제 21 호 ROTC
Kicker : SM NEWS
ROTC
By Myung-Gwan Kang
ROTC stands for Reserve Officer’ Training Corps and is an American officer training course. Most people have heard of it but don't know much about it. The reason is that Korea has a conscription system, so only men should go to the military and become ordinary soldiers. The ROTC system was established on June 1, 1961, as a student military training corps at 16 universities across the country.
Basic Military Training
Twelve members of Sangmyung University's ROTC 64th class completed about four weeks of winter enlistment training from December 26th to January 19th.
Sangmyung University ROTC students were assigned to the 2nd Battalion of the 3rd Brigade and participated in training. The training included all basic training, including individual battle, marching, shooting, chemical, biological and radiological training, firearms training, and grenades.
Additionally, cadet Kim Min-wook conducted training as a battalion commander cadet representing the 2nd Battalion, and cadet Kang Seung-ho conducted training as a platoon leader of the 1st Platoon of the 1st Company of the 2nd Battalion. In addition, many cadets applied for roles they could play, such as administrative department head, operations manager, and squad leader, and successfully completed them.
In shooting training, cadet Kim Seok-min hit 19 out of 20 shots on target, showcasing his shooting talent in comparison to other cadets. Other cadets also earned the title of special marksman by hitting more than 16 shots.
During the marching training, a 20km march was conducted in full combat gear, but all Sangmyung University ROTC cadets supported one another and completed the entire march to the end.
Cadet Interviews
I interviewed cadets Kang Seung-ho, Kim Min-wook, and Kang Seong-mo about what their first training was like.
Cadet Kang Seung-ho said that he was very nervous because it was his first training, but he was very interested in and knowledgeable about the military, so it wasn't too difficult.
Cadet Kim Min-wook said that although there were many difficulties while being a battalion commander cadet representing 200 people, he was able to improve further by engaging in training responsibly.
Cadet Kang Seong-mo said that he had a really hard time during the march and wanted to quit, but because he was with his classmates, he did not give up and was able to continue until the end.
Sangmyung University Cadets' Evaluation
There were concerns that Sangmyung University's cadets would not be able to adapt well due to the small number of cadets compared to other schools, but contrary to their worries, all 12 cadets were evaluated as top talent.
Additionally, the school district leader and disciplinary officer said that they had done really well and worked hard over the past 4 weeks and that they were looking forward to the days ahead.
ROTC Benefits
If you are selected for ROTC, you will receive 12 million won in short-term service incentive in your third grade. The short-term service incentive referred to here is an incentive paid to those who apply to become officers or non-commissioned officers in all military services in Korea, including the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force, and are finally accepted.
In addition, in the case of university students before their appointment, they will receive a monthly stipend of approximately 130,000 won for maintenance of dignity. You will receive training during the vacation period, and after completing the training, they can receive an additional salary of approximately 1,000,000 won. Furthermore, ROTC cadets have the opportunity to build a personal network with ROTC seniors and juniors from all walks of life, which is very helpful in their social lives.
I believe applying for ROTC would be a wise choice, allowing you to enjoy these various benefits and to develop valuable leadership skills.
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