402 female NCOs join ROK Army

 

Non-commissioned officers newly joining the Republic of Korea Army for the period of the second half of 2021 attend their induction ceremony held at the Korea Army Non-Commissioned Officer Academy in Iksan, North Jeolla Province, Aug. 27. Courtesy of Republic of Korea Army

By Jung Da-min

A total of 487 non-commissioned officers (NCOs) have newly enlisted in the Republic of Korea Army through the Army's induction ceremony for the second half of 2021, held at the Korea Army Non-Commissioned Officer keonhacai in Iksan, North Jeolla Province, Aug. 27.

Among them, 402 were female members, accounting for about 82.5 percent of the total. The Army said it was the largest number of female NCOs enlisting at a single induction ceremony, adding that it was a result of the military's Defense Reform 2.0, a comprehensive reform initiative aimed at creating a slimmer yet stronger military to counter future security threats, which includes a policy of expanding the ratio of female service members.

Among the newly enlisted NCOs, some received attention for their family backgrounds related to the military. Shin Eun-jeong, 20, is a descendant of independent fighter Shin U-hyeon who combated Japanese colonial rule as a member of the Korean Liberation Army. Her grandfather Shin Dong-seong, 75, also participated in the 1955-75 Vietnam War, before being discharged from the Army as a warrant officer, and received the Gwangbokjang, the fifth-grade Order of National Security Merit.

Seo Ji-woo, 19, is the granddaughter of late veteran Seo Sang-myeon, who participated in the 1950-53 Korean War. Her father Seo Dong-hwan, 56, also served in the Army before being discharged as a staff sergeant.

Kim Min-ji, 18, joined the Army, following her father Kim Nam-hyun, 47, a lieutenant colonel, and her elder sister Kim Min-seong, 20, a staff sergeant.

As part of the Defense Reform 2.0, the Army is increasing the proportion of female service members selected in recent years.

According to the Army, the number of female NCOs selected has increased by more than 70 per year on average, for the past five years. In 2020 only, a total of 767 female NCOs joined the Army. The Army also said it is planning to select more than 1,000 female NCOs next year.

As of August this year, there were about 5,270 female NCOs serving in the Army, accounting for 6.7 percent of the total of about 78,360 NCOs.

The Army said NCO positions have increased in popularity among women, and the average competition rate stood at 7.3 people for each single opening for the past five years, adding the relatively high level of competition has resulted in high-quality applicants being selected.