In 2025, Vietnam’s conscription will occur in a single phase from February 13 to February 15. VietnamNet talked with Major General Luong Van Thang, Deputy Director of the Department of Military Affairs under the Ministry of National Defense, about the 2025 recruitment process.

Enhanced medical screening and recruitment standards

The 2025 military recruitment process introduces key changes to address past inefficiencies.

In previous years, medical examinations primarily relied on clinical evaluations. Only in specific cases were additional diagnostic tests conducted. After recruits joined their units, follow-up examinations often uncovered conditions that had been missed, leading to rejections, replacements, and unnecessary costs.

To address this, the Ministry of National Defense issued Circular 105 in December 2023, detailing health standards and examination procedures.

This year, medical screenings will include both physical and clinical evaluations across specialties, as well as advanced diagnostic tests. This comprehensive approach ensures uniformity between local recruitment centers and military units, minimizing the rejection rate of recruits for health reasons.

Prioritizing higher education graduates

Major General Luong Van Thang highlighted the military’s focus on recruiting college and university graduates.

This approach aligns with the military's strategic needs, ensuring high-quality personnel and contributing to building a robust reserve force. It also supports broader national defense objectives, including modernizing the military by 2030.

The policy is part of efforts to implement resolutions from the 13th Party Congress and the Central Military Commission, which emphasize creating a compact, efficient, and modern military by 2025, with further advancements by 2030.

Addressing challenges in annual recruitment

Vietnam's 2015 Military Service Law reduced conscription to a single annual phase, simplifying the recruitment process for local authorities and reducing administrative overlaps with university admissions.

However, the single-phase model has caused manpower shortages in certain technical roles during transitional periods when soldiers are discharged or undergoing training.

To mitigate this, the Department of Military Affairs advises extending service terms for specific roles and ensuring a steady supply of personnel for critical positions.

Incentives for college and university graduates

Acknowledging the reluctance of many graduates to enlist, the Ministry of National Defense has introduced policies to attract and retain qualified personnel.

Under Circulars 220 and 241, conscripts with higher education are prioritized for roles that align with their expertise.

During their service, these individuals are assigned to positions requiring specialized skills. Upon completing their terms, they are given preferential consideration for professional military careers if they wish to continue serving.

Currently, nearly 50% of professional soldiers recruited annually are former conscripts with college or university degrees.

The Ministry of National Defense works closely with local authorities to ensure comprehensive support for soldiers, including healthcare, financial assistance, and cultural activities.

By prioritizing graduates and creating opportunities for professional growth, the military aims to build a skilled and dedicated force capable of meeting modern defense challenges.

Tran Thuong