North Korea has begun implementing a decision to integrate young talent into the Academic Research Institute of the Military Strategy Research Center under the Korean People’s Army (KPA)’s General Staff Department, traditionally a domain of senior military figures.
A Daily NK source in the North Korean military, speaking anonymously, revealed last Thursday that the KPA’s party committee plans to significantly lower the age of officials at the institute by mid-July, following a decision announced on January 29.
The KPA’s party committee decided to deploy outstanding recent graduates of Kim Jong Il Political Military University to active units and the institute simultaneously. This breaks from the previous practice of placing retired older commanders at the institute.
“This decision aims to execute the Central Committee’s modern military strategy more practically by strengthening the institute with capable young and experienced military strategists,” the source explained.
The KPA’s party committee views this as a “strategic turning point,” transforming the institute into a “new brain trust” that can effectively respond to external military changes.
The committee hopes this move will drive competition in military strategy research, improving the military’s overall operational capacity. The institute will now conduct regular personnel evaluations, with additional reshuffles throughout the year.
However, some Kim Jong Il Political Military University graduates are reluctant to join the institute. They express concerns about limited promotion opportunities, with some viewing it as a place for those “put out to pasture.”
“While the KPA’s party committee aims to enhance military strategy research and improve responsiveness to external changes, the internal atmosphere prioritizing personal development and promotions may pose challenges to the success of this new policy,” the source said.
Daily NK works with a network of sources living in North Korea, China, and elsewhere. Their identities remain anonymous for security reasons.
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