Media reports have quoted a spokesperson for Myanmar's ruling military council stating that the council intends to summon young people for mandatory military service starting in April. Additionally, retired security personnel will be called back to service as the military seeks to suppress an anti-council rebellion. Myanmar has been in turmoil since the military seized power from an elected government in a coup in 2021. The military council's plans to recruit more individuals for combat indicate that the army is under increasing pressure.
Last Saturday, the military council in Myanmar announced that a law regulating mandatory military service will apply to men aged 18 to 35 and women aged 18 to 27 for up to two years. This will begin in April, as stated on Tuesday. Zaw Min Tun, a spokesperson for the military council, told the BBC Burmese service, "We are working to implement compulsory recruitment after the New Year holiday in April," referring to the country's most important holiday known as Thingyan. He added that medical examinations will be conducted and that approximately five thousand individuals will be accepted each time.
The spokesperson did not respond to a telephone call for further comment, but the official MRTV channel also reported that retired security personnel who left within the past five years will also be required to return to the military. He did not specify how many people will be called or the timing, but mentioned that only "necessary" individuals would be included.
A law imposing mandatory military service was enacted in 2010 but was not enforced. The legislation stipulates that those who do not comply could face imprisonment for up to five years.
