On December 14, the Ministry of National Defense, the Central Propaganda Department, the Ministry of Public Security, and Cao Bang Province jointly hosted the National Scientific Conference titled “Vietnam People’s Army: Glorious Tradition, Noble Mission, Core Force for Building a Strong All-People National Defense.”

In his speech, President Luong Cuong reflected on the founding and development of the VPA.

On December 22, 1944, the Vietnam Propaganda Liberation Army, the first core unit of the VPA, was established in the forests of Tran Hung Dao (Nguyen Binh District, Cao Bang Province). This marked the birth of a revolutionary military force “of the people, by the people, for the people,” inseparably tied to the nation’s citizens.

“Over the past 80 years, the VPA has overcome immense challenges and matured rapidly, operating across Vietnam and fulfilling international missions abroad. It has defeated colonial and imperial powers like France and the United States, leaving an indelible mark on history with its glorious victories, such as the 1954 Dien Bien Phu Campaign and the 1975 Spring Offensive,” the President said.

Generations of officers and soldiers have built the VPA’s heroic traditions with their courage, determination, and willingness to endure sacrifice for the nation.

President Luong Cuong underscored that Vietnam’s millennia-long history of nation-building and defense has proven that national solidarity is a decisive factor for defeating any invader.

December 22, now celebrated as National Defense Day, highlights the strength of national unity and the determination of the Party, the military, and the people to safeguard the country.

After 35 years of observing National Defense Day, the President noted that societal awareness of national defense responsibilities and the overall strength of the all-people national defense system have grown significantly. The “people’s defense posture” has been reinforced, and the bond between the military and the people has been further strengthened.

The VPA’s image as “Uncle Ho’s Soldiers” has been preserved and elevated, ensuring the nation’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity while defeating all hostile plots and attempts to undermine the country.

President Cuong analyzed global security challenges, highlighting increasing demands on Vietnam’s defense and security missions.

He affirmed that the military and public security forces are the core pillars protecting the Party, State, people, revolutionary achievements, and the socialist regime. These forces are tasked with countering “peaceful evolution” strategies and subversive plots by hostile forces while maintaining a peaceful, stable environment for national development.

President Cuong outlined key goals for the VPA:

Streamlining and Strengthening: The military will continue reorganizing to achieve the goal of being streamlined, compact, and powerful. This includes laying the groundwork for a revolutionary, professional, elite, and modern VPA by 2030.

High Combat Readiness: The armed forces must remain vigilant and ready to protect Vietnam’s skies, seas, borders, mainland, and cyberspace while closely coordinating with other forces to maintain security and public order.

Countering Hostile Narratives: Efforts will focus on combating false and hostile views that aim to undermine the military’s role and position.

President Cuong emphasized the importance of building a well-rounded military force, with political strength as the foundation. This includes:

Strengthening the Party within the Military: The VPA Party Committee must exemplify integrity in political, ideological, ethical, organizational, and leadership aspects.

Developing Leadership: Focus on cultivating cadres and Party members who embody the “seven dares” spirit (dare to think, do, take responsibility, innovate, face difficulties, sacrifice, and succeed).

Enhancing Political Education: Regularly improve the quality of political education programs to foster loyalty, professionalism, and dedication among military personnel.

The President urged conference participants to analyze and highlight the VPA’s invaluable contributions, traditions, and the cultural values of “Uncle Ho’s Soldiers.” These lessons should be applied to enhance training, readiness, and operational capabilities in peacetime.

Tran Thuong