PHNOM PENH, Oct. 27 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia has set a quota of 10,000 citizens for its first intake under the newly promulgated military conscription law.
In a government sub-decree released on Tuesday, Prime Minister Hun Manet authorized the Ministry of National Defense to recruit 10,000 citizens aged 18 to 25 to serve a 24-month military term for the year 2026.
Nearly 15,000 young men and women voluntarily applied to fulfill their military service after the Ministry of National Defense opened a 13-day volunteer enrollment window earlier this month, Hun Manet announced during a public speech last Saturday.
He added that the implementation of the conscription law, which encompasses the modernization of military structures, training, and equipment, will begin with the first training course in early November.
Under the legislation, Cambodian male citizens aged between 18 and 25 must fulfill a two-year military duty. Participation remains voluntary for women. After completing their active military obligations, individuals will transition to reserve soldier status until the age of 45. ■