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'Number One Supply Complaint' New Canteens Defective: Hundreds of Issues Reported by Frontline Units

[비즈한국] "They can't even change the canteens that have been used since the Korean War... what can you expect?" In the Netflix original series 'D.P.', Cho Seok-bong, who deserts after enduring harsh treatment by his seniors, says this to military police officer Han Ho-yeol, who comes to arrest him. The military-issued canteen is portrayed as a symbol of an "unchanging military," resonating with many soldiers and veterans alike.

The military has been phasing in new canteens by 2026 to address the canteen, which is often cited as the number one source of complaints regarding military supplies. However, it has been discovered that defective products have appeared among those delivered to frontline units, leading to a surge in complaints from soldiers.

According to BizHankook's investigation on the 2nd, some military-issued canteens supplied to units including the 1st Corps, the Special Warfare Command, and the 2nd Rapid Response Division were found to have defects where the bottom would separate after boiling water sterilization. Company A, a small and medium-sized enterprise based in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, which supplied the problematic new canteens, delivered over 150,000 units through the Public Procurement Service's KONEPS from 2023 to last year. With a unit price of 22,600 KRW, the total contract value exceeds 3 billion KRW.

The military maintains the position that defects must never occur in military supplies, as they are essential for ensuring soldiers' survival and maintaining combat readiness. In particular, it was confirmed that the defective canteens were also delivered to several special forces units, including the Special Warfare Command. It is reported that another company, which supplied over 100,000 new canteens in 2021 and 2022, had zero reports of defects.

Company A explained that out of the 150,000 canteens delivered, only a few hundred were defective, and blamed the defects on blueprints provided by the Defense Agency for Technology and Quality (DTaQ). A representative from Company A stated, "The blueprint for the canteen, which was developed through a previous public-private research project, was flawed, and we manufactured the product based on the blueprint provided by DTaQ. The Procurement Quality Management Institute later confirmed the blueprint error, but only after the canteens had already been delivered." They emphasized, "We are modifying the blueprint to make them a single piece or to ensure the bottom does not detach, and we are receiving new orders."

Until 2018, canteens were delivered through direct contracts between the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) and suppliers, but this changed to a bidding system via the Public Procurement Service in 2019. Before 2022, two types of canteens were supplied—single-layer and insulated—but it is understood that they were standardized to single-layer canteens after 2023. Single-layer canteens are difficult to carry when filled with hot water in the winter, and the water freezes quickly in extreme cold, making it impossible to drink. It is also difficult to keep ice water cold in the summer. Critics point out that condensation forms on the surface, the water quickly becomes lukewarm over time, and there are hygiene concerns.

Additionally, while single-layer canteens have the advantage of being easy to manufacture using stainless steel, they have the disadvantage of being difficult to produce as a single, seamless piece. An official from a manufacturer that has made thermoses for 40 years explained, "General thermoses and canteens have different shapes. Military stainless steel canteens are difficult to make as a single piece, requiring advanced welding technology. The bottom, in particular, is subject to high impact and is prone to defects."

In fact, distrust of military goods procured through the Public Procurement Service is spreading among frontline military units. A military official emphasized, "Even the replaced canteens have only had their separated bottoms soldered back on, so they will likely separate again if sterilized in boiling water. The Public Procurement Service needs to pay more attention to military supply inspections and intervene more actively when problems arise in the future."

The biggest problem is that even if defective goods are produced or delivery is delayed, companies only receive minor point deductions and can still participate in future bids. Company A signed a contract to supply new canteens in 2023 and was required to complete delivery by December 31 of that year, but they delayed it for more than six months. Although this resulted in a 2-point deduction, it is reported that they earned 3 points in other categories, meaning there is no issue with their participation in this year's planned canteen projects.

In this regard, Company A explained that the delay was caused by a Ministry of National Defense audit. The company stated, "It was delayed because the Logistics Command instructed us to check new regulations and remanufacture the products. The Ministry of National Defense launched an audit, and the audit report, expected by June at the latest, will show that the delay was not the company's fault. There is no reason for the company to receive a 2-point deduction."

Furthermore, they added, "(The canteen) is metal, so it expands and contracts. Because it is a new development, we went through trial and error with the blueprints. We intend to change the blueprints going forward. The unit cost may increase, but we intend to solve the problem immediately. This year's delivery was also completed normally. We have taken measures so it won't come off even if you throw it or try to remove it with a hammer. Since we are aware of the defects, we are personally verifying them and replacing them immediately upon request."