No double handshake for soldiers of opposite sexes
Defense Minister Han Min-koo speaks to lawmakers during a meeting to improve the military’s human rights and culture at the National Assembly in Seoul, Thursday. / Yonhap
Army to establish new regulations to prevent sex crimes
By Kang Seung-woo
A male soldier will be barred from a “double” handshake with a female soldier, while no socializing will be allowed between soldiers of opposite sexes of different ranks.
In addition, a soldier will be barred from entering the residence of another solider or officer of a higher rank.
These are some of the proposed rules now under review as the Army sets up a new code of conduct to prevent recurrences of a recent series of sex crimes in which male officers preyed on lower-ranked female soldiers.
The Army said Thursday that a ban is being considered that would prohibit the sending or receiving of obscene materials from colleagues of the opposite sex through social network services.
The potential punishment for violations was not released.
The Army will soon issue the new code of conduct after a legal review, spokesman Col. Ko Dong-heun said during a briefing.
“The Army decided Tuesday to formulate a new code of conduct during a video conference with commanders,” another Army officer said. The consultation was presided over by Chief of Staff Gen. Kim Yon-han.
The conference came after an Army colonel was arrested Tuesday on suspicion of raping a female subordinate on several occasions.
“The new rule will be designated as the order of the Army chief, which means it will be legally binding,” the officer said, adding that violators will face strong punishment.
However, incumbent and retired military officers are scratching their heads over the regulations now being considered.
“Unconditionally banning contact between male and female service members is, in a word, ineffective and only a temporary fix,” one said on condition of anonymity.
“Strict punishment in accordance with the types of sex offenses can only prevent sex crimes in the military, rather than continuing to revise regulations.”
A retired Navy officer said, “Whenever such a crime takes place inside the military, the authorities are busy patching up their regulations.
“However, they should strengthen comprehensive education for commanding officers that they are not allowed to sexually harass female subordinates, to reduce sex crimes.”
A retired Army officer expressed concern that the new regulations will adversely affect female service members in the long-term.
“Excessive prohibition on natural contact may prevent commanders from receiving female soldiers in their units to avoid any wrongdoings regarding sex,” he said.
Meanwhile, along with the review of the regulations, the military has carried out a two-week extensive investigation and face-to-face interviews with female staff sergeants, who are the biggest victims of sexual offenses, to uncover more instances of sexual abuse.
The Army has been in hot water for its mismanagement of service members and lax discipline in the wake of the recent sex crimes.
In October, an Army division commander, who was a major general, was arrested on charge of sexually abusing a female subordinate at his office on five occasions in August and September.