PHNOM PENH: The Ministry of National Defence says 15,000 young Cambodians have volunteered for military service, exceeding the government’s recruitment target of 10,000 for 2026. The first 5,000-strong intake will undergo physical fitness and medical examinations on November 4.
Ministry spokesperson Maly Socheata noted that inclusion on the initial list does not guarantee final acceptance.
“The first 5,000 candidates invited for physical fitness and medical examinations on November 4 have not yet been definitively accepted,” she explained.
She said the examinations would assess whether candidates meet the physical and medical requirements for training. Applicants next in line could be called to replace those who do meet the necessary standards.
The intake forms part of the government’s plan to enlist 10,000 Cambodian citizens aged 18 to 25 for 24 months of military service.
Socheata said applications opened in early October through municipal, district and khan military police bases, as well as online. A total of 15,000 young men and women came forward and registered.
She explained that recruitment was being conducted in stages to support the smooth implementation of the programme in its first year, with further intakes planned to meet the annual target.
“For the first intake, we have set the number at 5,000. There will be further intakes until we reach the government’s target of 10,000 for 2026,” she said.
Applicants who have submitted their documents but do not appear on the initial list should retain their application receipts and supporting documents and monitor announcements from the National Military Service Committee and the defence ministry.
Socheata said an announcement concerning the next intake would be made three months after the first intake begins, with the exact dates to be announced via an upcoming official notification.
Candidates in the first intake have been assigned to eight training locations according to their home provinces and military regions. Those on the list should visit their local military police bases to confirm departure dates, assembly points and their assigned training schools.
They will travel together to undergo examinations at the training schools and remain there while awaiting their results. The committee will arrange return transport to the assembly points for unsuccessful candidates.
Socheata advised applicants to bring the required documents and essential personal belongings, including civilian clothes, sportswear and toiletries. The training centres will provide other necessary equipment and supplies.
During their service, recruits will receive a monthly allowance of 400,000 riel (US$100), along with all other provisions received by professional military personnel, she said.
These include daily food allowances, additional nutritional support during training, family and child allowances, rice rations, uniforms and essential equipment.
Training will combine classroom instruction with practical field exercises, generally lasting six to eight hours a day.
Socheata said recruits would remain on base during the first three months of basic training and would not be permitted to take leave to visit home. Their first home leave would be allowed after completing that phase.
Addressing female volunteers who had applied but were not included in the initial intake, she said implementation was proceeding in stages, taking account of practical needs, preparations and training capacity.
She encouraged them to continue their education, work and skills development while awaiting further opportunities.
Socheata urged applicants to follow official ministry and committee channels for updates. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
