Conscription in South Korea
The basis for military conscription in South Korea is the Constitution of the Republic of Korea, which was promulgated on July 17, 1948. The constitution states in Article 39, "All citizens shall have the duty of national defense under the conditions as prescribed by Act." The Military Service Act of 1949, which was implemented in 1957, specified that compulsory military service is required for men ages 19 or older. Conscription is managed by the Military Manpower Administration, which was created in 1948.
Officer candidate school
The Republic of Korea Army has the highest number of officer candidates each year. Prospective applicants must submit the application form for consideration. All applicants must hold bachelor's degree, unless they are currently non-commissioned officers in an active duty, or hold specialized certifications or licenses, such as doctors and attorneys. Most applicants will take the exam, physical tests, and several interviews for consideration. Admitted applicants are ordered enlistment in the Army Cadet Military School in Goesan. As of graduation, candidates earn a commission with the rank of Second Lieutenant.