Q: The military restructuring process has been robustly implemented recently. What are the key achievements of this process in 2024?

Major General Luong Van Thang: The restructuring of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA) is being carried out in accordance with Resolution No. 05, issued on January 17, 2022, by the Politburo. This resolution outlines the reorganization of the VPA for the period 2021–2030 and beyond.

In 2024, under the theme “Year of fundamental completion of organizational adjustments towards compactness, efficiency, and strength,” the Central Military Commission and Ministry of National Defense have rigorously implemented this process as per the April 25, 2022, plan.

Key achievements include the reorganization, dissolution, merger, and restructuring of over 1,100 organizations to create a compact and efficient military.

Examples of these changes include: Dissolving Corps 3 and Corps 4 while establishing Corps 34 with a new organizational structure; Merging logistical and technical departments into unified logistics-technical units for operational commands.

These adjustments were carefully planned, with comprehensive preparations in personnel management, organizational restructuring, and policy alignment.

Lessons learned from initial units were applied to subsequent phases, ensuring stability throughout the process.

This approach has maintained continuous combat readiness and uninterrupted training across all units.

The meaning behind “compact, efficient, and strong”

Q: One of the key strategies for Vietnam's military is the goal of creating a “compact, efficient, and strong” force. Could you elaborate on this vision?

Major General Luong Van Thang: This vision revolves around three core principles:

1.     Compactness in personnel: The focus is on quality over quantity.

Military personnel are selected, trained, and educated to uphold strong political ideals, ethical standards, and professional expertise.

Leadership officers are evaluated based on their comprehensive ability to manage, command, and execute their duties.
Over 70% of leaders demonstrate excellence in leadership and professional skills, and all are trained in military science, national defense, and international relations.

2.     Efficiency in structure: Military units are streamlined to avoid overlapping functions and ensure clear, effective operations.

Organizational structures are designed for efficient communication and decision-making, minimizing intermediary levels to enhance command efficiency.

3.     Strength through integration:

By combining advanced weaponry, modern technology, and tactical expertise, the military ensures its readiness to address diverse security challenges.

Over 90% of units achieve exemplary operational standards, with combat-ready units capable of swift, decisive action.

Corps 12: A modernized force for strategic mobility

Q: The establishment of Corps 12 has been noted as a significant step in the modernization of Vietnam’s military. What does this mean for the armed forces?

Major General Luong Van Thang: Corps 12, established in late 2023, represents a milestone in Vietnam’s military modernization.

It is the first main-force corps organized under the principles of compactness, efficiency, and strength.

Corps 12 is equipped with modern weaponry and advanced operational capabilities, serving as a strategic mobile force capable of addressing challenges across military regions.

This establishment also provides a model for the future development of other main-force units, such as the planned Corps 34.

The roadmap for 2025 and beyond

Q: What are the next steps in the restructuring process for 2025?

Major General Luong Van Thang: The restructuring process will continue in line with Resolution No. 05 of the Politburo and Resolution No. 230 of the Central Military Commission.

Key initiatives include:

Merging the General Departments of Logistics and Technical Services into a unified Logistics-Technical Department.

Implementing the Prime Minister’s Decision No. 66 to reorganize military enterprises.

Reviewing and optimizing the organizational structure of weapon storage and maintenance facilities to align with modern defense needs.

These adjustments are part of a broader strategy to enhance the effectiveness and readiness of the Vietnam People’s Army.

Q: What principles guide the military’s restructuring process?

Major General Luong Van Thang: The restructuring process follows these principles:

Leadership by the Party: All adjustments are made under the absolute and comprehensive leadership of the Party.

Strategic alignment: Changes are aligned with the functions and missions of each unit, focusing on reducing intermediary levels and enhancing combat readiness.

Comprehensive reform: Restructuring integrates personnel management, organizational adjustments, and policy reforms to strengthen the overall effectiveness of the military.

The restructuring process aims to build a modern, elite force capable of addressing both traditional and non-traditional security challenges.

Tran Thuong