Seoul: The government and the ruling Democratic Party (DP) have announced their commitment to accelerate the creation of an integrated military academy for the Army, Navy, and Air Force. This initiative is aimed at significantly bolstering the nation's defense capabilities in response to the rapidly changing global security environment.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the government and the ruling party plan to reveal a comprehensive proposal later today, following their policy consultation meeting at the National Assembly. At the outset of the meeting, Rep. Han Byung-do, the acting leader of the DP, emphasized the need to overcome the limitations posed by the current system of separate military academies. He underscored that the establishment of a unified academy to train future defense leaders is an urgent task and expressed the party's commitment to developing it into a prestigious global institution.

Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back reiterated his dedication to military reforms, acknowledging the challenges but affirming the feasibility of the reforms. He highlighted his unique position as the first civilian defense minister in 64 years, expressing determination to pursue the reform agenda.

Although detailed discussions from the meeting remain under wraps due to the press being excluded from the remainder of the session, the initiative aligns with the Lee Jae Myung government's strategy to consolidate military academies. This unification is seen as essential for attracting talented cadets and effectively addressing the challenges posed by demographic shifts and advancements in warfare.