AKP Phnom Penh, October 2, 2026 --

Cambodia’s implementation of mandatory military service is aimed not only at strengthening national defence but also at developing human resources and practical skills among young people, Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet said.

Speaking about the implementation of the Mandatory Military Service Law at the graduation ceremony of more than 2,000 students of Asia Euro University this morning, the Prime Minister said nearly 3,000 young people had applied on the first day of the announcement, describing the initial implementation as a historic step in carrying out the country’s military service law.

The Prime Minister stressed that the law is intended to contribute to human-resource development in both the national defence sector and wider society, with the objective of building capable, disciplined and responsible citizens.

Under the programme, the two-year service will provide young people with various skills, not only military skills but also discipline, responsibility and teamwork. The programme is therefore designed to provide broader personal and professional development beyond military service, including radio communications, finance, technical skills, foreign languages and computer skills.

The military service programme is consequently being presented as an investment by the Royal Government in human resources, while also contributing to the reform and modernisation of the armed forces.

The implementation of military service obligations also provides young people with an opportunity to serve the nation while strengthening their professional capabilities, skills and sense of responsibility.

According to the Mandatory Military Service Law, youth aged 18 to 25 are subject to military service. The period of compulsory military service is 24 months.

In this regard, the Ministry of National Defence announced in late September that the application form distribution period runs from Oct. 1 to 9, while the application submission period runs from Oct. 10 to 15.

By Heng Panha