Aftermath of Cadet Class Suspension: Supplementary Classes and Delayed Semester Start

Even after the conclusion of the Armed Forces Day ceremony, its aftereffects linger, particularly for the cadets who had their classes suspended to prepare for the event. These cadets, who are both students and soldiers, were heavily involved in the preparations, raising concerns about whether such extensive involvement in a showy event is justifiable. The news that supplementary classes and a delayed semester start are inevitable has come as a shock to both cadets and their parents.

Cadets Replaced Class Time with Marching Rehearsals

In preparation for Armed Forces Day 2024, 900 cadets from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Nursing Military Academies participated in marching rehearsals for three weeks in Seoul. During this time, they trained daily, often walking over 20,000 steps while wearing formal uniforms, all under the intense September heat. These preparations led to the complete suspension of their academic activities.

 

One parent expressed frustration, stating, "My child walks over 20,000 steps a day and is suffering. It’s heartbreaking." The training, which had started as early as August, intensified in mid-September when all academies relocated to Seoul. The preparation cost approximately 70 million won, covering food and transportation, raising concerns about how this would impact the cadets' ability to complete the required 15 weeks of academic instruction for the semester.

Delayed Semester Start and Supplementary Classes

Originally, the Ministry of National Defense requested a four-week suspension of classes for the cadets to prepare for the event. However, opposition from the academies reduced the period to three weeks. Despite this, the reduced academic time still poses challenges, and the academies have decided to compensate for the lost time with supplementary classes and a delayed start to the 2024 spring semester.

 

For cadets, who must balance both military training and academics, this decision adds further stress. The burden of catching up on missed classes, coupled with the rigors of military education, presents a significant challenge. The involvement of these cadets in a "showy" event at the expense of their education has drawn criticism from parents and officials alike.

Criticism of Over-Involvement in Showy Events

The Ministry of National Defense justified the event, stating its purpose was to instill pride in the military. However, the parents of the participating cadets voiced their dissatisfaction. One parent remarked, "How can this event bring pride? Instead, it just makes us realize how far our country has to go."

 

Lawmakers have also joined in the criticism. Rep. Ahn Gyu-baek of the National Defense Committee emphasized, "Rather than mobilizing cadets for these showy administrative events, the government should ensure they focus on their primary mission—military education."

 

 

The sacrifices made by cadets for the Armed Forces Day ceremony extend beyond just the suspension of their classes. As students and soldiers, their education and military training have been pushed aside in favor of preparations for this event. The aftermath—supplementary classes and a delayed semester—only adds to their burden. The Ministry of National Defense must consider creating an environment where cadets can focus on both their education and training without being overly involved in events that detract from their primary responsibilities.

3 line summary for you

1. 900 cadets had their classes suspended for 3 weeks to prepare for the Armed Forces Day event.
2. As a result, supplementary classes and a delayed start to the next semester are planned.
3. Parents and lawmakers criticize the over-involvement of cadets in a "showy" event instead of focusing on education.

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