North Korean leader Kim Jong Un recently visited a military academy that trains junior commanders. He emphasized the importance of developing command skills tailored for modern warfare and acquiring practical experience through a distinctly North Korean approach. His directive likely stems from lessons learned from North Korean troops’ involvement in Russia’s military operations.
The state-run newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, reported that on Wednesday, Kim assessed the current global situation, stating, “The imperialists’ aggression and warmongering are more blatant than ever before. In today’s world, where war and bloodshed have become commonplace, our armed forces must be fully prepared for conflict.”
Kim stressed the need to enhance military education, focusing on practical training. He instructed cadets to internalize real combat experiences from modern battlefields using North Korea’s unique methods, master cutting-edge weaponry and combat technologies, and develop command abilities suited for contemporary warfare. He also outlined specific guidelines to achieve these objectives.
This inspection follows Kim’s visit to the Kim Il Sung Political University on Monday, which trains military political officers. While these visits ostensibly mark the 80th anniversaries of both institutions, they follow reports about North Korean troops deserting during their deployment in Russia. This timing suggests Kim’s urgent need to bolster military morale and discipline.
Kim inspected key facilities, including the tactical research department, unit command management center, military geography research lab, and marksmanship training areas.
Kim reportedly criticized the management of educational facilities and the overall learning environment, stating they fall short of the party’s standards for building a modern, advanced military force. He remarked that the Korean People’s Army Party Committee and military education oversight departments have failed to fulfill their duties effectively. This rebuke addresses the lack of combat readiness and morale issues exposed by the recent Russian deployment.
Kim declared, “The military education sector has always been, and will forever remain, the vanguard of our efforts to strengthen our armed forces.” He called for the comprehensive military academy to be developed into a model institution for training commanders, embodying the latest educational practices, and spearheading the revitalization of the country’s military education system.
During his visit, Kim observed live-fire exercises and comprehensive physical training demonstrations by faculty and students and later posed for photographs with them. Key military officials, including Park Jung Cheon, Deputy Chairman of the Party’s Central Military Commission, and Defense Minister No Kwang Chol, accompanied Kim on this inspection.
Located near Pyongyang International Airport, the academy was founded in 1945 as part of Pyongyang Academy. In 1946, its military education component was separated and incorporated into the Central Security Personnel School. The academy underwent several name changes, becoming the First Military Academy and the Kang Kon Military Academy before settling on its current name in 1955.
The institution is named after General Kang Kon, the first Chief of Staff of the Korean People’s Army, who died during the Korean War. The latest name change to Kang Kon Military Academy was publicly revealed during the 75th anniversary parade of the Korean People’s Army in February 2023.