The Journal of the Convergence on Culture Technology (문화기술의 융합)

The International Promotion Agency of Culture Technology (국제문화기술진흥원)
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Military Manpower Challenges and Solutions in the Era of Low Fertility and Aging Population in South Korea

한국의 저출산 고령화에 따른 군 인력 확보 문제와 대응 방안

  • 백철승 (중원대학교 국가안보융합학과) ;
  • 이경행 (중원대학교 드론봇 군사학과) ;
  • 박상혁 (중원대학교 드론봇 군사학과)
  • Received : 2024.05.15
  • Accepted : 2024.06.17
  • Published : 2024.07.31
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Abstract

This study aims to diagnose the military manpower shortage problem caused by the rapid decline in fertility and aging population in South Korea and explore countermeasures. To this end, it analyzes the trends of demographic changes and military manpower supply and demand forecasts in Korea, and evaluates major alternatives such as expanding female soldiers, introducing a voluntary recruitment system, and adopting advanced weapons. It also seeks to derive implications through case studies of military manpower policies in major countries such as the United States, Japan, and Germany. The results show that in order to secure sustainable manpower for the Korean military, it is necessary to increase the proportion of female soldiers, review the voluntary recruitment system from a long-term perspective, minimize the power gap due to troop reduction, strengthen incentives for skilled manpower, and draw social consensus on improving the military service system and defense reform. This study is expected to contribute to the establishment of future military manpower policies in Korea.

본 연구는 한국의 급격한 저출산과 고령화로 인한 군 인력 부족 문제를 진단하고, 그에 대한 대응 방안을 모색하는 데 목적이 있다. 이를 위해 한국의 인구 구조 변화 추이와 군 인력 수급 전망을 분석하고, 여군 확대, 모병제 도입, 첨단 무기 도입 등 주요 대안을 평가하였다. 또한 미국, 일본, 독일 등 주요국의 군 인력 정책 사례를 통해 시사점을 도출하고자 하였다. 연구 결과, 한국군의 지속가능한 인력 확보를 위해서는 여군 비율 제고, 장기적 관점의 모병제 검토, 병력 감축에 따른 전력 공백 최소화, 숙련 인력에 대한 인센티브 강화, 병역제도 개선과 국방개혁에 대한 사회적 합의 도출 등이 필요한 것으로 나타났다. 본 연구는 향후 한국군의 인력 정책 수립에 기여할 것으로 기대된다.

Keywords

References

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