Key Summary

On September 1, 2026, the Military Manpower Administration selected 1,837 KATUSA soldiers scheduled to enlist in 2027 through a public computerized lottery. A total of 16,240 people applied, resulting in an average competition ratio of 8.8 to 1.

Public-domain group photograph of South Korean KATUSA soldiers before graduating from the KATUSA Training Center in 1998
Group photograph of South Korean KATUSA soldiers before graduating from the KATUSA Training Center in 1998 · Wikimedia Commons · Public domain · TSGT JAMES MOSSMAN

The selection results were to be published on the Military Manpower Administration website at 5 p.m. on September 1. Successful applicants would be notified individually via AlimTalk or text message and email.

The key figures confirmed in this year’s KATUSA selection are “1,837 selected” and “16,240 applicants.”

Essential Facts

  • Number of KATUSA soldiers selected for 2027 enlistment: 1,837
  • Number of applicants: 16,240
  • Average competition ratio: 8.8 to 1
  • Monthly planned intake: 167 each month from January through May and from July through December
  • June enlistment plan: None

The monthly competition ratio was highest in January at 10.9 to 1. From October through December, it was 7.5 to 1 in each month.

Background in One Line

KATUSA soldiers are selected through a public process associated with the Korean Augmentation Troops to the United States Army. Those selected complete six weeks of basic military training at the Korea Army Training Center, followed by three weeks of specialized training at the KATUSA Training Center.

The reason for the surge in searches related to the Military Manpower Administration cannot be confirmed as a single issue. However, searches related to the day’s public KATUSA selection results and the Jeonbuk enlistment culture festival were both recorded.

The Jeonbuk Regional Military Manpower Administration held an active-duty enlistment culture festival on June 30, 2026, at the 35th Infantry Division in Imsil County. The official event report documented a photo zone, a letter-writing activity, a coffee truck, a lucky-draw roulette, public access to recruit training center barracks and dining facilities, and an exhibition of military-issue supplies.

Next Schedule

The 2027 KATUSA enlistment selection results could first be checked on the Military Manpower Administration website at 5 p.m. on September 1. Successful applicants would receive individual notifications via AlimTalk or text message and email.

Because enlistment culture festival schedules may change according to Military Manpower Administration notices, relevant individuals should check both their individual enlistment notices and the latest official announcements.

Source Check

  • [Military Manpower Administration, Public Selection of KATUSA Soldiers Scheduled for 2027 Enlistment](https://www.mma.go.kr/board/boardView.do?gesipan_id=15&gsgeul_no=1522971&mc=mma0000392) — Checked September 1, 2026
  • [Newsis, 1,837 KATUSA Soldiers Selected for Enlistment Next Year… Average Competition Ratio 8.8 to 1](https://mobile.newsis.com/view/NISX20260901_0003772026) — Checked September 1, 2026
  • [Jeonbuk Regional Military Manpower Administration, 2026 Active-Duty Enlistment Culture Festival at the 35th Division](https://www.mma.go.kr/festival/board/boardView.do?gesipan_id=435&gsgeul_no=1522616&jbc_gonggibodo=0&mc=mma0003038) — Checked September 1, 2026
  • [Military Manpower Administration, 2026 Enlistment Culture Festival Schedule](https://www.mma.go.kr/festival/board/boardView.do?gesipan_id=399&gsgeul_no=1521831&mc=mma0003016) — Checked September 1, 2026