It was confirmed that a total of 21 people submitted applications within two days after the acceptance of transfer to alternative stations due to freedom of conscience such as religious beliefs began.

According to the Military Manpower Administration on the 1st, 21 requests for transfer to the alternative station were received through the website of the alternative station judging committee from 9 am to 4 pm on the 30th of last month.

All 21 applications are online, and registrations can be accepted from the next month.

An official from the Military Manpower Administration said, “There are many documents to submit, and the number of applicants on the first day of reception seems to be less than expected,” and said, “The number of applicants will gradually increase as the service will start in October.”

Applicants were reported to have submitted online transfer applications, affidavit, affidavit of parents and neighbors (3 or more), and a copy of the records of details of elementary, middle and high school life online.

After reviewing the documents, the jury will begin to investigate the facts such as a statement, school life records, etc., and interviews with neighbors.

Then, five judges pre-screen and 29 judges make final judgments such as citation, rejection, and dismissal.

The jury plans to establish the criteria for judging the applicant's conscience during this month.

Judging standards are based on ▲ the reality of the conscience (is there a conscience entity) ▲ the truth of the conscience (whether the conscience is true and not false) ▲ the binding power of the conscience (whether the conscience dominates all of life)?

In addition, the case of conscientious objection to military service and cases of foreign alternative service are expected to be reflected in the screening criteria.

Persons transferred to alternative stations will be convened as substitute service personnel from October.

They serve in camps for 36 months without military training at the correctional facilities, and assist with food, health, and facility management.

Convoy convoys and vigilance have been excluded from alternative service personnel because of the possibility of carrying weapons.

The government is also planning to expand plans to expand the employment of alternative service personnel currently limited to correctional facilities to social welfare facilities and fire departments.

(Photo = Yonhap News)