In recent years, the world and the region have undergone rapid, complex, and unpredictable changes. Strategic competition has intensified, and local conflicts have persisted; traditional and non-traditional security challenges are intertwined, directly impacting the peaceful, stable, and developmental environment of nations. In this context, maintaining strategic initiative, firmly protecting independence, sovereignty , territorial integrity, national interests, the Party, the State, the people, and the socialist system is a particularly important task; in which, the Vietnam People's Army has always remained steadfast, affirming its core role.

It is evident that the strategic planning capacity of the Central Military Commission and the Ministry of National Defense on military and defense matters continues to improve. The ability to accurately assess and predict the situation, and promptly propose appropriate countermeasures, has helped the Party and State effectively handle many complex situations, preventing passivity and surprises. Alongside this, the quality of training and education has been enhanced in a practical manner, closely aligned with mission requirements and combat realities.

In particular, building a politically strong army has always been identified as the foundation and source of strength. In an environment of multi-directional information, subtle ideological influences, and increasingly complex information warfare, the political fortitude, faith, and discipline of officers and soldiers are the strongest "shield," ensuring that the army remains a reliable pillar of support for the Party, the State, and the people.

A prominent achievement in recent years, especially in 2025, has been the reorganization and adjustment of the armed forces towards a "lean, efficient, and strong" direction, creating a solid foundation for building a revolutionary, regular, elite, and modern army. The reorganization process has been carried out systematically, without disrupting missions. Following the reorganization, the overall quality and combat strength of the entire army have continued to improve.

Furthermore, advances in the development of the defense industry and military science and technology demonstrate that the military not only preserves its traditions but also proactively adapts to development requirements. The gradual mastery of fundamental and core technologies, and the research and manufacture of many modern weapons and equipment, have affirmed the military's self-reliance and self-strengthening capabilities in national defense, while also creating an important foundation for modernization. Defense diplomacy activities have been implemented proactively, flexibly, and effectively, contributing to enhancing Vietnam's prestige and position in the international arena.

Special forces soldiers march through Ba Dinh Square during the commemoration ceremony, parade, and march marking the 80th anniversary of the successful August Revolution and National Day on September 2nd. Photo: HAI HUY TRUNG

Not only has the Army excelled in its role as a fighting force, but it has also excelled in its role as a working force and a productive labor force. In the face of natural disasters, epidemics, and emergencies, officers and soldiers have overcome hardships and dangers, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the people. The actions and deeds of this revolutionary army continue to shine brightly, showcasing the qualities of Uncle Ho's soldiers in this new era.

The country is entering a new stage of development, requiring both the maintenance of political and social stability and the creation of momentum for rapid, sustainable development, realizing the aspiration for national strength and prosperity. In this process, firmly protecting the Fatherland is not only a prerequisite but also a fundamental guarantee for all development goals.

In this context, the responsibility of the current generation to continue the legacy is clearer than ever. It is not merely about inheriting traditions, but must be demonstrated through the capacity to defend the nation in new circumstances, through unwavering political resolve, sharp strategic thinking, and effective practical action. For the military, this responsibility means continuing to affirm and uphold its role as the strategic pillar of the national defense system, serving as the core force in maintaining peace and stability, and creating a solid foundation for national development.

Practical experience shows that, in the face of the rapid, complex, and unpredictable changes in the world and regional situation, only the Party's steadfast commitment to military and national defense policies can create a solid foundation for the nation. On that foundation, the Army continues to play a core role in building a strong national defense system; proactively advising the Party and State on creative and flexible countermeasures, effectively handling situations, and avoiding passivity and surprise.

Along with steadfastly adhering to the established line, building a politically strong army is a continuous and vital requirement. The continuing responsibility of today's generation of officers and soldiers is to ensure that the army remains absolutely loyal to the Party, the Fatherland, and the people, proactively preventing and stopping early and from afar any manifestations of degradation, "self-evolution," and "self-transformation."

Based on that foundation, building a modern army needs to be implemented according to a suitable, solid, and substantive roadmap. Modernization is not about chasing after appearances, but about harmoniously combining tradition and innovation, equipment and technology with people, organization, and operational methods. The Fourth Industrial Revolution and artificial intelligence (AI) open up many new possibilities, but they will only be truly valuable when mastered by officers and soldiers with courage, intelligence, and discipline.

Along with building internal strength, promoting international integration and defense diplomacy continues to be an important direction to maintain strategic balance, create and maintain a peaceful and stable environment. The continuing responsibility in this area is to be proactive and flexible, but steadfast in principles, cooperating while simultaneously engaging in struggle; at the same time, always vigilant and proactively preventing the risk of war and conflict early and from afar, keeping the military strong from organization to personnel.

The 81st anniversary of the founding of the Vietnam People's Army and the 36th anniversary of the National Defense Day are proud milestones, and also a profound reminder of the responsibility to continue this legacy. With the forged courage and resilience honed through practical experience, with a solid political foundation and the strength of the people's will, the Vietnam People's Army will undoubtedly continue to grow stronger, worthy of being the core force of the national defense system; together with the entire nation, firmly protecting the Fatherland, maintaining a peaceful and stable environment to build a prosperous country.

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/quoc-phong-an-ninh/xay-dung-quan-doi/trach-nhiem-tiep-noi-1017797