Directions and solutions to improve the quality of mass mobilization work of the Vietnam People's Army, meeting the requirements and tasks of building and defending the Fatherland in the new period.

TCCS - The mass mobilization work of the Vietnam People's Army is an important aspect of Party and political work; it is a regular task of Party committees, Party organizations, commanders, and every officer and soldier. In order to leverage the combined strength of the great national unity, creating a solid foundation for the country to enter a new era, it is necessary to continue innovating the Army's mass mobilization work, thereby further strengthening the close relationship between the Party, the Army, and the people, contributing to the successful implementation of the strategic tasks of building and defending the Fatherland in the new period.

1- Mass mobilization work is always one of the key tasks that contributes to the success of the revolution, because "If mass mobilization is poor, everything will be poor. If mass mobilization is skillful, everything will be successful" ⁽¹⁾ . According to President Ho Chi Minh , exploiting and developing the combined strength of the country based on the intelligence and initiative of the whole people is a sustainable principle in all revolutionary periods, because "Ten times easier without the people, nothing can be done. A hundred times harder with the people's support, everything can be accomplished" ⁽²⁾ ; "If the people's spirit is strong, no army or gun can resist" ⁽³⁾ .

Entering a new period, our Party continues to pay attention to and issue many documents leading mass mobilization work, contributing to the good implementation of the mechanism "Party leadership, State management, Fatherland Front and political -social organizations as the core for the people to be masters" ⁽⁴⁾ . Under the leadership and direction of the Central Military Commission, the Ministry of National Defense and the guidance of the General Political Department, the Party committees, political commissars, political officers, and unit commanders throughout the army have closely followed the spirit, thoroughly understood and seriously implemented the resolutions, directives, and guidelines of the superiors, creatively applied them to the specific conditions of the unit and effectively organized mass mobilization work with many creative models and methods suitable for each target and each locality ⁽⁵⁾ ; Contributing to building national unity, consolidating the "people's support," the all-people national defense posture linked with the people's security posture, building defense zones, and firmly protecting the socialist Fatherland of Vietnam in all situations.

During the period 2020 - 2025, implementing the policy of focusing strongly on the grassroots, the Army's mass mobilization work was carried out with many diverse and flexible contents and forms. The agencies and units in the Army have done well in propaganda and mobilization work to encourage people to comply well with the Party's guidelines and policies and the State's laws, creating high consensus in society and consolidating the great national unity ⁽⁶⁾ .

Performing the function of a “working army”, the task of “fighting in peacetime”, agencies and units in the Army always proactively coordinate and effectively participate in building the political system at the grassroots level in tens of thousands of communes, wards, towns and local political and social organizations; implementing national target programs well, such as building new rural areas; sustainable poverty reduction; socio-economic development of ethnic minority and mountainous areas ⁽⁷⁾ ...

Deep bond between soldiers and civilians_Source: nhiepanhdoisong.vn

Officers and soldiers performing duties in strategic, key areas, border regions, islands, remote areas, and areas inhabited by ethnic minorities always uphold the qualities of "Uncle Ho's soldiers," with awareness, affection, and dedication, overcoming difficulties and hardships, proactively staying close to the local area and grassroots level, implementing the motto "staying close to the people, staying close to the local area" to propagate and mobilize the people to abandon backward customs, promote ethnic cultural identity, build cultural villages and hamlets; prevent and combat crime, fight against illegal proselytizing activities; closely coordinate with local Party committees and authorities to thwart the schemes and tactics of hostile, reactionary, and politically opportunistic forces that exploit issues of "ethnicity," "religion," "democracy," and "human rights" to incite unrest, disrupt social security and order, undermine the Party's religious and ethnic policies, and divide the national unity. They serve as a reliable support and companion for the people in venturing out to sea, maintaining their presence in the fishing grounds; contributing to the firm protection of the independence, sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of the Fatherland; and protecting the Party, the State, and the people.

