Vice Chairman of State Administration Council Deputy Commanderin-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Soe Win meets trainees of people’s military service at local training schools in Indaing Station
NAY PYI TAW December 28
Vice Chairman of State Administration Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Soe Win met trainees of people’s military service at local training schools in Indaing Station, Yangon Region this morning.
Also present were SAC member Union Minister for Defence General Maung Maung Aye, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Admiral Htein Win, Commanderin-Chief (Air) General Tun Aung, Yangon Region Chief Minister U Soe Thein, senior military officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief, Yangon Command Commander Maj- Gen Zaw Hein, and officials.
In his speech General Maung Maung Aye said citizens of every sovereign country are responsible for national defence. He then explained the responsibility of other sectors for national defence, apart from military personnel, the enactment of People Military Service Law in Myanmar in November 2010 and its activation on 10 February 2024, the formation of recruitment bodies at different levels, and the central body’s enlistment of only the eligible persons, systematic military trainings for the eligible persons, who will have to provide protection against terrorists with the learned military knowledge, abidance of orders and directives in serving duties at the assigned battalion/unit as good soldiers, development of mental fitness and loyalty towards the State and Tatmadaw, systematic pursuance of military knowledge taught by the training schools, effective application of the military knowledge in a battle field and observance of rules.
The Vice-Senior General then delivered a speech, emphasizing that all graduates and trainees presently undergoing training to become future soldiers tasked with national defence responsibilities are invaluable assets to the nation. Pride should be taken in those who faithfully uphold the four oaths daily, toward the state and military, fellow soldiers, and families.
As those who have touched the national flag and recited the four oaths, we must remain loyal and devoted to them. Loyalty to our country, its citizens, and military personnel is essential.
Furthermore, soldiers must cultivate a spirit of camaraderie among themselves. “The spirit of camaraderie” embodies the love, bond, and loyalty shared among comrades. It is essential to uphold the mindset of "standing together, dying together, and suffering together.” Those who join Tatmadaw, whether under the People’s Military Service Law or voluntarily, are entrusted with carrying out military operations, territorial security, and control, all of which require systematic training and education in essential military skills necessary for Tatmadaw to perform them.
People military personnel have received systematic training in military disciplines such as tactics, small arms, and other relevant subjects. It is essential to effectively utilize the military skills they have developed.
Strong military discipline and obedience to orders are crucial in training and teaching basic military skills. Only through strict adherence to orders can the objectives and responsibilities assigned from higher authorities be effectively and successfully achieved. It is essential to diligently apply the military skills acquired at the training school, recognizing their significance, and to utilize these skills effectively and practically in the execution of their duties.
Military personnel who have safeguarded the nation across generations are those who join the service driven by their own desire to fulfill the duty of national defence. Though they come from various backgrounds, all military personnel now wear the same green uniform and have been trained together in military skills. As a result, they have become unified, sharing the same identity, thoughts, and values. They will work alongside their predecessors to uphold their national defence responsibilities with pride. They must strive to live as honorable citizens, trusted by the state and the military, and respected and valued by their families.
They are dedicated citizens who have embraced military service and are serving the state and the military around the clock. In keeping with the saying, “Once a Soldier, always a Soldier,” we must embrace the mindset that once we become soldiers, we remain soldiers for life. This mindset reflects the noble spirit of military personnel.
It is essential to uphold the noble traditions of Tatmadaw and remain steadfast in loyalty to both the state and Tatmadaw.
In times of national emergency, the only way to preserve the integrity and unity of the country is through a strong and unified military. Therefore, for military personnel to effectively fulfill their national defence responsibilities, maintaining strong unity both within and outside the military is essential.
At a time when both domestic and foreign destructive forces are attacking us with various tactics aimed at undermining unity within the military, it is crucial for us to maintain a strong sense of unity and mutual support.
Since the duty of defending the nation is a fundamental obligation for every citizen, people military service courses were established. To date, Course No. 6 has been successfully conducted and completed. It is a source of pride that the dedicated citizens who have graduated from training and are serving in battalions/units have excelled in their duties and have been recognized with honorary titles for their ability and courage, awarded by the state.
Regarding health, it is crucial for our military personnel to maintain good physical wellbeing. No matter how strong their desire to fulfill their national duties, they will be unable to carry out their responsibilities effectively if they are in poor health. To stay healthy and strong, we must live and eat in a disciplined and proper manner.
The graduating people service personnel were instructed to continually practice and apply the military skills acquired at the training school. They are encouraged to strive to become good citizens and soldiers whouphold the honor of the state, the military, and their families.
Following the meeting, the Vice-Senior General presented honorariums to the people service trainees and exchanged friendly greetings.