Evaluation of the Program to Improve Military Service Conditions

Published on July 15, 2024
Published by Social Administrative Program Evaluation Division, Budget Analysis Department

   This report contains the results of a systematic evaluation of various programs promoted over the past few years in accordance with the Military Welfare Master Plan, aimed at improving the service environment and working conditions of our military service members. Specifically, this evaluation report assessed the performance of programs focused on enhancing military service conditions, including food, clothing, housing, wages, retirement age, service, and medical care.
   Key evaluation findings indicate that while there has been improvement in service conditions for soldiers, there remains insufficient enhancement for entry-level officers with relatively short-term service. Additionally, there has been a notable increase in sexual crimes within the military and a rise in military officer suicides. The primary goals of improving military service conditions are to uphold the basic rights of soldiers fulfilling national defense duties and to secure excellent human resources amid declining military service resources due to a low fertility rate. Achieving these goals necessitates effective performance management. Based on field evaluation results, the Ministry of National Defense should reassess the administration of meal expenses for off-base soldiers to ensure compliance with the "Military Meal Regulations." Additionally, it should revisit the policy of preferential occupancy of military accommodation and explore ways to bolster housing support options for military executives. In particular, the Ministry of National Defense has committed to improving the working conditions of security forces soldiers by expanding the recognized hours for overtime allowance. However, given that the average monthly overtime for field civil servants such as police and firefighters is 80 hours, it is crucial to determine appropriate overtime hours for service members.
   As public demands for improved military service conditions increase, the Ministry of National Defense and each military branch are making various efforts, yielding tangible results. However, since the improvements are primarily centered on expanding fiscal expenditures, the Ministry of National Defense should focus more on identifying non-fiscal measures for improvement.