South Korean Seniors Train for Military Service, Vowing to Defend Nation if Called

SEOUL, Nov. 6 (Korea Bizwire) – “Whether it’s carrying ammunition or cooking meals, I’ll help however I can if war breaks out,” said Kim Jong-su, 68, explaining why he volunteered for basic military training. “We need this fundamental training to be useful when that time comes.”

At the Cheong-an Reserve Forces Training Ground of the Army’s 37th Division 110th Brigade on November 5, a group of elderly civilians dubbed the “Senior Army” gathered for military exercises.

Dressed in military uniforms with “Senior Army” patches on their right shoulders, the participants sat with straight backs and intense focus during the officer’s briefing, seemingly determined not to miss a single instruction.

“Give us your best training,” one participant boldly declared after the briefing, reflecting the group’s earnest attitude. The entrance ceremony concluded with a synchronized salute to the regimental commander, displaying impressive military discipline.

The volunteers, ready to serve in case of military personnel shortages, traveled from across the country — from Seoul and Anyang to as far as Gimhae in South Gyeongsang Province.

Kim, who manages both a rice farm and a Korean cattle farm, arranged for temporary workers to cover his agricultural duties so he could attend. “I carpooled with three other members who live nearby,” he said.

Expressing concern about declining military numbers, he added, “Though I’m not as strong as I used to be, I volunteered for training willing to even serve as a human shield for young soldiers if war breaks out.”

Park Kyung-sook, 66, who participated with her husband, shared her motivations: “I’ve always wondered how I could contribute if war creates a personnel shortage.” She smiled sheepishly as she mentioned practicing at a shooting range with her husband to prepare for the training.

The 33 Senior Army members, including two women, were divided into four groups for urban combat training and VR shooting simulations. During the urban warfare exercise, participants moved tactically between buildings as purple smoke grenades created battle conditions.

They took cover behind obstacles, maintained security, and assumed prone firing positions to block approaching opposing forces.

The oldest participant, an 84-year-old surnamed Jung, said, “I wanted to show young people that even the elderly are working hard to protect our country.”

The Senior Army, established in June last year and approved by the Ministry of Defense as a corporate body in August, welcomes participants regardless of age or gender.

Yoon Seung-mo, 61, the organization’s representative, explained its founding purpose: “With declining population leading to military shortages, we believe seniors and women, though exempt from mandatory service, should train to serve as reserve forces in emergencies.”

As tensions continue to rise on the Korean Peninsula, the organization plans to conduct additional training sessions this year in Seosan, Boryeong, and Hapcheon.

“We hope more citizens will take interest in the Senior Army given the deteriorating situation on the peninsula,” Yoon added.

M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)