NAYPYIDAW: Myanmar’s regime has declared mandatory army service for all young women and men, official media said on Sunday, as it struggles to contain armed rebel movement fighting for more autonomy in different parts of the country.
All men aged 18-35 and women aged 18-27 should serve for two years, while specialists like doctors must serve for three years in the army. State media reported that the service can also be extended to a total of 5 years in the current state of emergency.
Myanmar Junta Enforces Mandatory Army Service for Youth
Myanmar has been gripped by anarchy since the army seized power from an elected government in a 2021 military coup. Since October, the military has suffered personnel losses while fighting a coordinated offensive by an alliance of three ethnic minority groups, as well as allied pro-democracy fighters who have taken up arms against the military regime.
It is the major challenge the army has faced since first taking power in the former British colony in 1962, local media reported.
