Korean Air Force looking for a few good gamers

Turns out the American military isn't the only fighting force looking to those with gaming skillz to fill its ranks. South Korea's Air Force is looking to recruit a handful of pro gamers to help improve training programs. After boot camp, the gamers will be assigned to a special office where they'll help develop flight and battle sims. While in the military, they'll still be able to compete in online tournaments, but won't be allowed to play for money. However, given that Korea has mandatory military service for men over 20, these guys would have to gear up in green anyhow, and now they'll know upfront that any battlefield they land on will be strictly virtual.

[Via Joystiq]

[Andrew @ Mar 21st 2006 3:35PM]

Random comment, the worlds best starcraft player at one time, "boxer" had to stop playing starcraft becuase he had to join the military (or so I was told by a Korean is my school when I asked what ever happened to Boxer)

Most of the Korean boys in my class are actually 2-3 years older than me because they have already served in the military. Same goes for the Singaporeans...

[John @ Mar 21st 2006 3:50PM]

I was hoping for a picture of a Chinese fighter jet.

[zverg @ Mar 21st 2006 4:13PM]

I guess I'm the only one who doesn't think this is quite appropriate for engadget. I want posts that tell me about exciting new products, not about some korean air force announcement that is only "tech news" because it calls for gamers.

I already have a source for "tech news", thank you very much.

Keep doing what you do best... gadgets.

[J @ Mar 21st 2006 4:23PM]

my bf just linked this site to me. i think he wants me to join. can girls join? =X

[Davido @ Mar 21st 2006 4:28PM]

Zverg, the future of military will be without any pilot - you can call it "gadget" or "tech news" or whatever. :)

[dietcokeupmynose @ Mar 21st 2006 4:58PM]

"2. I was hoping for a picture of a Chinese fighter jet."

lol! I almost snorted diet coke out of my nose when I read that!

[former Sega employee @ Mar 21st 2006 5:22PM]

Star Fox anyone?

[Justin @ Mar 21st 2006 7:15PM]

Ooo, I'm all over this like a bad Northern neighbor on destroying basic human rights!

[grafix @ Mar 21st 2006 9:01PM]

actually South Korea has been doing this for a while. but its not like anyone can sign up for it; you, of course, have to pass the "gaming test"

[Chadwick @ Mar 21st 2006 11:07PM]

Maybe this settles the argument of whether gamers are a kind of athlete?