According to a statement from the military council, Defense Minister General Maung Maung Aye has been appointed as chairman of the committee for securing employment for former military service personnel. On July 8, the committee was established under Order No. 102/2025, comprising 18 members including military council ministers, deputy ministers, military generals, director generals, and the chairman of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI).
The committee’s main responsibilities include creating job opportunities for former military personnel, arranging vocational training programs, and issuing certificates. Additionally, the committee is tasked with establishing policies and procedures for preferential hiring of ex-military personnel in both government and private sectors, ensuring their training certificates are recognized by employers. The military council currently recruits approximately 5,000 young people monthly for military training, with a mandatory two-year service period.
However, business leaders have expressed concerns about the impact of these forced measures on the private sector. The military service law has already created labor shortages, and the mandatory preferential hiring of ex-military personnel will further complicate business operations. Business owners emphasize that effective hiring practices must consider skills, attitude, and work ethic rather than solely military service background. They argue that forcing businesses to hire based on military service alone, rather than merit and qualifications, could severely impact operational efficiency and economic viability. The business community warns that such rigid employment mandates could lead to significant challenges in maintaining productive business operations and potentially harm the overall economy.
