Computerized random draw introduced to ease recruits’ pre-induction burden
The Military Manpower Administration publicly selected 4,079 Air Force general-technical recruits scheduled to enlist in the second half of 2026 by computerized random draw on the 23rd, with the agency’s internal evaluation committee and military officials in attendance. During the public selection, an external IT specialist briefed attendees on the verification results of the selection program. Three attendees were chosen at random to provide the initial random-seed values, which were entered into the system; the system then automatically selected candidates by enlistment month.
A total of 13,491 applicants applied for Air Force general enlistment for the second half of the year, and 4,079 candidates were selected. Applicants who have not yet completed their physical examinations must do so by June 18. Officials will conduct criminal background checks and confirm any disqualifying factors before finalizing selections on June 26.
Disqualifications include those who are not eligible for active-duty enlistment in grades 1–4, individuals sentenced to imprisonment or confinement (including suspended sentences), and applicants whose trials or disposition results remain unresolved seven days before the final selection announcement.
Hong So-young, commissioner of the Military Manpower Administration, said the computerized random selection system for Air Force general recruits was introduced to reduce the logistical and preparatory burden on applicants. “We will continue to refine the system to ensure fulfilling military service causes as little disruption as possible,” she said.
