Military Non-Commissioned Officers: Recruitment Crisis and Compensation Issues

The military struggles to retain non-commissioned officers due to inadequate compensation and poor treatment, prompting many to leave.

### Challenges and Reforms in Military Non-Commissioned Officer Compensation
* 💔 A former army sergeant left the military due to inadequate financial compensation, expressing frustration over the **minimal difference in pay**, stating that even **500,000 won was not significant** for the effort required.
* 📉 The competition rate for non-commissioned officer positions has drastically declined from **4.9 to 1 in 2019** to **1.8 to 1 last year**, with only **56% of applicants being selected**.
* 🚫 The application rate for special forces non-commissioned officers dropped from **8.3 to 1** in 2022 to **2.6 to 1** this year, indicating a **serious recruitment issue** within the ranks.
* 📊 Currently, the military requires **45,700 non-commissioned officers** for operations, but only **32,900 are available**, which is just **72% of the needed personnel**.
* ✍ The Ministry of National Defense announced plans to **increase short-term service allowances**, but budget freezes have **hindered these improvements**.
* 💼 Yoon Joo, a former non-commissioned officer, reported a **2.5 times increase in her income** after leaving the military, highlighting the **financial struggles faced by those still serving**.
* 📜 A petition for improved treatment of non-commissioned officers garnered **over 50,000 signatures**, reflecting **widespread dissatisfaction** with current conditions.
* 💰 Future salary adjustments aim to **increase the total income of junior officers significantly** by 2027, with the goal of **aligning military compensation with corporate standards**, while fostering **respect and pride among service members**.

A former army sergeant mentioned that last year, he chose to leave due to the ease of understanding injuries. He expressed frustration over the minimal financial compensation, stating that there was no point in working so hard for such little difference, as even 500,000 won was not a significant amount. He believes there is no need to work this hard anymore since the improvement in treatment is slow and many non-commissioned officers are suffering from excessive demands, leading them to leave their positions just like he did. He pointed out that without proper treatment, there is no progress, and intelligent individuals are leaving in droves. Reflecting this phenomenon, the competition rate for non-commissioned officers, which was 4.9 to 1 in 2019, dropped to 1.8 to 1 last year, resulting in only 56% of the applicants, or 547 individuals, being selected. Among these, the application rate for special forces non-commissioned officers plummeted from 8.3 to 1 in 2022 to 2.6 to 1 this year. Consequently, the structure of the non-commissioned officer ranks, which used to resemble a pyramid three years ago, has changed completely. As of June, the total number of military personnel in all units has been adjusted.

The number of non-commissioned officers needed for operations is 45,700, but the actual personnel is only 72% of that, amounting to 32,900, which is insufficient. Two years ago, the number of non-commissioned officers was less than that of sergeants, and this year, for the first time, it has also fallen below the number of staff sergeants, leading to a so-called reversal phenomenon. When improving the treatment of soldiers, it was essential to also discuss improvements for lower-ranking non-commissioned officers, but that did not happen. To normalize the situation, we need to properly reorganize this compensation. The Ministry of National Defense announced plans to improve the treatment of non-commissioned officers by increasing the short-term service allowance from 7.5 million won to 10 million won this year, and planning to raise it to 13 million won next year, but those plans were thwarted due to a budget freeze. SBS reports that Yoon Joo left the military six months ago after serving for seven years. She mentioned that she is still comfortable with her military-related matters. Now that she is working, her income has increased 2.5 times compared to her time as a non-commissioned officer. Even when she was promoted to sergeant, the total amount she received at that time, including family allowances and other benefits, was actually less than 200,000 won.

In the four years I lived in a retirement facility, I experienced various issues. I received accommodation, but during the rainy season or when it rained heavily, water would leak in. I spent my own money to repaint the walls about four times. Lee Seo-jung, who took great pride in being a member of the Air Force Special Rescue Team, could only go home for about ten to fifteen days a month. With such infrequent home visits, there was a feeling that the treatment and welfare were severely lacking. On the 14th of last month, the wife of a non-commissioned officer submitted a petition to the National Assembly, appealing for improved treatment, stating that they couldn't even plan for the future. This petition received over 50,000 signatures. The reality for junior officers has led to the term patriot pay, drawing parallels to passion pay. Officers who spend a month on duty often exceed 200 hours, but only 67 hours are recognized for compensation. Unlike public officials in essential services like police and fire, there are regulations that only recognize pay for a limited number of hours worked.

