According to military sources in Naypyidaw, the military council is planning to establish the People’s Military Service Law as a permanent defense system that cannot be amended, abolished, or postponed. Under this system, all young people will be required to serve a mandatory two-year military service on a rotational basis. The military council is discussing implementing this system as a permanent fixture, even after the emergence of parliaments and governments through five-yearly elections under the 2008 Constitution. They argue that this permanent conscription system is necessary as countries worldwide are increasing their military strength and armaments.
The military council is also planning to offer special privileges for those who complete their military service. These incentives include prioritizing former service members for G to G overseas education and employment opportunities, government positions, and advanced education scholarships. The military council has already implemented 15 rounds of military training courses since Min Aung Hlaing reactivated the Military Service Law (originally enacted during Than Shwe’s military dictatorship) in February 2024, continuing through July 2025. According to the law, male citizens between 18 and 35 years of age and female citizens between 18 and 27 years must serve. For professionals and specialists, the age limit extends to 45 years for men and 35 years for women.
The military council’s intention is to establish this conscription system as a permanent law that future elected governments cannot modify, abolish, or postpone. This move represents a significant attempt to entrench military control over civilian life, regardless of future political changes. The council claims this measure is necessary due to global military developments, but it effectively forces civilians into military service under a system designed to persist indefinitely. This permanent conscription system would continue to operate regardless of which government comes to power through elections, essentially cementing the military’s control over the population through mandatory service requirements.
