By Lee Min-hyung
Soldiers here will be able to leave military bases on weekdays after finishing their daily tasks and return before bedtime roll call, according to the defense ministry Sunday.
The Ministry of National Defense plans to run a two-month pilot test with 13 military units ― including the Army, Navy and Air Force ― and then to expand the test.
"The decision came because the ministry aims to make sure soldiers have enough rest to carry out military missions and drills," the ministry said in a statement. "Commanders of the units will control the number of soldiers who enjoy the benefits to maintain their military readiness."
The plan is expected to boost morale, because conscripts in Korea have been strictly prohibited from leaving their bases on weekdays unless applying for regular vacation.
The defense ministry will introduce systematic measures to implement the plan for all military bases before the end of this year.
Soldiers will be able to spend time with family or friends outside the military bases. Soldiers who want to receive treatment at private hospitals will also benefit from the plan, according to the ministry.
Commanders will discuss and share the outcome of the test. The ministry will then reflect on their ideas and collect opinions from soldiers and their parents.
The move is part of the Defense Reform 2.0 drive under which the defense ministry aims to abolish outdated military practices and introduce measures to boost efficiency in managing troops.
Under the drive, the ministry unveiled a plan to stop using troops to carry out tasks that have nothing to do with military missions. This includes removing snow and weeds. The military said recently it would outsource such tasks to private organizations.
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