Improving Infectious Disease Response and Management Capabilities in the Korean Military

Military units are highly vulnerable to infectious disease outbreaks because of communal living and frequent field training, yet military infectious disease education remains largely theory-based, limiting practical response capacity. This study aimed to (1) assess current practices and educational needs in military field settings, (2) develop a scenario-based education and training program reflecting the military context, and (3) provide evidence for a standardized prevention and management system through pilot testing and satisfaction surveys.

Focus group interviews (FGIs) were conducted with 37 completers of the 2025 military epidemiological investigator course to identify field practices and needs. Based on the findings, problem-based learning (PBL) materials were developed for seven infectious diseases. A tabletop-exercise pilot was delivered to 40 Navy and Air Force infection control personnel, and field applicability was evaluated through post-training self-report questionnaires and qualitative feedback. A civilian-government-military advisory board provided stepwise consultation throughout.

FGIs identified four major barriers: guideline ambiguity, insufficient resources and tools, excessive workload from dual reporting, and rapid knowledge decay after short training. In the pilot, 95-100% of participants (n=40) responded positively across all six self-reported criteria, including competency, military relevance, and educational efficiency. Qualitative feedback identified procedural clarity and cross-unit experience sharing as key satisfaction drivers.

Field-oriented, scenario-based PBL can strengthen military infectious disease response beyond theory alone. This requires standardizing military epidemiological investigation and reporting, institutionalizing routine provision and operation of essential resources, and establishing a standing civilian-government-military body and joint practical training to offset military-only resource constraints.