Myanmar Military’s Conscription Law: A Historical Perspective
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...