Myanmar junta enforces mandatory military service for young people

As it tries to restrain armed rebel forces fighting for more autonomy in various regions of the nation, the junta in Myanmar announced on Saturday that all young men and women must serve in the military.

For a maximum of two years, all men and women between the ages of 18 and 27 must serve; for a maximum of three years, specialists such as physicians up to the age of 45 must serve. According to official media, the service can be continued for a total of five years while the state of emergency is in effect.

Following a coup by the military in 2021 to overthrow an elected government, Myanmar has been plunged into anarchy.

Since October, the Tatmadaw, as the military is known, has suffered personnel losses while battling a coordinated offensive by an alliance of three ethnic minority insurgent groups, as well as allied pro-democracy fighters who have taken up arms against the junta.

It is the biggest challenge the military has faced since first taking power in the former British colony in 1962.

Analysts have said the Tatmadaw is struggling to recruit soldiers and has begun forcing non-combat personnel to the frontline.

“The duty to safeguard and defend the nation extends beyond just the soldiers but to all citizens. So I want to tell everyone to proudly follow this people’s military service law,” junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun told state media.

A law mandating conscription was introduced in 2010 but has not been enforced until now. Those who fail to comply with the draft face imprisonment for up to five years, the legislation says.