SeoulTech Successfully Holds Air Force Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Inauguration Ceremony
- SeoulTech’s Air Force Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, the only Training Corps in the Seoul region to recruit male cadets
- Reserve Officers’ Training Corps established in SeoulTech on the 23rd, Gyeongsang National University on the 25th, and Sookmyung Women's University on March 2nd.

□ SeoulTech, with President Lee Dong-hoon presiding, held the inauguration ceremony of the SeoulTech Air Force Reserve Officers’ Training Corps at the 100th Anniversary Auditorium in Gongneung-dong, Nowon-gu, Seoul on the Wednesday, February 23rd.

□ The event was attended by SeoulTech and military officials, including SeoulTech President, Lee Dong-hoon; Vice President of Education, Kim Seong-hwan; Vice President of Research and Planning, Park Mi-jeong; Dean of Graduate School, Kim Seong-gon; Air Force Academy Commander, Lee Seon-doo ; Commander of Education, Park Woong; Department of Educational Affairs Head, Sung Ki-moon; Minister of Public Administration, Yoon Chang-ho; and ten air force officer candidates. 

□ Until last year, the Air Force had trained approximately 170 officers every year, across three universities. However, after the reduction of the mandatory military service period, recruitment rates for officers decreased due to the difficulty in acquiring officer status. The Air Force decided to create additional officer training schools to address this problem and secure stable and flexible recruitment. 

□ Previously, Air Force Reserve Officers’ Training Corps were installed and operated in three universities only: Korea Aerospace University, Hanseo University, and Korea Transportation University. Additional Air Force Reserve Officers’ Training Corps were established at SeoulTech on the Wednesday, February 23rd, Gyeongsang National University on the Friday, February 25th, and Sookmyung Women's University on Wednesday, March 2nd. Yonsei University is also scheduled to establish an Air Force Reserve Officers’ Training Corps by the end of this year.

□ Stable employment as an officer is guaranteed through the Air Force Reserve Officers’ Training Corps. In addition to this, ROTC scholarships are provided to cadets (Four million won during the first semester of the third academic year, which must be returned upon withdrawal from the program). In addition, cadets receive various welfare benefits, including opportunities for domestic cultural exploration and self-development.

□ SeoulTech's Air Force Reserve Officers’ Training Corps completed its selection of candidates last year. Two weeks of basic military training were initiated on the 14th. Officer candidates are educated in areas that include officer duties, military life, combat stamina, and the core values of the Air Force. From March, academic study and military training will continue simultaneously. 

□ During the semester, officer candidates will receive six hours of military education per week, including military and mental strength training. During the summer of the third academic year and the winter of the fourth academic year, candidates enlist in the Air Force Education and Training Command Center’s basic military training team and undergo intensive training. Upon passing all tests, candidates are commissioned as second lieutenants after graduation and will begin compulsory service for three years.

□ SeoulTech is the only Air Force Reserve Officers Training Corps in the Seoul area that accepts male students (20 male students, 3 female students). SeoulTech plans on beginning ‘Air School' during 'Discovery Semesters,’ in order to provide training for Air Force officer candidates. The 'Discovery Semester' is a special academic system at SeoulTech, designed to supplement regular classes and support student-led self-development efforts during summer break.

□ SeoulTech President Lee Dong-hoon said, “SeoulTech is delighted to support the training programs for outstanding Air Force officers with our specialty in space, cyber/electromagnetic waves, and infrastructure.” Lee promised, “we will continue to support the students of the Air Force Reserve Officers’ Training Corps.” 

□ Air Force Education Commander, Park Woong said, “I sincerely congratulate the establishment of the SeoulTech Air Force Reserve Officers’ Training Corps on behalf of the entire Air Force.” Commander Park urged the new cadets to “keep the core values of the Air Force in their daily lives and grow into elite airmen who will lead the Air Force.”