Lesson 43 : [Is the Military Service Period Likely to Be Reduced?]

[MTM 운영진]

 

[Is the Military Service Period Likely to Be Reduced?]

I am for the shortening of the military service period. First off, there would be an elevated level of morale among soldiers as a result of a further shortening of their required service period. Also, as President Roh has said, young soldiers are wasting valuable time doing something that could be done by professional soldiers and advanced military hardware. They could use this time to develop themselves in other ways that are also beneficial to the country.

Another reason why we should seriously consider this proposal is that according to a survey done by military related agencies, the shortening of the service period is clearly an effective way to counter military conscription corruption. Surveyed respondents said that 12~17 months would be reasonable period for military service. Long-term contracted servicemen could be another alternative.

To conclude, we can reduce the military service period without any detrimental side effects. We need a more flexible system. We can concentrate on bolstering areas where more specialists are needed. This can be done with soldiers specialized in engineering who may consider long military careers if conditions are good enough. Modern war is not fought as much by soldiers, as it is fought by skilled engineers with advanced hardware.

There shouldn't be another shortening of service terms. When this administration started, they already reduced it by two months. It began in 2003, and came fully into effect just last year. If we do this again, we will have a serious shortage of soldiers in 20 years due to the current low birthrates.

Some strongly argue that we should have a voluntary service system, a mercenary-like system. This is absolutely absurd and unrealistic considering the astronomical budget required to pay the salaries of such soldiers. Another problem with a voluntary service system is that it would clearly lower the standard of Korean soldiers. As far as the education level of soldiers goes, the Korean soldier is quite possibly the highest educated in the world. Why do we have to suddenly abandon the system we have and adopt a new, inefficient and more expensive system? I am forced to wonder if there are other political motivations behind this. Some may be currying favor with the young voters and their parents before the next year's presidential election. We must not play politics when it comes to national security.

▶ Key words and expression‎!s

-beneficial to: having good results or benefits; advantageous.

-alternative: said of, strictly speaking, two, but often used of more than two, possibilities: secondary or different, especially in terms of being less favourable as a choice

-detrimental: harm or loss

-astronomical: said of numbers, amounts, prices, etc: large; extreme.

- inefficient: lacking the power or skill to do or produce something in the best, most satisfactory or economical, etc way

Let's see an argument through a dialogue example!

 (You can do a role play!)

Mira: "Have you heard about the presidential address about the possibly shortening the military service period?"
Hyun-soo: "Yes, I did. It's really terrible. That's not something we can conveniently extend or shorten, whenever we simply feel like it."
Mira: "You can't think like that. Look! Young men are wasting an import!ant part of their lives doing military service."
Hyun-soo: "You said wasting? How can you talk like that? You should remember you are insulting all the Korean soldiers when you talk like that."
Mira: "What I am saying is that it would boost the young soldiers' morale."
Hyun-soo: "Morale? How can you even try to convince me that the reduction of the period of military service would lead to a boost in morale?"
Mira: "It's quite clear and simple; the shorter the service period, the better it is for the soldiers who were forced to join the service. It's quite natural, really. For them, a month's difference is a big difference."
Hyun-soo: "What also worries me is that a lack of experienced soldiers due to a shortening of the service requirement might cause big holes in the defense system."
Mira: "I knew you would mention that. We have, of course, some solutions to those problems. We can easily replace some experienced soldiers by creating long-term career soldiers who can do the job better."
Hyun-soo: "Haven't you ever thought about the amount of money it would take to fulfill such a proposal? For example, if you paid each soldier 20 million won annually, it would cost 10 trillion won a year just to pay the soldiers. Do you think we can afford that?"
Mira: "We wouldn't have to pay that much. We would not be paying every soldier that high a salary. Only selected soldiers who voluntarily stayed longer would be paid 15 million won a year or so. If we calculate it like that, then it doesn't reach the amount you are suggesting."
Hyun-soo: "Another thing is that you have to understand the special character of military organizations; some things can't be viewed simply in skills and hardware, or even in monetary terms."
Mira: "No. We don't have to stick with the existing system forever. We naturally need to change, but we must make changes that are reasonable."
Hyun-soo: "Still, I think the voluntary service system is unrealistic considering the astronomical budget that would be required to pay the soldiers."
Mira: "Don't over exaggerate! It wouldn't be that much."
Hyun-soo: "Another reason why I am against the new presidential proposal is because I think the leaders of the governing Uri Party are using this issue to manipulate the voters to revive the party's falling popularity. It will attract the support of young voters and their parents right before next year's presidential election."
Mira: "That's a totally different subject."
Hyun-soo: "It may seem different to you, but that's the truth. You'll see."

▶Discussion Questions

1.       What was the main reason for President Roh in favoring the reduction of military service?

2.       What arguments were presented in opposition to the reduction?

3.       What was the proposed alternative for the reduction of military service

4.       In your personal opinion, are for or against reduction of military service?

5.       Do you think reduction of military service result to lower quality of military expertise?