The NA Standing Committee has just discussed making changes to the draft law on compulsory military service.
Newly enlisted men in HCM City
Many deputies proposed mandatory military service for young men of a period of 18 months, instead of the current 18 to 24 months, depending on the position. However, because of the proposal’s timing, if approved, the state would have to choose mainly from university students for positions requiring specific expertise.
Minister of Defense Phung Quang Thanh has spoken up against the proposal, saying that municipal authorities agreed to the 24 month period. A shorter period would not give enough time for training, especially now that more modern weapons are being used.
Thanh said, “Our research shows that the length of service in most countries is two or three years. The least is 21 months.”
Minister Phung Quang Thanh said a large number of people used loopholes to avoid military service. In order to address this problem, the draft makes it clear that high school and full-time university students can postpone their duties, but must enlist in the military once they graduate. Students attending in-service or distance training programs are not allowed this exemption and would have to enlist immediately and postpone their education.
However, NA Vice Chairman of the Financial and Budgetary Committee Dinh Van Nha expressed worries about the budget. He said, “Many full-time university students borrow money for tuition from the state budget. If they have to serve in the military service right after graduation, they may not be able to repay their debt. I think we should prolong the payment period or forgive the debts completely.”
Minister Phung Quang Thanh also said it would be ideal if every qualified young man could be enlisted, but they would face financial troubles. “If one takes into account even the cost of guns, bullets and all the training, our budget can’t cover everything,” he said.
He went on to say that, since 90% of the enlisted young men are from farming families, the number of students enlisted would inevitably be changed along with the quality of military personnel as a whole.
Đăng ký: VietNam News
