Military Leader Min Aung Hlaing Promotes His Trusted Ally to Key Position

On December 18, military leader Min Aung Hlaing promoted his trusted ally, Lieutenant General Kyaw Swar Linn, to the role of Commander-in-Chief (Army, Navy, and Air Force Coordination), alongside his previous positions as Joint Chief of Staff (Army). This promotion elevates Kyaw Swar Linn to the position of the third-ranking leader in the military hierarchy, with a promotion from Lieutenant General to General.

Observers within the military community interpret this promotion as preparation for Kyaw Swar Linn to potentially take over the role of Commander-in-Chief in the future. Military sources also indicate that Min Aung Hlaing plans to run for the presidency in the 2025 elections to assume the role of a civilian president.

Kyaw Swar Linn, who is in his early 50s, was entrusted with the role of Commander-in-Chief of Coordination, a move seen as grooming him for the future top military position. However, within the military ranks, discontent has arisen as Kyaw Swar Linn, who has never participated in active combat, has been appointed as the No. 3 leader in charge of Army, Navy, and Air Force coordination.

Military Background of Kyaw Swar Linn

Kyaw Swar Linn graduated from the 35th intake of the Defense Services Academy and served as Central Command Commander in 2018. By May 2020, he was promoted to Lieutenant General and appointed as Joint Chief of Staff. In 2023, he was assigned the role of Joint Chief of Staff (Army). Despite his rise through the ranks, military insiders note that he has never participated in combat, instead serving primarily in administrative roles within military headquarters. Many attribute his promotions to his close relationship with Min Aung Hlaing.

Kyaw Swar Linn is said to revere Min Aung Hlaing as a mentor or father figure, similar to how Min Aung Hlaing once revered Than Shwe. Military insiders describe Kyaw Swar Linn as Min Aung Hlaing’s loyal protégé, carefully groomed for high-ranking positions.

Strategic Promotion

Min Aung Hlaing's decision to promote Kyaw Swar Linn to General at a relatively young age suggests a deliberate strategy to ensure loyalty and eliminate potential threats. Military insiders have expressed dissatisfaction with Kyaw Swar Linn’s lack of combat experience and his rapid rise, attributing it to Min Aung Hlaing’s favoritism.

Despite criticisms, Kyaw Swar Linn has positioned himself as a leader with integrity, frequently emphasizing his claim of being free from corruption, unlike his predecessor, Lieutenant General Moe Myint Tun. Military insiders suggest that Min Aung Hlaing values Kyaw Swar Linn’s unwavering loyalty and his avoidance of forming factions within the military.

Personal Background

Kyaw Swar Linn hails from a modest background in the Angyi neighborhood of Dala Township, Yangon Region. Born into poverty, his mother reportedly supported the family by selling beans and working in markets. His humble origins and lack of a significant economic background are seen as factors that make him a non-threatening successor for Min Aung Hlaing.

Conclusion

Kyaw Swar Linn’s appointment as the third-ranking military leader is widely viewed within military circles as a calculated move by Min Aung Hlaing to ensure a loyal successor who poses no threat to his long-term ambitions. While his rise is controversial, his close relationship with Min Aung Hlaing has secured him a critical role in Myanmar’s military hierarchy.