The intense court battle between the military prosecution and the Army over alleged promotion irregularities has taken yet another turn. If the worst comes to the worst, the military’s top two officials _ Defense Minister Yoon Kwang-ung and Army Chief of Staff Gen. Nam Jae-joon _ may have to take the witness stand. Although this may be unlikely, many are wondering how such an idea has even been raised in the military, where rank and the line of command are everything.
At issue in the ongoing case is when and how ``customary practice’’ became malpractice. Prosecutors allege the Army’s top brass had chosen all of the 52 new brigadier generals in advance, reducing the formal four-tier screening process to little more than a formality by doctoring related documents. Defense attorneys counter that the gradual shortening of the candidate list based on commanders’ performance ratings has long been customary.
It’s a relief to hear no accusations of bribery or other acts of corruption so far. But the lack of money or other materials in the process does not mean it was fair and just. The prosecution maintains many of those promoted are close to Gen. Nam or at least served him once. Commanders can choose their own subordinates for good teamwork but personal preference should not be the dominant _ much less the only _ criterion. The informal subgroups thus formed may have hurt the unity of the entire army.
Political oppositionists say the ongoing confusion within the military was due to its shakeup by governing circles. But nothing would be more dangerous than the military being swayed by changes in political power. We rather believe the nation’s military is in the throes of multiple transitions, moving from an authoritarian to a democratic army and from an Army-dominant format to one of balanced growth between the three armed services, with civilians replacing soldiers in important Defense Ministry posts.
However, none of these justify the latest series of incidents and scandals, stemming from a lack of discipline. The public is yet to hear clear explanations for reporting failures when North Korean vessels entered the South’s waters and for the holes in fences within the demilitarized zone. As seen by the incident of recruits being forced to eat excrement at boot camp, the human rights situation has not improved. There are even rumors Defense Minister Yoon, a former navy general, is being cold-shouldered by Army staff.
In Korea, what once passed as custom is now being subject to legal and moral scrutiny. The military should not remain as some form of sanctuary. We hope the Army, the bulwark of national defense, will overcome its difficulties of transition and be reborn as a more democratic, disciplined and trustworthy organization.