SEOUL, Aug. 25 (Yonhap) -- The defense ministry will hold a public hearing this week to collect opinions over its plan to integrate the academies of the three military branches, officials said Tuesday.

The public hearing is scheduled to take place at 2 p.m. Wednesday and will include debate between professionals and an inquiry session, according to the ministry.

The move comes as the ministry pushes to combine the military academies of the Army, Navy and Air Force into a single institution at Jaundae, a compound of military training and education facilities in the central city of Daejeon. The plan is part of President Lee Jae Myung's election campaign pledge.

During the hearing, six participants, including graduates of the military academies and professors, will engage in debate, followed by a Q&A session.

The ministry said it will closely monitor various perspectives from the hearing and draw up an optimal plan for the envisioned establishment of the "National Military Academy."

The drive for the integrated military academy has faced strong opposition from the armed forces, as they argue each military service requires specialized training tailored to their distinct operational environment.

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