56th medical officer and 23rd veterinary officer commissioning ceremony held.

Ahn Gyu-back calls for compassionate care and continuous professional development.

“Even invisible risks must be thoroughly prevented.”

Inspects AI-based coastal surveillance system at the Army’s 35th Infantry Division.

Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back urged newly commissioned medical and veterinary officers to become elite military medical officers who safeguard the lives of service members and the public through expertise and dedication.

In his congratulatory remarks at the commissioning ceremony held on April 24 at the Army Cadet Military School, Ahn stated, “Safe and sound barracks begin with your professionalism.”

Ahn said, “Remember that your decisions in the field are directly linked to the lives of service members. Take pride as military medical officers who safeguard the golden hour in times of crisis, continue to hone your skills, and provide compassionate medical care.”

He added, “Ultimately, it is people who determine victory or defeat on the battlefield. Maintaining a robust and reliable medical support system, so that service members can fully focus on their missions, is essential to preserving combat readiness.” He urged them to “carefully attend to both the physical and mental well-being of service members and become steadfast professionals who inspire trust and strength within their units.”

Ahn also emphasized the importance of prevention. Quoting Hua Tuo, a renowned physician of China’s Later Han dynasty, he said, “True medical skill lies in prevention rather than treatment after illness occurs. Detect diseases and injuries early, and do not miss the critical window for care.”

Ahn urged veterinary officers to proactively prevent unseen risks. Ahn urged, “Play a vital role in safeguarding military safety by preventing foodborne illnesses and infectious diseases, and by providing thorough epidemic prevention support.”

He also spoke highly of the role and longstanding tradition of military medical officers.

Ahn said, “During the Korean War, the Vietnam War, overseas medical support missions, and responses to infectious diseases, military medical personnel have always been at the forefront of protecting the nation and its people. In particular, I vividly recall the desperate struggle of our military medical personnel who stood their ground at dedicated hospitals and disease control sites during the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic”

Citing the Armed Forces Trauma Center—which has treated over 1,600 civilian and military trauma patients over the four years since its opening (as reported on page 1 of this newspaper on April 21)—Ahn emphasized the excellence of the military medical system. He said, “The Armed Forces Trauma Center has demonstrated that our military serves as a final safeguard for the people by saving critically injured patients who cannot be treated at civilian hospitals. From this moment, you will carry forward this proud history and tradition.”

In his closing remarks, Ahn said, “Remember that it is the duty of a soldier to devote oneself in times of crisis. I will stand by your side to ensure that this path is not a grueling and treacherous one, but a glorious path where your dedication and honor shine brilliantly.”

Ahn visited a coastal surveillance maneuver battalion under the 35th Infantry Division in the Jeonbuk region, where he inspected the pilot operation of an AI-based coastal surveillance system and encouraged service members.

At the unit, Ahn heard field feedback on improving operational efficiency, including the expected impact of the AI-based coastal surveillance system and suggestions, and urged, “As a pilot unit, fulfill your roles and responsibilities with a strong sense of mission in setting new standards for coastal surveillance operations.”