About 2,000 young people in Ha Noi, voluntarily registering for military service, joined the army today, the High Command of Ha Noi said.

About 4,300 young people in Ha Noi started military service training today, nearly 55 per cent of them being college graduates.  

A total of 4,300 young people in Ha Noi joined military service this year, nearly 55 per cent of them being college graduates.

Phung Tien Manh, 19, from Hoang Liet Ward in Hoang Mai District and a freshman at University of Business and Technology, has voluntarily joined military service.

"My family and friends support my decision to join military service. I hope the disciplined training environment in the army will help me to become a more mature and patient person," Manh said.

Nguyen Hai Phong, 25, from Duong Xa Commune in Gia Lam District, has also voluntarily joined military service. He regards this as a challenge and an opportunity to get life experience and skills.

"I hope to become a professional soldier and work for the army in the long term so as to contribute to the cause of national defence," Phong said.

The amended Law on Military Duty takes effect this year. It has some amendments, such as the extension of military training service from 18 months to 24 months; one recruitment session in February or March would take place every year, instead of two; raising of the eligibility age for military service among those who attend higher education institutions from 18 to 27; and raising of the eligibility age among those who do not pursue higher education from 18 to 25. 

VNS/Nhan Dan