“With Confidence, Vitality, and a Sense of Mission, Become the Light of the Armed Forces”

Ahn Gyu-back delivers congratulatory remarks at the 66th commencement and commissioning ceremony of the Armed Forces Nursing Academy.

Calls for rebuilding a military of the people and brightening the future of the ROK Armed Forces.

Urges saving comrades' lives on the medical frontline.

Calls on graduates to answer the nation's call as dedicated officers and true soldiers.

Minister Ahn Gyu-back urged three key values in his congratulatory address to newly commissioned nursing officers starting their careers as "guardian angels" of the Armed Forces at the 66th commencement and commissioning ceremony of the Armed Forces Nursing Academy on March 4, 2026. They are: a generational confidence forged through overcoming crises, frontline vitality in operational fields, and a sense of mission to answer the nation's calling.

Minister Ahn reminded these graduates that the Republic of Korea stands at a critical juncture in overcoming severe security challenges and transitioning to an independent national defense that leads the combined defense posture by regaining wartime operational control (OPCON) within his term. He called today's newly commissioned nursing officers "flagbearers of light" to meet the calling of the times, noting they have grown while experiencing the national crisis of insurrection, engraving in their hearts the values of democracy and constitutional preservation. He said, "I urge you to rebuild the military of the people with your splendid sense of confidence and brighten the future of the Republic of Korea Armed Forces."

He continued, "While modern battlefields based on advanced science and technology demand fundamental enhancement of military medical service levels, advanced systems and equipment hold no meaning if they are not effectively realized in the field. Medical service must be completed in the field by personnel themselves." In particular, Minister Ahn urged, "Amid the reality of a demographic cliff, each soldier is a valuable being that cannot be replaced by anything. I hope you will always keep in mind that your frontline vitality saves the lives of your comrades and becomes the power to protect the Republic of Korea."

Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back delivers his congratulatory address.

Minister Ahn also stated, "One officer is born in a family, educated in schools, and cultivated by the nation. The rank insignia on your shoulder represents the weight of responsibility entrusted to you by the state, beyond your personal honor." He added, "It is the duty of the state to be completely responsible for the lives and safety of its troops. You are the ones who fulfill this duty in the field. I ask you to serve with a sense of mission as nursing professionals and true soldiers answering the nation's calling."

Lastly, Minister Ahn said, "Boldly march as the light of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Korea, like your class nickname Onbit , which means to illuminate the whole world. I will walk that path with you." He promised, "Together with you, I will surely build a nation where the people show respect simply for the fact of wearing a uniform, and a military where the title of officer becomes a symbol of trust."

By Byeong-No, Yun <[email protected] >

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