The Responsibility of National Defense is Not Solely for the Military, Says Coup Leader

 

General Min Aung Hlaing, the leader of Myanmar's military junta, stated on December 23 during the graduation ceremony of the 11th batch of female officer cadets at the Officer Training School in Hmawbi, Yangon, that the responsibility of national defense is not solely the duty of the armed forces. He emphasized that it is a duty inherent to all citizens, regardless of gender or age.

He urged current female military personnel to continually practice the knowledge imparted during their training, remain vigilant, and always be combat-ready. He stressed adherence to three key principles: constant practice, military alertness, and readiness for battle.

Additionally, the junta leader stated that, beyond defending the nation, the military is also tasked with fulfilling national political duties. To achieve this, unity both within and outside the military is crucial, and he highlighted the importance of solidarity among military personnel and their families.

Since the coup, the military junta has faced significant challenges, including the depletion of its troops, defections to resistance groups, and the surrender of soldiers on the battlefield. In response, the junta has implemented the Public Service Military Act, forcibly recruiting young people into the military. Currently, the junta has conducted up to the 8th batch of military recruitment training.

According to a report released on October 19 by the Burma Associated Conflict Studies (BACS), over 20,000 recruits were forcibly enlisted during the first five rounds of recruitment, many of whom were deployed to the front lines and suffered casualties. Moreover, the People’s Embrace organization reported on December 12 that underage recruits were also included in the junta’s forced recruitment campaigns.