The South Korean Army announced on June 19 that it will allow more qualified noncommissioned officers to transition to long-term service starting in 2028 as part of a personnel overhaul to enhance job security.
The Army previously selected only the top 20 percent of applicants for long-term service, which requires a minimum of seven years, but raised the rate to 50 percent this year. Starting in 2028, all candidates without disqualifications will be eligible.
Last year the number of noncommissioned officers in long-term service rose to 3,900 from around 3,000 previously. The Army has faced recruitment challenges amid fewer new appointments and the country's population decline.
The service also plans to shorten the promotion period from staff sergeant to sergeant first class from six years to four years by 2028, reducing the actual promotion timeline from 4.3 years to 3.2 years. Additional measures include training in manned and unmanned teaming systems and drone capabilities, plus raising the average monthly wage for staff sergeants to around 3 million won (US$1,950) in 2027.