The Army's mass mobilization work has been closely associated with all levels, sectors, and localities in effectively implementing emulation movements and campaigns, and has been the core in building a strong national defense system and a national defense posture, creating internal stability for national development ⁽⁸⁾ . Regardless of the conditions and circumstances, the Army has always been at the forefront, not hesitating to sacrifice, face difficulties and dangers to help the people prevent, combat, and overcome the consequences of natural disasters and epidemics, rescue and relief,... especially in emergency, complex, and unexpected situations, clearly demonstrating the role of "the Army of the people, by the people and for the people," as the core, vanguard force, together with local Party committees and authorities, actively and proactively participating in protecting the health, lives, property and peaceful lives of the people. Along with that, the Army has participated in helping the people effectively implement social security policies and policies for the Army's rear support. That meaningful, practical, and effective work makes the image of "Uncle Ho's soldiers" - the people's soldiers - always shine brightly. It can be affirmed: "Throughout more than 80 years of building, fighting, winning, and maturing, full of hardship and sacrifice, our Army has written a glorious tradition, brilliant victories, and inscribed brilliant milestones in the history of the nation. The glorious victories that our Army has achieved are also the victories of our people and our nation, closely associated with the great achievements of the Vietnamese revolution in the Ho Chi Minh era" ⁽⁹⁾ .

2. In the coming years, the global and regional situation is projected to continue to be complex and unpredictable; however, peace, cooperation, and development remain the dominant trends. After 40 years of implementing reforms, our country has achieved tremendous successes, and its potential, position, and prestige have been increasingly enhanced internationally, opening up prospects for entering a new era of development – ​​an era of national progress. However, our country still faces many difficulties and challenges, both traditional and non-traditional security threats; hostile, reactionary, and politically opportunistic forces are fiercely opposing the Party, the State, and the Army, promoting "self-evolution" and "self-transformation" within the Party, and carrying out the plot to "depoliticize" the Army in order to undermine the people's trust, disrupt national unity, and divide the Party from the people, and the people from the Army. This situation requires the entire army to carry out mass mobilization work more effectively, contributing to firmly consolidating the people's trust in the revolutionary cause of the Party and the nation, and strengthening military-civilian solidarity on the solid foundation of "the people's hearts and minds" in the national defense and people's security postures.

In this new phase, to improve the quality of mass mobilization work of the Vietnam People's Army and meet the requirements and tasks of national construction and defense, it is necessary to focus on implementing the following key directions and solutions:

Firstly, we must continue to adhere to the spirit, thoroughly understand, and strictly implement the resolutions and directives of the Party, the State, the Central Military Commission, the Ministry of National Defense, and the guidelines of the General Political Department on mass mobilization work; on that basis, we must enhance the awareness, responsibility, and capacity of officers and soldiers in conducting mass mobilization work in the new situation.

Regularly adhere to the spirit and thoroughly understand Ho Chi Minh's ideology, the Party's guidelines and policies, the State's laws and policies, the resolutions and directives of the Central Military Commission, the Ministry of National Defense, and the guidance of the General Political Department on mass mobilization work ⁽¹⁰⁾ . The thorough understanding and implementation of resolutions, directives, and guidance should be carried out regularly, in many forms, ensuring practicality and targeting, creating profound changes in the awareness and actions of Party committees, commanders at all levels, and officers and soldiers regarding mass mobilization work in the new situation; clearly understanding that conducting mass mobilization work contributes to fulfilling the function of the "working army," completing the tasks of agencies and units; it is an important task of leaders and commanders at all levels; at the same time, it is the affection and responsibility of officers and soldiers towards the people. From there, be ready to go to the most difficult, arduous, and complex places to help the people and protect their lives and property. Regularly uphold and effectively implement the motto: "Wherever there are difficulties and dangers, the army must be present, standing shoulder to shoulder with the people," focusing on propaganda and education to ensure that officers and soldiers deeply understand the position, role, and importance of mass mobilization work in the new situation; emphasizing the responsibility, pioneering spirit, and exemplary conduct of cadres and Party members, especially leading cadres at all levels, in implementing political tasks in their units, ensuring that words are matched by actions.

Secondly, we must enhance the role and responsibilities of Party committees, Party organizations, political commissars, commanders, political agencies at all levels, and mass organizations in leading, directing, and organizing the implementation of mass mobilization work in accordance with requirements and tasks.

