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Myanmar Military’s Conscription Law: A Historical Perspective

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  Myanmar  Military’s Conscription Law:  A  Historical Perspective By Nyo Htun From the revered era of the Three Heroes of the Burmese Independence Army to modern times, the Myanmar Armed Forces, or Tatmadaw, has long been celebrated for its glory. However, under the leadership of Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, the institution has faced unprecedented disgrace and criticism. Following the country’s independence, the Tatmadaw earned renown by dismantling the Communist Party of Burma, expelling Chinese Kuomintang invaders, and safeguarding the Rangoon government during the 1950s. However, these glorious days are now a distant memory, with international observers increasingly critical of the current state of the armed forces. In the aftermath of the chaotic 2021 Spring Revolution, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing introduced a policy mandating civilian military service. This initiative marked a significant departure from the Tatmadaw’s traditional methods and raised questi...

Declining Military Prestige: Selling Eggs Won’t Restore Respect

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Declining Military Prestige: Selling Eggs Won’t Restore Respect (အင်္ဂလိပ်-မြန်မာ နှစ်ဘာသာဖြင့် ဖတ်ရှုနိုင်ပါသည်။)   Nyo Htun Today’s topic of discussion is dignity—a quality vital to individuals, organizations, and nations alike. Dignity, in essence, reflects the legacy shaped by human actions. Unfortunately, the dignity of Myanmar's military (Tatmadaw) has been on a steep decline, not only internationally but also domestically. While this issue isn't about pointing fingers at individuals, ultimate responsibility lies with the Commander-in-Chief, who leads the institution. Why is the Military Losing Prestige? Examining the reasons behind the military’s diminished reputation reveals four primary factors: Failure to win the people’s trust and affection. An obsession with power among military leaders. A self-perception as saviors and benefactors of the nation. Oppression of the people. Under General Aung San's leadership during the Burma Independence Army (BIA) era, the milit...