Several localities are currently conducting initial health screenings at the ward and commune levels, as well as military service examinations at district levels for 2024. With the enthusiasm of youth, many young individuals are volunteering for military service, ready to defend the nation.

Graduating from senior high school nearly six months ago, Le Van Truong, from Le Son 2 Hamlet, Hoa Tien Commune, Hoa Vang District, was disappointed when he failed to gain admission to the Military Technical Academy. However, Truong believes there are many paths to success. Upon hearing that his commune was recruiting for military service, he submitted a voluntary application with the hope of contributing to the nation’s development and defence. “I believe serving in the military is a duty for young people. Whether it’s in the mountains, at sea, or elsewhere, I am ready. I want to become a border guard. No matter how tough it gets, I think I can endure it because challenges teach us resilience,” Truong shared.

Truong’s father, Le Van Thoi, served in the military 26 years ago and has always encouraged his children to overcome adversity. This year, both of his sons volunteered for military service. On the day of the health examination, Thoi drove both sons to the venue, considering his family a special case. However, only Truong was selected. “Having one of them selected is already something to be happy about; both are contributing to protecting the country,” Thoi said with a smile.

In the same commune and born in the same year, 2006, as Truong, Thai Van Phuc from Le Son Nam Hamlet placed two university acceptance letters-in economics in Hue and information technology in Ho Chi Minh City-aside after the exam season. Phuc preferred studying information technology but found the school too far away, planning to retake the exams next year. In the meantime, Phuc worked part-time at a coffee shop to develop work skills and improve communication.

“One day, I heard the commune's loudspeaker announcing the names of those eligible for military service, but mine wasn’t included. I rode my bicycle to the commune office to ask, and then discussed my intention to enlist with my parents. They said, ‘You’re 18 now; the decision is yours. If you want to continue studying, we’ll support you. If you choose to serve and fulfil your duty to the nation, we’ll also support you.’ So, I submitted a voluntary application,” Phuc recalled enthusiastically.

Phuc has since been selected for military service. “I plan to serve for two years. After that, I’ll pursue vocational training and explore fields I’m interested in, perhaps even enrolling in a conservatory or a military-affiliated school,” Phuc shared.

Phuc’s mother, Le Thi Thanh, expressed her pride in her son’s maturity. Many acquaintances were surprised that she and her husband allowed their only child to join the military, but she viewed it as an opportunity for her son to grow stronger and more independent. Phuc’s father, Thai Phi Duc, previously served in the Navy’s Brigade 83 and spent ten months as a construction engineer on the Truong Sa (Spratly) Islands. All three of Duc’s siblings have served in the military.

In preparation for this recruitment season, the Military Service Council of Thac Gian Ward, Thanh Khe District, received 16 voluntary applications. Following health screenings, 12 were selected, including three for police service and nine for military service. Of those aged 18-25, five have graduated or are attending university or college, while the rest recently graduated from senior high school.

A second-year IT student at FPT College, Vo Minh Thai from Group 13, Thac Gian Ward, paused his studies to volunteer for police service. Alongside his studies, Thai worked part-time at a supermarket, saving some money for personal expenses and contributing the rest to his family. A prominent figure in the Tam Giac 3 Youth Union, Thai spent nearly two years assisting his neighbourhood with COVID-19 prevention efforts and participating in various community activities. The ward’s Youth Union also nominated Thai for a pre-Party membership course. According to Hoang Minh, Deputy Commander of Thac Gian Ward’s Military Command, the local military unit plans to admit Thai into the Communist Party before he officially enlists.

During recruitment periods, military service councils and community organisations actively visit and encourage young recruits and their families, providing gifts and timely recognition for volunteers. At the same time, they support discharged soldiers in finding employment, vocational training, or joining local militia forces. These activities enhance young people’s understanding of their responsibilities and duties in protecting the nation.

Reported by HIEN LUONG - Translated by TRUC VY, T.TUNG