Cambodia's military conscription law officially entered its first phase of implementation on October 1. On the first day, about 3,000 young people picked up enlistment application forms. The figure represents about 35% of first-year needs, according to Conscription Committee Permanent Vice Chairman Phuong Siphan in an interview with CC Times. The outlet estimated a first-year requirement of around 8,500 based on those figures; this was a media calculation.
On October 2, Permanent Vice Chairman of the Conscription Committee Phuong Siphan said the number of volunteers on the first day had reached about 35% of the first-year target, and expressed hope that more young people would sign up to meet the established conscription requirement.
Hun Manet said this is the first year Cambodia is implementing the conscription law. According to an October 2 AKP report citing the Defence Ministry announcement, forms are distributed from October 1 to 9, and completed applications are submitted from October 10 to 15. The Ministry of National Defense will determine the number of recruits for this year and each subsequent year based on the armed forces' actual personnel needs, and will conduct the selection process annually.
Under the arrangement, selected recruits will first undergo three months of basic military training and then continue to fulfill their conscription obligations, for a total service term of 24 months, during which they will also receive further professional training.
Hun Manet noted that implementing the conscription law is not only about strengthening national defense, but is also part of the country's human resource development. Through military training and professional training, the country aims to cultivate talent with skills, discipline and a sense of responsibility.
On October 1, speaking at the opening ceremony of National Road No. 10, Hun Manet said Cambodia should draw lessons from the recent border situation and the impact of border closures, further strengthen national defense, promote economic diversification, and enhance the country's ability to respond to various risks and crises.
