11-2-2024 (YANGON) In an effort to counter armed rebel forces seeking greater autonomy across the country, Myanmar’s military junta has announced mandatory military service for all young men and women, according to state media reports on Saturday.
Under the new directive, all men between the ages of 18 and 35 and women between the ages of 18 and 27 are required to serve in the military for a period of up to two years. Specialists such as doctors, up to the age of 45, are obligated to serve for three years. The state media noted that the service duration can be extended to a maximum of five years during the ongoing state of emergency.
Ever since the military staged a coup in 2021, Myanmar has been engulfed in turmoil. The Tatmadaw, as the military is known, has been facing significant personnel losses in recent months while combating a coordinated offensive by a coalition of three ethnic minority insurgent groups, along with pro-democracy fighters who have taken up arms against the junta.
This conflict presents the most formidable challenge the military has encountered since it first seized power in the former British colony back in 1962.
Analysts believe that the Tatmadaw is currently grappling with difficulties in recruiting soldiers and has resorted to deploying non-combat personnel to the frontlines.
Junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun emphasized the shared responsibility of safeguarding and defending the nation, extending this duty beyond just the soldiers to all citizens. He urged everyone to proudly abide by the newly enacted people’s military service law, as reported by state media.
While a law mandating conscription was introduced in 2010, it had not been enforced until now. Individuals who fail to comply with the draft may face imprisonment for a period of up to five years, as stipulated by the legislation.
