North Korea is making efforts to ensure its military educational institutions start classes in May, Daily NK has learned.
An order handed down by military authorities on Apr. 11 approved the issuing of various travel permits, driving permits and other travel-related documents to newly matriculating students at military academies and military universities, Daily NK military sources reported on Apr. 16.
While North Korea has thus far only allowed special military personnel such as couriers to travel freely in the country, the new order appears to be the first time other military personnel have been allowed more freedom of movement.
North Korea’s military educational institutions typically start classes in May and Daily NK sources suggested that the move is part of a broader strategy to show that the military is still strong despite the COVID-19 pandemic. North Korea has continued efforts, for example, to begin the process of identifying next year’s recruits.
Daily NK sources further reported that the incoming students are to arrive at their respective unit commands by Apr. 19 and that they would depart for their schools by Apr. 20.
The new entrants will reportedly undergo extensive health examinations and receive documents certifying they are in good health.
While ideological training will be conducted this year before school starts, just as it has in the past, the soldiers will be meeting in smaller groups – perhaps “out of concern for COVID-19,” one source said.
*Translated by Violet Kim
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