sources said Monday.
"The government is considering ways to cut the period to 18 months based on research results by a government task force on reforming the conscription system," one of the sources said requesting anonymity.
Under the reform plan, the reduction may begin next year and be completed around 2015, the source said. "Discussions are now underway among related government offices as for when and how to reduce the period," the official added.
The defense ministry is expected to announce its final plan to revise the nation's conscription system at the end of this month or early next month.
In a confrontation with North Korea's 1.1 million troops, South Korea has 680,000 soldiers, mainly from a conscription system that requires all able-bodied men to serve in the military for at least 24 months, while allowing some alternative social services.
Candidates and their parents have long complained that the mandatory military service is a waste of time.
With the presidential election just a year away, the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae said last month that the government plans to introduce a new conscription system with a shortened military service term and an expansion of alternative services.
The government has almost decided to force conscription applicants who receive lower grades in physical tests to conduct alternative social services, such as working at welfare facilities and defense firms, according to the sources. Currently, those who received the lowest grades are exempt from mandatory military duty.
Seoul, Jan. 8 (Yonhap News)
S. Korea considers reducing mandatory military service to 18 months |
