Korea's defense ministry on Thursday announced a package of measures to promote the welfare of the nation's military personnel, including gradual wage hikes for conscripts.
The five-year plan focuses on expanding welfare services for rank-and-file soldiers.
The Ministry of National Defense is required to update its welfare-related policy every five years under the Framework Act on Military Welfare.
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The Ministry of National Defense building in Seoul in this file photo (Yonhap) |
It has decided to raise the monthly wages of soldiers with the rank of private, private first class, specialist and sergeant in mandatory service.
Sergeants will be paid 676,100 won ($633) per month in 2022, far more than the current 216,000 won, the ministry said.
The military will also employee civilians for base-related chores, such as weeding and snow removal, so that soldiers can concentrate on their missions.
The measure will be first introduced at 11 front-line Army divisions next year and expanded to entire units nationwide in 2020.
In a bid to enhance the quality of their barracks life, the troops will be allowed to use personal mobile phones after their daily duty.(Yonhap)