Enhance the leadership and guidance role of Party committees; improve the capacity and responsibility of political commissars, political officers, commanders, political agencies, and political cadres at all levels; and ensure the correct attitude, awareness, responsibility, and actions of officers and soldiers towards mass mobilization work. Party secretaries and commanders at all levels should promptly direct the development of mass mobilization work plans, specifying objectives, viewpoints, tasks, and solutions for mass mobilization activities suitable to each locality, area, and unit. Political agencies at all levels should closely coordinate with departments, agencies, political and social organizations, and units stationed in the area to advise Party committees and commanders on developing plans for conducting mass mobilization work; proactively monitor the practical situation and propose practical and effective content and forms of mass mobilization activities. Promote the role and strength of mass organizations, attracting a large number of participants to create a combined force in carrying out mass mobilization work.

Border guards from Huong Lap Border Post, Quang Tri province, help local people harvest rice. (Source: nhiepanhdoisong.vn)

Thirdly, continuously innovate the content and diversify the forms and methods of mass mobilization work.

Regularly study theoretical principles, summarize practical experiences, and develop new thinking on the Army's mass mobilization work; focus on researching and proposing new content and forms suitable to the characteristics of the unit and locality; proactively innovate leadership and guidance thinking, and enhance initiative, creativity, and flexibility in implementation. Improve the quality and effectiveness of fraternal relations activities, field exercises, and strengthen cadres for grassroots units and mass mobilization task forces... Innovate and improve the quality of coordination between Army units and Party committees, governments, and political and social organizations at all levels; continue to promote "socialization," mobilize forces to participate, and increase resources for mass mobilization work; actively apply information technology and digital transformation in mass mobilization activities, gradually building and effectively exploiting databases, digitizing content, images, and videos; Utilize digital platforms, social media, and cyberspace to disseminate information, mobilize the public, and promote exemplary models, positive examples, and information, emphasizing the principle of "using the good to overcome the bad." Simultaneously, monitor, reflect, and report on public opinion within the community and locality, ensuring that mass mobilization work is implemented quickly, accurately, comprehensively, and promptly.

Proactively advise and coordinate with local Party committees and authorities after the merger. Thoroughly understand the situation of the people, especially in key areas for national defense and security, ethnic minority areas, areas with religious communities, and areas facing difficulties and emerging issues; gain the support and approval of religious leaders, officials, village elders, and influential individuals; clearly define functions and tasks, build and effectively implement regulations and procedures for coordination in carrying out mass mobilization work, effectively resolve complex issues at the grassroots level, and prevent the occurrence of "hot spots"; contribute to building a strong and comprehensive political system at the grassroots level when operating a two-tiered local government.

Military agencies and units must actively innovate the content, form, and methods, adhering closely to the motto: "Listen to what the people say, speak so the people understand, and act so the people trust" and the style of mass mobilization of President Ho Chi Minh: "It is necessary to think with the mind, see with the eyes, listen with the ears, walk with the feet, speak with the mouth, and work with the hands," "must honestly get involved in the work" ⁽¹¹⁾ , with the spirit "The people need the army, the people are in need." Promote the role of militia and self-defense forces, forces participating in inter-agency working groups and teams, especially those participating in Party committees, governments and people's councils at all levels; proactively advise, propose, and direct all activities and mass mobilization work to the grassroots. Focus on doing a good job of preliminary and final reviews, drawing lessons, replicating creative and effective models of activities, advanced examples, and examples of "good people, good deeds"; promptly commend and reward collectives and individuals with outstanding achievements in organization and implementation; We are determined to handle cases of disciplinary violations in mass mobilization work.

Diversify the forms of mobilizing people in border areas to carry out mass mobilization work, contributing to supporting socio-economic development and building a peaceful, friendly, cooperative, and mutually developing border. Organize effective and well-structured exchanges and twinning activities with localities of neighboring countries, contributing to supporting socio-economic development and building a peaceful, friendly, cooperative, and mutually developing border, enhancing the effectiveness of protecting national sovereignty and border security. At the same time, proactively detect, combat, and prevent from an early stage and from afar; effectively prevent and counter subversive activities of hostile and reactionary forces aiming to divide the national unity; and promptly guide public awareness and opinion.

