Army training goes high-tech

By Jun Ji-hye

The Army has started test operations of a “smart recruit management system,” which utilizes the Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to comprehensively oversee the health conditions and training accomplishments of recruits.

“We introduced the system in one regiment in an Army recruit training center for test operation,” the Army said in a release, Monday.

The project to introduce the system was first launched on July 14, and development, testing and evaluations were completed earlier this month, the Army said.

The application of the system is the first project from an agreement between the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning, signed in May to realize the so-called “Creative National Defense,” under which the government plans to employ advanced technology to enhance military capabilities.

The smart management system operates by attaching devices to the wrists of recruits that automatically transmit information in real time such as location and training duration and progress to a personal digital assistant (PDA) watched by platoon leaders and instructors.

Then, platoon leaders and instructors send their evaluations of the basic training to a room where the information is scientifically and comprehensively analyzed and evaluated.

“The system enables the Army to more effectively monitor training situations,” the release said.

The wearable devices can evaluate the physical condition of each recruit by providing data including temperature, pulse and the amount of movement exerted in real time. The Army expects the system to prevent unexpected accidents as it will help detect signs of ill health in recruits in advance.

“A test operation in one regiment will be conducted by the end of next year,” an Army official said. “Then, the Army will review the possibility of extended application.”

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