The reason is that the overtime pay is still 10,000 won on weekdays and 20,000 won on weekends. If you work the entire day, the allowance only amounts to 10,000 won. It really hit hard. Last year, the replenishment rate for non-commissioned officers was 82.9%, which is a drop of 7.3 percentage points compared to the previous year. The competition rate for officer applications is also on a downward trend. Over the past five years until 2021, more than 700 naval officers and non-commissioned officers chose to transition to the Coast Guard. The military claims to have invested in the budget to make changes, but for those who are in the military or have to serve, it still feels very slow. The allowances for on-duty service, training allowances, and similar payments need to be adjusted to reflect reality. The military has always opened up short-term service incentives and plans to double the allowances and increase promotion levels and duty allowances to match public servant standards. This is SBS's Jin Song-min reporting from the front line this year.

The annual total income of junior officers in border units is 39 million won for second lieutenants and 38 million won for sergeants. The Ministry of National Defense plans to increase the salaries of second lieutenants in border units to 50 million won and sergeants to 49 million won by 2027, with a maximum increase of 30%. For general units, the salaries of second lieutenants will rise from 34 million won to 39 million won, and sergeants from 33 million won to 38 million won, with a maximum increase of 15%. The average total income of junior officers, which was in the mid-30 million won range, is expected to rise to about 44 million won. The total income of junior officers will be adjusted to align with the level of corporate standards, distinguishing between border units and general units. According to the presidential campaign promise, the monthly salary of sergeants will increase to 1.5 million won by 2025. As the relative deprivation of junior officers has grown and recruitment has become challenging, the Ministry of National Defense has previously announced improvements. We will foster a culture where junior officers and soldiers can serve with pride and be respected in society.

The income of professional military officers with deep entry levels will also increase. The Air Force pilots' aviation allowance will rise by 20%, and the total income of military doctors will be adjusted to match public healthcare institution standards. As part of the basic plan for military welfare to be implemented by 2027, it includes provisions for guaranteeing individual accommodation for officers and improving soldier accommodations from two-person to four-person rooms. The adjustment of junior officer salaries to a level comparable to that of medium-sized enterprises is expected to exert pressure for salary increases for mid-level officers. This is Kim Tae-hoon from SBS.

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The Struggles of Non-Commissioned Officers in the Military

A former army sergeant left due to minimal financial compensation and excessive demands, reflecting a broader trend of intelligent individuals leaving the non-commissioned officer ranks.

The competition rate for these positions has significantly decreased, leading to a shortage of personnel.

The Ministry of National Defense announced plans to improve compensation for non-commissioned officers, but budget freezes have hindered progress.

Challenges Faced by Military Personnel in Retirement Facilities

Military personnel in retirement facilities experience issues such as leaking accommodations and inadequate treatment, leading to feelings of neglect.

A petition for improved treatment, signed by over 50,000 people, highlights the severe lack of support and recognition for the long hours worked.

Despite the military's claims of budget investment for change, the reality for those serving remains challenging, with a downward trend in officer applications and a need for better compensation and allowances.

Salary Increases for Junior Officers in Border and General Units

The Ministry of National Defense plans to raise the salaries of second lieutenants and sergeants in border units to 50 million won and 49 million won, respectively, by 2027.

For general units, second lieutenants' salaries will increase to 39 million won and sergeants' to 38 million won.

The average total income of junior officers is expected to rise to about 44 million won, with adjustments made to align with corporate standards and a focus on improving recruitment and fostering a culture of pride and respect.

Income and Welfare Improvements for Military Officers

The income of professional military officers will increase, with a 20% rise in aviation allowance for Air Force pilots and salary adjustments for military doctors.

The military welfare plan by 2027 includes individual accommodation for officers and upgrading soldier accommodations from two-person to four-person rooms.

The salary adjustment for junior officers is expected to create pressure for mid-level officer salary increases.