ID :
195948
Wed, 07/20/2011 - 06:26
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/195948
The shortlink copeid
Defense ministry to run random checks on Marine units: source
SEOUL, July 20 (Yonhap) -- The defense ministry will start running random inspections next month on all Marine Corps units to see if soldiers adhere to the new rules against abuses inside barracks, a military source said Wednesday.
"The ministry will form special inspection teams across different areas, such as operations and personnel, and will conduct random checks on Marine bases from August to the end of the year," the source said. "Soldiers and commanders who aren't making efforts to change their barracks culture and eliminate bad customs will be severely punished."
On Tuesday, the ministry introduced the new rules to help root out physical and verbal abuses that have been running rampant inside barracks.
Under the rules, which are legally binding, enlisted soldiers except for squad leaders are banned from ordering junior comrades to do things. The ministry reiterated its previous set of rules that physical, verbal and sexual harassment are strictly prohibited.
The moves were made in the aftermath of a 19-year-old Marine corporal opening fire on July 4 at his base on Ganghwa Island, near the tense maritime border with North Korea, killing four and injuring another. Investigators have said the shooter had been bullied and beaten up by fellow Marines.
According to the source, the special teams will visit Marine bases without notifying them.
"If these special inspectors spot bad practices among Marines, they will report to commanders and recommend the degree of punishment for such cases," the source said. "The ministry will decide later whether to expand these special inspections across all branches, after all military commanders complete their own inspection of their units next month."
The ministry is scheduled to hold a behind-closed-doors meeting later Wednesday on improving barracks culture, attended by ministry and military officials handling personnel affairs.
"The ministry will form special inspection teams across different areas, such as operations and personnel, and will conduct random checks on Marine bases from August to the end of the year," the source said. "Soldiers and commanders who aren't making efforts to change their barracks culture and eliminate bad customs will be severely punished."
On Tuesday, the ministry introduced the new rules to help root out physical and verbal abuses that have been running rampant inside barracks.
Under the rules, which are legally binding, enlisted soldiers except for squad leaders are banned from ordering junior comrades to do things. The ministry reiterated its previous set of rules that physical, verbal and sexual harassment are strictly prohibited.
The moves were made in the aftermath of a 19-year-old Marine corporal opening fire on July 4 at his base on Ganghwa Island, near the tense maritime border with North Korea, killing four and injuring another. Investigators have said the shooter had been bullied and beaten up by fellow Marines.
According to the source, the special teams will visit Marine bases without notifying them.
"If these special inspectors spot bad practices among Marines, they will report to commanders and recommend the degree of punishment for such cases," the source said. "The ministry will decide later whether to expand these special inspections across all branches, after all military commanders complete their own inspection of their units next month."
The ministry is scheduled to hold a behind-closed-doors meeting later Wednesday on improving barracks culture, attended by ministry and military officials handling personnel affairs.
