Seoul: The Army announced on Friday that it will permit qualified noncommissioned officers to transition to long-term service starting in 2028 as part of a personnel overhaul plan aimed at enhancing job security.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the decision comes amid challenges faced by the Army in attracting noncommissioned officers, who are integral to military operations, in the context of a declining number of newly appointed officers and the country's decreasing population. Previously, only the top 20 percent of noncommissioned officers applying for long-term service, which necessitates a minimum of seven years, were selected. This year, the selection rate has been expanded to 50 percent.

The Army's plan to overhaul military personnel will allow all eligible candidates to serve long-term, beginning in 2028. The number of noncommissioned officers in long-term service increased to 3,900 last year, compared to approximately 3,000 in previous years.

An Army official explained during a press briefing that the long-term service plans are part of a policy direction intended to bolster job security and make the noncommissioned officer role more attractive. The Army also aims to shorten the service period required for promotion from staff sergeant to sergeant first class from six to four years by 2028, potentially reducing the promotion period to 3.2 years from the current 4.3 years.

Additionally, the Army intends to train noncommissioned officers in advanced technologies, including manned and unmanned teaming combat systems and drone combat capabilities. It will also enhance benefits and compensation, aiming to raise the average monthly wage of a staff sergeant to about 3 million won (US$1,950) by 2027.

An Army official stated that the plan is designed to secure talent under a new strategic framework and to develop a manpower structure that improves the proficiency and expertise of noncommissioned officers while strengthening job security. The Army plans to review the plan's progress annually.