Pyongyang: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has visited a military academy in Pyongyang, emphasizing the need to educate soldiers on "the actual experiences of modern warfare" and master rapidly advanced weapons, state media reported Wednesday.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim inspected the Kang Kon Military Academy, the most prestigious commanding officers training center, marking his second consecutive day of visiting a military education institution. On Monday, Kim visited the Kim Il Sung University of Politics, where he stressed the "ideology-first" principle and loyalty in building a powerful military.
During Tuesday's inspection, Kim referred to the current international situation, stating, "The aggressive and bellicose nature of the imperialists is most openly expressed," while "war and bloodshed become commonplaces," as reported by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). He highlighted the need for the DPRK's armed forces to be fully prepared for war.
Kim outlined the importance of "intensifying the military practice-centered education" and ensuring that all students are equipped with knowledge of modern warfare experiences. He emphasized the need to master advanced weapons, combat, and technical equipment, and to develop commanding abilities suited to modern warfare.
The remarks were made amid concerns that North Korea's deployment of troops to support Russia in its conflict with Ukraine may provide the North with valuable modern warfare experiences. Kim also stressed the importance of instilling "the resolute revolutionary consciousness to make revolution" in students before imparting military knowledge.
Kim called for preparing students to become "fighters of combat type," skilled in marksmanship, combat methods, and possessing strong physical abilities. During his visit, Kim observed faculty and students participating in demonstrations of the Korean martial art Kyoksul, a live shooting contest, and exercises with multipurpose apparatuses, as reported by the KCNA.
A photo published by the Rodong Sinmun newspaper depicted Kim in a room with a poster reading, "Annihilate and sweep out the outrageous puppet South Korean scum to the very last person." The Kang Kon Military Academy, located in Pyongyang, is named after the first chief of the general staff of the Korean People's Army, who died during the Korean War. The academy is responsible for training entry-level commanders for North Korea's armed forces.