Vietnam Defense Minister Notes High Rate of University Graduates Volunteering for Military Service

General Phan Van Giang, Vietnam's Minister of National Defense, highlighted a significant trend: a high proportion of young Vietnamese individuals with university and college degrees are voluntarily enlisting in the military. He noted that in some provinces, this rate reaches nearly 30-40%.

This observation came during a National Assembly session where delegates discussed amendments to nine laws concerning national defense and military affairs. Delegate Nguyen Cong Long of Dong Nai proposed researching mechanisms to allow citizens who do not have the opportunity to fulfill their military service obligation to contribute to the country in other ways. Long pointed out that over one million young men reach military age annually, but only a fraction are selected for service.

Long supported the idea of alternative contributions, recalling a previous proposal for financial contributions from those unable to serve. He argued this would enable citizens to fulfill their responsibilities and mobilize additional resources for the nation, countering concerns that such a system could be exploited by the wealthy.

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the reality today shows that the rate of young people graduating from university and college who volunteer to join the army is very high, with some provinces reaching nearly 30-40%.

Responding to these points, General Giang indicated that the ministry is open to further research on expanding contributions beyond current exemptions for those in permanent militia or economic-defense teams. He affirmed that many families, even those with financial means, wish for their children to join the military for discipline and civic responsibility, with the hope of a long-term career.

Giang also addressed discussions regarding the role of political commissars, noting that proposed revisions to defense laws are intended to adapt to contemporary requirements. He acknowledged the debate on whether political commissars should be regular military officers, stating that the ministry will continue to study and adapt its regulations.

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If we expand to include other components, we will continue to research.