Mizzima
The Myanmar military junta announced 10 February the enactment of a Military Conscription Law, obliging all adult men and women in Myanmar to serve in the military.
According to the Fundamental Rights and Duties of Citizens, every citizen is required to undergo military training as per the law’s provisions and serve in the Armed Forces to protect the Union.
The announcement stated that the Ministry of Defense of the Military Council will proceed to issue the necessary regulations and procedures.
Military service eligibility extends to all citizens: men aged 18 to 35 (or up to 45 for those deemed ‘experts’), and women aged 18 to 27 (or up to 35 for ‘experts’).
“Professional” refers to individuals such as doctors and engineers, as well as those who have completed vocational training or work in other specialized professions, as outlined in the law.
Service deferment is feasible for students, government employees, missionaries, married women, individuals with disabilities, caregivers for elderly parents, those temporarily medically unfit or undergoing drug abuse treatment, and individuals currently incarcerated.
Typically, military service lasts for up to 24 months, or up to 36 months for conscripts serving in specialized roles. In times of emergency, military service can extend up to five years.
Failure to attend medical examinations or comply with military service summons can result in penalties of up to three years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both.
Following the 1 February 2021 coup, the Military Council initiated a nationwide war effort, and in response revolutionary forces took up arms leading to battlefield losses for the junta. As a result, he junt as activated the Military Conscription law.
Since late 2023, widespread battles across the country, particularly Operation 1027 launched by the Three Brotherhood Alliance, have depleted the Military Council’s strength, prompting political and military analysts to speculate that this is the moment when the council is mobilizing forces to activate the Miliary Conscription Law.
