Myanmar's junta has enacted mandatory military service for all young men and women, as reported by state media, amidst its struggle against armed rebel forces seeking greater autonomy across the nation.

"All men aged 18 to 35 and women aged 18 to 27 must serve for up to two years, while specialists like doctors aged up to 45 must serve for three years," state media clarified on Saturday, noting that the service could extend to five years during the ongoing state of emergency.

Junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun emphasized that the duty to safeguard and defend the nation extends to all citizens, urging compliance with the "people's military service law." This move follows the chaos ensuing since the military's seizure of power from an elected government in a 2021 coup. Since October, the Tatmadaw has faced significant personnel losses battling a coordinated offensive by an alliance of three ethnic-minority insurgent groups, supported by pro-democracy fighters—a challenge unprecedented since the military's initial assumption of power in 1962.

Analysts note the Tatmadaw's struggle to recruit soldiers, leading to the forced deployment of non-combat personnel to the frontline. While a conscription law was introduced in 2010, it had not been rigorously enforced until now. Failure to comply with the draft carries a penalty of up to five years in prison, as stipulated by legislation.

In response, a 31-year-old doctor in Yangon expressed a preference to leave Myanmar rather than serve in the military, citing the constant threat of being apprehended. Similarly, a 31-year-old banker voiced concern about being classified as a "specialist" and compelled to serve, contemplating either leaving the country or joining the revolution forces in defiance.\\

BOB Post