This study addresses the declining job satisfaction and weakened service retention among junior military officers, stemming from a stagnant compensation system despite rapid improvements in enlisted soldiers' treatment. To investigate this, the resear...
This study addresses the declining job satisfaction and weakened service retention among junior military officers, stemming from a stagnant compensation system despite rapid improvements in enlisted soldiers' treatment. To investigate this, the research analyzes the realities of junior officer service by comprehensively reviewing existing empirical studies and authoritative data. It utilizes survey data from ROTC cadets and active-duty officers, NCO attrition cases, and duty allowance comparisons to examine how relative deprivation influences service departure and increased attrition rates. Furthermore, the study identifies structural limitations of the military compensation system by comparing it with Uniformed citizens in a democratic society(police, firefighters) and foreign military forces. Findings reveal the current system fails to reflect military distinctiveness, is unfavorable in allowances compared to similar jobs, and lacks strategic compensation compared to foreign counterparts. Consequently, this study proposes policy measures including reclassifying military officers as ‘field-service public officials’, establishing an independent compensation system, improving duty/living conditions, and introducing service-linked incentives.