$1.66 lunch for police officers and soldiers

When I received basic military training at a boot camp in Nonsan, South Chungcheong Province, in late 1986, trainees were forced to finish their meals just minutes after they started eating. I was assigned to a U.S. military base in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, two months later. I could not believe my eyes when I entered a mess hall. Soldiers were enjoying thick steaks at a "restaurant" with quiet music playing in the background. I could drink milk and juice as much as I wanted. As I stood in front of a chicken counter, a blonde U.S. soldier wearing a corporal rank insignia asked me with a smile, "Leg or breast?" Though she was referring to the chicken part, I flushed after hearing those words from the first woman I saw in two months.

There were more surprises. When U.S. troops went out for a winter field exercise, they first installed a shower tent with plenty of hot water. I wondered how an army with such comfort and abundant supply of everything could wage war properly. I thought that soldiers could show a fighting spirit only when cold and hungry.

Most of the U.S. soldiers were also extremely sincere about their jobs. They did their best in field training. Even on weekends, when they had no official physical exercises, they jogged on the field to maintain their physical condition. As the old saying goes, one can have etiquette with sufficient clothing and food. Soldier etiquette is the core of military discipline.

According to recent news reports, meals provided for Korean riot and auxiliary policemen cost 1,940 won (1.66 U.S. dollars) per person. The cost for meals for soldiers is similar, much less than the average cost of 2,457 won (2.10 dollars) for meals for elementary school students in Seoul. While the riot and auxiliary officers` duty is to assist police officers, they are the ones who stand on the frontlines at violent demonstrations and police play a complementary role. Certain riot and auxiliary officers even shine shoes and iron uniforms for police and frequently suffer on-base human rights abuses. They often cannot have meals on time because of illegal rallies occurring day and night. They deserve better meals.

Last year, the National Assembly set aside 9.8 billion won (8.36 million dollars) to improve meals for riot and auxiliary police officers. This amount was nullified, however, when parliament passed its budget at year`s end. Also last year, the budget of 5 billion won (4.27 million dollars) to improve soldiers` meals was appropriated for handling military accidents. The small meal budget should not be cut or used for other purposes. Even if the Korean military has multi-billion-dollar Aegis destroyers and airborne warning and control system aircraft, it simply cannot grow into a strong military when soldiers are left without proper basic necessities.

Editorial Writer Lee Hyeong-sam (hans@donga.com)