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BTS in the Military: From Special Forces to Elite Instructors – A Look at Their Remarkable Service Journey

All seven BTS members have completed their mandatory military service as of June 21, 2025. Each took on different roles—V in special forces, Jin and j-hope as drill instructors, RM in the military band, Jimin as artillery squad leader, and Jungkook.

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Abhilasha Pathak
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the BTS members

the BTS members

As the global K-pop phenomenon BTS prepares to reunite in June 2025 following the discharge of its final member, SUGA, fans worldwide are reflecting on the group’s inspiring journey through South Korea’s mandatory military service. Over the past two years, all seven members of BTS took on diverse roles in the military, each earning accolades for their discipline, leadership, and dedication to national duty. Here's a detailed look at what each BTS member did during their military service and the prestigious honors they earned.

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Military Honors: What Do They Mean?

In South Korea's armed forces, titles such as Special Warrior, Elite Trainee, and Platoon Leader are not easily won—they are awarded to soldiers who demonstrate excellence in shooting, endurance, leadership, and discipline. These honors come with rigorous physical training, performance evaluations, and an unwavering commitment to serve.

BTS Members and Their Military Roles

1. V (Kim Taehyung) – Special Forces Officer (SDT)

  • Unit: Military Police’s Special Duty Team (SDT)

  • Rank & Titles: Sergeant, Special Warrior, Platoon Leader, Exemplary Shooter

  • Highlights: Trained in elite counter-terrorism and urban warfare units. Despite sustaining a cracked rib during training, Taehyung excelled and was honored with multiple prestigious titles. His role required intense physical strength, mental fortitude, and tactical excellence.

2. Jin (Kim Seok-jin) – Assistant Drill Instructor

  • Unit: 5th Infantry Division

  • Rank & Titles: Special Warrior, Company Commander Trainee

  • Highlights: The first BTS member to enlist, Jin, topped his basic training class and later served as an Assistant Drill Instructor. His leadership and physical performance earned him an early promotion and the coveted Special Warrior title.

3. J-Hope (Jung Ho-seok) – Assistant Drill Instructor

  • Rank & Titles: Special Warrior

  • Highlights: j-hope earned the Special Warrior recognition and won the Army’s Strong Warrior Speech Contest. His dedication and professionalism in guiding recruits reflected his strong leadership.

4. Jimin (Park Ji-min) – Artillery Squad Leader

  • Unit: Artillery Fire Direction Center

  • Rank & Titles: Special Grade Soldier, Best Trainee Award

  • Highlights: From earning the Best Trainee award during boot camp to leading an artillery squad, Jimin stood out in marksmanship, endurance, and leadership, eventually attaining the title of Special Grade Soldier.

5. RM (Kim Nam-joon) – Military Band Leader & Chaplain Assistant

  • Rank & Titles: Platoon Leader, Elite Trainee

  • Highlights: The group’s leader served in the Military Band, providing music at official events and serving as a Chaplain Assistant. He was rapidly promoted for his discipline and was named Elite Trainee, later earning the position of Platoon Leader.

6. Jungkook (Jeon Jung-kook) – Lead Cook Soldier

  • Rank & Titles: Sergeant

  • Highlights: Jungkook served as the Lead Cook in his unit, a physically demanding role involving daily meal preparation for hundreds of soldiers. His commitment earned him an early promotion to the rank of Sergeant.

7. SUGA (Min Yoon-gi) – Public Service Worker

  • Service Type: Alternative Service due to medical condition

  • Highlights: Owing to a prior shoulder injury, SUGA completed his duties as a Public Service Worker under South Korea’s alternative military system. Though not in active combat, his role was equally vital and recognized. He will be discharged on June 21, 2025, officially marking BTS's full return.

Beyond the Stage: A Legacy of Honor

From elite drill instructors to special forces operatives and supportive roles like military band and cooking, BTS members showed exceptional adaptability and commitment. Their service journey highlighted not just personal resilience but also a broader message of national pride and responsibility.

With the final discharge of SUGA, BTS will be reunited as OT7, setting the stage for their much-awaited comeback. Their time in the military is now an integral chapter of their legacy—one that mirrors the same dedication they’ve shown to their craft, fans, and now, their country.

Also Read:

Top BTS Tracks to Revisit Before the Band’s Grand Reunion in June 2025

Military BTS
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