South Korean army to resume reserve forces' field training in full-scale format in 2023

South Korea's military plans to restore its field training for reserve forces to pre-pandemic levels this year, the South Korean Defence Ministry said Tuesday, after three years of coronavirus-driven suspension or reduction.
Starting from March 2, the field drills will proceed in a full-scale format, according to the ministry. They were suspended in 2020 and 2021, and partially restored last year.
At the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, the military suspended the training program -- the first such cancellation since the country introduced it in 1968.
The ministry said it will enforce a set of antivirus measures, considering the ongoing Covid-19 situation.
The full-scale resumption comes as the country has lifted all its antivirus rules, except an indoor mask mandate.
All able-bodied South Korean men are required to serve in the military for at least 18 months in a country that constantly faces North Korea's military threats. They must also serve as reservists for about eight years from their discharge.