Fourth, promote emulation movements and respond to campaigns launched by the Party, the State, the Vietnam Fatherland Front, political and social organizations, the Army, and localities.

Specifically, this should be implemented through plans, guidelines, programs, and projects that are appropriate to the practical conditions of the locality and type of unit, closely aligned with the target audience and the political tasks of the locality and unit; proactive and creative in organizing implementation, knowing how to select breakthroughs, difficult tasks, and new tasks to carry out. The implementation of the "Skilled Mass Mobilization" emulation movement and the building of "Good Mass Mobilization Units" should be linked with the "Determined to Win" emulation movement and other campaigns and emulation movements launched by the Party, State, Vietnam Fatherland Front, political and social organizations, the Army, and localities.

Regularly coordinate with the Vietnam Fatherland Front and local political and social organizations to disseminate information and mobilize resources to support and assist the people; promote the national traditions of "mutual support," "helping those in need," and "loving others as oneself" to effectively implement the social security policy of "leaving no one behind." Organize and implement comprehensively and effectively the coordinated program to help people develop production, stabilize their lives, build new rural areas, protect the environment, and prevent and combat natural disasters and epidemics; effectively implement the "eliminate temporary and dilapidated houses" program nationwide by 2025 as launched by the Government; build "Comrade Houses" and "Great Unity Houses," based on promoting the core role of the Army, closely coordinating with local Party committees, authorities, and mass organizations, mobilizing social resources, and the joint efforts of the people and businesses. This contributes to effectively achieving the goal of reducing the multidimensional poverty rate; creating a foundation for attracting investment, developing the economy, and successfully achieving the goals and targets of the Party's 13th National Congress Resolution. Emphasis is placed on educating and raising political awareness and a sense of responsibility among cadres and soldiers in organizing mass mobilization activities in conjunction with the "Determined to Win" emulation movement; resolutely combating and criticizing erroneous perceptions and incorrect actions; promptly overcoming limitations in mass mobilization work; building specific criteria to evaluate the results of the emulation movement, ensuring it is substantive, effective, and not merely formal; considering the results of the emulation movement and campaign as one of the criteria for evaluating the unit's performance and awarding commendations annually...

Fifth, focus on building and strengthening organizations and improving the quality of work of cadres and agencies involved in mass mobilization.

Party committees and commanders of agencies and units must regularly pay attention to consolidating and strengthening the organization and the team of mass mobilization cadres in terms of quantity and quality, ensuring a reasonable and stable structure. They must do a good job of training and developing cadres, soldiers, defense workers, and employees engaged in mass mobilization work, ensuring they have comprehensive knowledge, experience, skills, and methods of mass mobilization work, a deep understanding of the local situation, and a firm grasp of the Party's guidelines and policies, and the State's laws and regulations to effectively and persuasively mobilize the people. They must select and assign cadres with strong political convictions, impeccable moral character, rich knowledge and experience, dedication, competence, and creativity in conducting mass mobilization work. They must actively cultivate knowledge for cadres at all levels, especially political cadres, in professional skills, socio-economics, democracy, law, ethnicity, and religion; Enhance the capacity, qualifications, and professional skills of specialized cadres, grassroots-level reinforcement cadres, and mass mobilization task forces to meet the requirements and tasks in the new situation. Improve the ability to forecast, assess, and handle practical situations to ensure the understanding of the situation, the guidance of public opinion, and the handling of issues at the grassroots level, avoiding passivity and surprise. Combat subjective tendencies and the underestimation of mass mobilization work; do not assign cadres with weak qualities, capabilities, or lacking prestige to mass mobilization work. Closely coordinate with local Party committees and authorities to identify and cultivate mass mobilization skills for key personnel and influential individuals in the community. Academies and schools should research and compile training content and programs on skills and professional practices in mass mobilization, propaganda, ethnic and religious affairs for target groups, ensuring content and quality, and suitability to the situation of implementing the two-tiered local government after the merger. Authorities need to continue researching and proposing regulations, policies, and funding to ensure effective mass mobilization work, meeting the requirements and tasks in the new situation; at the same time, focusing on preliminary and comprehensive reviews and realistic assessments of the results of mass mobilization work, as a basis for policy development, training, and reward programs. Promoting democracy within agencies and units, building strong unity and consensus in task implementation. Integrating mass mobilization work with Party building and the exemplary role of cadres at all levels.

