Why does the Ministry of National Defense not expand the scope of military service deferral?

(Dan Tri) - According to the Ministry of National Defense, expanding the number of subjects who can postpone military service will reduce the source of selection and call-up of citizens to join the army every year, creating loopholes for many subjects to take advantage of and avoid.

The Ministry of National Defense received a petition from voters of the former Quang Binh province (now Quang Tri province) with the following content: Currently, college and university students are required to study National Defense and Security Education.

Accordingly, voters suggested considering converting the form of studying this subject into a national defense and security training course for students similar to military service training but shortening the time within 9 months to 1 year so that students after graduation do not have to participate in military service, creating conditions for them to have the opportunity to find jobs early and have job stability without being interrupted by participating in military service.

At the same time, voters recommended that it is necessary to study and have regulations allowing temporary deferment of military service for those who, after graduating from high school, wish to work abroad or participate in domestic production and business activities, but must commit to participating in military service before the age of 25; along with that, there should be specific sanctions to bind responsibilities, especially regulations on high penalties for violations and evasion of military service.

Regarding the above content, the Ministry of National Defense responded as follows: The goal of National Defense and Security Education (NDE) for students is stipulated in Clause 2, Article 12 of the Law on National Defense and Security Education 2013,....

Regarding the implementation, postponement and exemption of military service, the Ministry of National Defense cited Article 45 of the 2013 Constitution of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, which stipulates: Defending the Fatherland is a sacred duty and a noble right of citizens. Citizens must perform military service and participate in building a national defense.

Female recruits leave for military service (Photo: Bao Ky).

Also in Article 4 of the Law on Military Service 2015 stipulates: Military service is the honorable duty of citizens serving in the people's army. Performing military service includes serving in active duty and serving in the reserve force of the people's army.

Citizens of military service age, regardless of ethnicity, social class, belief, religion, educational level, occupation, or place of residence, must perform military service according to the provisions of this law,...

Regarding handling violations in the field of military service, the Ministry of National Defense said that according to regulations, organizations and individuals who evade, oppose, or obstruct the performance of military service will, depending on the nature and severity of the violation, be subject to disciplinary action, administrative sanctions, or criminal prosecution.

Specific sanctions for violations are stipulated in the Penal Code and Decree 120/2013 of the Government regulating administrative sanctions in the fields of national defense, cryptography...

According to the Ministry of National Defense, the current constitution and laws clearly stipulate the implementation, postponement, and exemption of military service; and regulations on penalties for violations of evading military service.

The Ministry of National Defense assessed that current regulations ensure social justice and convenience in management, selection, and calling of citizens for military service.

Currently, nationwide, the average number of citizens eligible for deferment from military service is more than 55%.

According to the Ministry of National Defense, expanding the number of subjects temporarily postponing military service as proposed by voters is not suitable for the current situation because it will reduce the source of selection and calling citizens to join the army every year; create administrative procedures in the field of military service; create loopholes for many subjects to take advantage of and avoid, giving rise to negativity in implementation and causing social injustice.

The Ministry of National Defense also affirmed that converting the form of national defense and security education subjects into national defense and security training courses for students similar to military service training is inappropriate.

Dantri.com.vn

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/xa-hoi/vi-sao-bo-quoc-phong-khong-mo-rong-doi-tuong-tam-hoan-nghia-vu-quan-su-20250716133435546.htm