The association of former Korea Military Academy (KMA) superintendents emphasized that 'Hwarangdae,' located in Taereung, Seoul, is not merely an educational facility, but a historical asset imbued with the legitimacy and patriotic spirit of the Republic of Korea's Armed Forces. [Photo=Republic of Korea Army]

Former superintendents of the Korea Military Academy (KMA) have collectively voiced their concerns regarding the government's ongoing plans to integrate military academies and relocate the KMA to a provincial area.

On the 17th, the association of former KMA superintendents issued a public appeal titled "Please Protect the Future Security of the Republic of Korea and the Training System for Elite Officers" through advertisements in major daily newspapers. 

According to the appeal, the group emphasized that the currently discussed policies for the relocation and integration of the KMA could shake the foundations of national security, necessitating a comprehensive review and public discourse.

The superintendents raised three main reasons for their opposition and concerns on this day.

① Defending the historical symbolism of Hwarangdae… “It is like America’s West Point”

The superintendents clearly stated that 'Hwarangdae,' located in Taereung, Seoul, is not just an educational facility, but a historical asset imbued with the legitimacy and patriotic spirit of the ROK Armed Forces. They stressed, “This is a place marked by the sacrifices of KMA cadets who rushed to the front lines without even rank insignia when the Korean War broke out in 1950. Just as the United States considers West Point—the site of its War of Independence—the center of officer education and a model of its founding spirit, Hwarangdae must also be preserved for its value as a historical landmark.”

② Weakened competitiveness upon relocation… Learning from the cases of the Air Force Academy and the Korea National Defense University

Furthermore, the group emphasized the importance of the educational environment in cultivating elite officers capable of leading future high-tech warfare. While they agree on the need for innovation to adapt to battlefield shifts toward Artificial Intelligence (AI) and unmanned systems, they argue that uprooting the school's 'roots' could be a strategic misstep.

In particular, they pointed out, “The competitiveness of military educational institutions comes from the combination of excellent students, top-tier faculty, and cutting-edge research environments,” adding, “We have already experienced firsthand, through the provincial relocations of the Air Force Academy and the Korea National Defense University, how difficult it becomes to secure key talent and faculty.” They warned of the tangible and intangible loss of military capability that moving out of the Seoul metropolitan area would cause.

③ Caution against uniform integration… “Jointness without individual expertise is a sandcastle”

They also took a firm stance against the government-led discussion on integrating military academies. While they acknowledge that organic cooperation (jointness) between the Army, Navy, and Air Force is essential in modern warfare, their argument is that this is only possible when each branch has firmly established its own unique identity and expertise.

The KMA superintendents suggested that the reasons why major allies such as the U.S., U.K., and France maintain independent military academy systems should be carefully considered.

They also pointed to the past, citing the contradictions and limitations experienced in maintaining individual branch expertise and educational management during the implementation of the 'integrated first-year education for cadets of all three services' and the operation of the 'Joint Forces Military University.'

“Cultivating national leaders requires validation over speed”

Finally, the former superintendents expressed concern over the current government's fast-paced policy implementation, stating, “The fate of a nation is decided not after a war begins, but by how it cultivates the leaders who will lead it.”

They argue that as this is a grave issue that fundamentally changes an officer training system validated over decades, sufficient research, public consensus, and thorough verification must come first.

They stated, “We fully agree with educational innovation and strengthening jointness to match future battlefield environments,” but added, “Those changes must be made in a way that does not damage our military’s intangible power—its history and traditions. Please make this issue a subject of public discourse with national security as the top priority,” they earnestly requested of the public.

Security experts predict that this collective statement from the former superintendents will trigger debates within the political sphere and the military regarding the integration of military academies and the relocation of the KMA.