The mass mobilization work of the Vietnam People's Army serves as a strong bridge between the Party's will and the people's hearts, and is a factor creating comprehensive strength in the cause of national construction and defense. In light of the new demands of implementing the revolution to streamline the organizational structure of the political system, the Vietnam People's Army needs to continue to play its role as the core and vanguard force in carrying out the Party's mass mobilization work, contributing to consolidating the people's trust in the Party, the State, and the Army; maintaining the ideological front, building a "people's hearts and minds" strategy linked to building and consolidating a strong national defense system from the grassroots level.

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(1) Ho Chi Minh: Complete Works , National Political Publishing House, Hanoi, 2011, vol. 6, p. 234
(2) Ho Chi Minh: Complete Works, op. cit ., vol. 15, p. 280
(3) Ho Chi Minh: Complete Works, op. cit. , vol. 2, p. 297
(4) Documents of the 13th National Congress of Delegates , National Political Publishing House, Hanoi, 2021, Vol. I, p. 173
(5) Resolution No. 25-NQ/TW, dated June 3, 2013, of the 7th Central Committee Meeting of the 11th Party Congress, “On strengthening and renewing the Party's leadership over mass mobilization work in the new situation”; Resolution No. 49-NQ/QUTW, dated January 25, 2015, of the Central Military Commission, “On strengthening and renewing the Army's mass mobilization work in the new situation”; Directive No. 168-CT/QUTW, dated February 8, 2020, of the Standing Committee of the Central Military Commission, “On the Army's mass mobilization work in key areas of national defense and security in the new situation”; Regulation No. 718-QC/QUTW, dated November 5, 2021, of the Central Military Commission, “On the mass mobilization work of the Vietnam People's Army”…
(6) The entire army conducted propaganda with over 600,000 sessions/20 million participants; mobilized nearly 12,000 households/nearly 60,000 people not to migrate freely and more than 20,000 students to return to school; mobilized and propagated nearly 110,000 children of ethnic minorities and nearly 63,000 young people following the religion to enlist in the army…
(7) Units in the Army donated books, notebooks, and school supplies worth hundreds of billions of dong; opened 320 charity classes to eradicate illiteracy. Economic-defense groups attracted and received 1,543 households/5,750 people to settle down and create jobs for 15,462 people.
(8) Nearly 1 million cadres, soldiers, militia and more than 10,000 vehicles participated in preventing, combating and overcoming the consequences of natural disasters and epidemics...
(9) Phan Van Giang: “Promoting the heroic tradition and glorious cause, building a strong Vietnamese People's Army, firmly protecting the socialist Fatherland of Vietnam”, Communist Magazine , No. 1052 (December 2024), p. 13
(10) The focus is on the tasks and solutions identified in the Resolution of the 13th National Congress of the Party; Regulation No. 718-QC/QUTW, dated November 5, 2021, of the Central Military Commission, "On the mass mobilization work of the Vietnam People's Army"; Directive No. 168-CT/QUTW, dated February 8, 2020, of the Standing Committee of the Central Military Commission, "On the mass mobilization work of the Army in key areas of national defense and security in the new situation"; Conclusion No. 43-KL/TW, dated January 7, 2019, of the Secretariat of the Central Committee, “On continuing to implement Resolution No. 25-NQ/TW, dated June 3, 2013, of the Central Committee of the Party (11th term) “On strengthening and renewing the Party's leadership over mass mobilization work in the new situation”; Resolution No. 49-NQ/QUTW, dated January 25, 2015, of the Central Military Commission, “On strengthening and renewing the Army's mass mobilization work in the new situation”;…

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