South Korean Military May Soon Be Allowed To Use Mobile Phones Off-duty

The South Korean Military of Defense began conducting a three-month pilot program on Monday, to allow all rank-and-file soldiers to use their mobile phones after completing their daily duties.

The MoD will decide whether it could be implemented in the future once the trail period ends, according to a report by Yonhap News Agency.

Since April last year, it has expanded the number of military units whose soldiers are allowed to use their mobile phones, in phases. The pilot program involves all soldiers in the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps.

Under the measure, soldiers are to keep their individual phones at designated places and will be allowed to freely use them at all on-base places except for high security areas between 6:00 p.m. and 10 p.m. on weekdays and between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. on holidays.

The use of cell phones had been banned for security reasons previously- filming photos and videos, and recording sound were prohibited.

The soldiers were allowed to spend four hours off base twice a month on weekends after work. The implementation of the program soon followed. It helps in providing having sufficient rest before military maneuvers and also promotes a positive social presence, the report said.