Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

[20th Division] Relieve parents’ concerns with “FUN” enlistment

Since the 306 replacement depot, the 3rd Army, was disbanded last year, the 20th Division held its first direct-enlistment ceremony on January 20.

The enlistment ceremony was attended by around 1,500 recruited soldiers, their families and friends, relevant military and government officials, including a chief of the Active and Mobilization Bureau, Military Manpower Administration, and a chief of the General Affairs Department, Yangpyeong-gun Office, Gyeonggi-do.

The Division prepared a “FUN enlistment” event for soldiers-to-be and their families. It was not a formal ceremony but an event with a variety of programs to make a fresh start through cheerful communication, such as “Hae Woo So” (shout out something you haven’t said in a sonorous voice), a three-legged race, etc. There were also “Piggyback” in which soldiers and parents shared their body heat each other, and events that can solve questions on the military life such as trying military supplies, a tour of the living hall and “warm tea of love” event.

Participants showed an enthusiastic response to the entirely different enlistment ceremony. “It eases my mind to see the unit and my son for myself. I appreciate the unit allowing me to have a great time with my son,” said the mother of Ahn Yeong-Joo, a new recruit.

A division official said, “The recruit training center has been concentrating on efforts to lead the visitors and use welfare facilities by closely cooperating with the relevant local organizations in order to minimize any inconvenience that could possibly happen according to the direct enlistment. Since we estimate that there are 30,000-40,000 additional visitors, recruits and their families, it is expected to be helpful to the local economy.”

By Su-Yeol, Maeng < guns13@dema.mil.kr >
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