Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet announced on October 24 that the first conscript training would officially begin on November 9, marking the practical training phase of the Military Service Law. Speaking at a ceremony in Kampong Speu province marking the 20th anniversary of Cambodia's participation in United Nations peacekeeping operations, Hun Manet said November 9 is both Cambodia's Independence Day and the anniversary of the founding of the armed forces. The government chose that day to launch the training with the aim of strengthening national defence capabilities.
Hun Manet said nearly 15,000 young people nationwide had voluntarily applied to join the armed forces during the 13-day registration period. The first training session would be conducted as a pilot, with the number of recruits to be determined by the Ministry of National Defence according to actual needs. Young people would be recruited in stages in the future, progressively implementing the conscription system.
Under Cambodia's current Military Service Obligation Law, male citizens aged 18 to 25 are subject to conscription, while women may voluntarily enlist, and the period of service is 24 months. New recruits will first receive about three months of basic military training before continuing to fulfil their military service obligations.
Hun Manet said implementing the military service system would help strengthen defence capabilities and cultivate discipline and a sense of responsibility among young people. In addition to military skills, the training would cover communications technology, computing and other practical skills.
