It seems to be a trend for each country to push forward with military renovation by putting priority on information of its military organization and high-technology development of its military arms system, with a view to comply with changes in social ...
It seems to be a trend for each country to push forward with military renovation by putting priority on information of its military organization and high-technology development of its military arms system, with a view to comply with changes in social environments. In line with this, the Korean Army has also mapped out a plan for 『Renovation of National Defense 2020』 (Ministry of National Defense, 2005), which comprises mainly of schemes to build up technology- intensive military structures and to train non-commissioned officers (NCO) to become qualified to apply themselves to such situation.
The hitherto studies on the Korean military organization have mostly dealt with generals, and field grades and company officers as subjects, neglecting empirical approaches to NCO who form the central backbone of the Korean Army.
Recently, however, the role and responsibility of NCO are evidently getting more and more weight thanks to the policy that is highlighting to mobilize NCO to fill the vacancies that are left as a consequence of shortened period of active service by soldiers. Accordingly, the function of NCO has shifted from simple support to or assistance for officers as in the past toward commanding small military units, training soldiers exclusively and operating high-tech equipment, in sum to a much upgraded status.
Under these circumstances, it becomes inevitable to conduct an empirical study on NCO.
The present paper comprises in the following set-up : The first chapter offers introductory information about the objective, method and contents of this study in a comprehensive manner while the second chapter is dedicated to describing in theoretical terms the features of military organization and to analyzing the role of NCO within the Korean Army. The chapter 3 presents theoretical models and variables as a prerequisite to the plan for study as well as collects data for this purpose, whereas the chapter 4 appreciates the outcomes of the survey and the chapter 5 sums it up while providing hints, limitations and directions of future studies at the same time.
In this study, theoretical as well as empirical approaches were employed together with t-test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), correlation analysis, reliability and validity depending on the subjects of analysis and objectives of study. Multiple regression analysis was also used in this connection.
Through theoretical consideration, factors for changes in NCO's role and mission, their job satisfaction and demographic variables were elected to set forth a model and hypothesis for this research. The essential abilities required of an NCO to perform his duty should include commanding and leading ability, capability as a staff member as well as an instructor and spirit of professional soldiers. By the same token, job satisfaction was divided into internal and external satisfaction. As demographic variables, such elements were selected as age, length of service, rank, number of dependents, education, level of military training, branch of the service, position, location of service, etc.
For an empirical survey, questionnaires were prepared and distributed to a group of 500 men that were sampled out from the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Korean Armies, units under direct control of the Army and the Ministry of National Defense in appropriate proportion of the number by ranks. Out of the questionnaires distributed, 467 (96%) were replied and used for analysis in this study.
It should be noted here, however, that an academic approach to NCO was difficult to introduce due to lack of accumulated data as most studies have so far been concentrating on officers only.
By taking into account limitations and suggestions summed up from this study, it is advised for future studies to progress to with priority laid on the followings:
First, a longitudinal study on NCO should be executed systematically under the initiatives of the Leadership Development Institute for National Defense and leadership centers of each Army in an effort to upgrade the level of study from the individual to the rather organizational and long-term dimension to be conducted each year regularly.
Second, in an attempt to intensify the essential capabilities of NCO in compliance with changes in their role and duty, a leadership training and instruction model for NCO should be developed and introduced in the system for military training and education of national defense with an aim to realize effective leadership education for NCO.
Third, in a series of studies on NCO, models for NCO leadership and tools for measuring it should be worked out.
Fourth, in order to improve the quality and ability of NCO to perform their job efficiently, more chances should be provided for them to study at the courses that are offered by universities under assignment and any NCO who completed such courses should be appointed unfailingly to the post of instruction or staff.
Fifth, it is recommended for every university to install a department for NCO to contribute greatly to intensifying the capacity of NCO. In case of military schools or academies that are under the direct control of the Ministry of National Defense, a curriculum may be complemented to teach students the duty of NCO or other subjects that may be helpful to enrich the role of NCO.