Chairman of the State Administration Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, highlighted that, among Myanmar’s current population of about 52 million – 47 per cent male and 53 per cent female – only a small number have joined the military to perform the noble duties of national defence and security, making it essential for military personnel to take pride in their service, an honour not easily achieved by the general public.
He said so in a meeting with Tatmadaw members and their families of the Thanlyin Station, Yangon Command, Yangon Region, yesterday. He encouraged Tatmadaw members should cherish and value their military life, having joined the Tatmadaw with the desire to fulfil their national defence and security responsibilities without external encouragement, take pride in those carrying out noble duties for the country and people, and fulfil the duties assigned to them.
The Senior General was accompanied by Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Admiral Htein Win, Commander-in-Chief (Air) General Tun Aung, senior Tatmadaw officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief and the commander of Yangon Command.
In his speech, he explained the political changes in the country, the changes in the governance systems over the years, the military’s efforts to implement the multi-party democracy desired by the people, the voter fraud that occurred in the 2020 multiparty democratic general election, the failure to address this fraud, the attempts to seize power by force that led to the declaration of a state of emergency, the military’s responsibility to carry out state duties under the 2008 Constitution, and the security forces’ efforts to contain the ongoing violence in the country.
He continued by saying that the main responsibility of the Tatmadaw is to carry out the task of national defence and that regardless of the unit or location they serve in, military personnel must serve with military awareness and knowledge, as well as security awareness and knowledge, and that the military skills taught by training schools must be effectively applied in the practical field.
In order to apply the skills taught in such a way, they must constantly practice, maintain good health and strength appropriate for their age, carry out their duties courageously when it comes to national defence, have a strong will and desire to do so, and use the weapons and equipment they each handle with expertise, the Senior General said.
He then detailed carrying out national defence and security responsibilities, stating that each individual must train to be strong and resilient, with performing daily duties correctly being a form of training. It is also necessary to supervise and ensure that daily, weekly, and monthly fitness exercises are regularly performed by individuals and groups. Regarding training, per the policy of “study, practise, and follow”, one must constantly study to stay abreast of ever-changing military techniques, consistently practice to become more proficient in the military skills learned, and always follow and apply the established rules, regulations, and orders.
He said regardless of the field of work, if one does not study, they will be left behind. Therefore, it is important to constantly study and strive to develop both oneself and the organization. In terms of training, a good soldier must live and practice in order to improve the quality of both themselves and their organization. Regarding administrative matters, there must be a balanced administration model and the ability to successfully lead projects by understanding the nature of people.
The Senior General stressed that the backbone of the military is discipline, which encourages doing what is right and forbids doing what is wrong. If each soldier has strong discipline and solid administrative support, their morale will improve; therefore, it is essential to adhere to the principles of unity and fairness in administration.
Regarding welfare, he explained that governance and welfare are closely related, and good governance can foster welfare. When governance and welfare are strong, morale will naturally improve. Tatmadaw has provided soldiers of all ranks with rights and benefits appropriate to their position. It must ensure that those entitled to these benefits receive them fully and correctly, while also strictly monitoring welfare provisions. Additionally, the Tatmadaw must address the personal difficulties and crises of its soldiers to the best of its ability.
He urged soldiers to manage their consumption of food, drink, and entertainment for their well-being, maintain a balance between income and expenses, and avoid wasting resources. The Tatmadaw has supported both military-owned and privately-owned agricultural and livestock businesses, focusing on providing affordable food for soldiers and their families. By successfully running these businesses and selling surplus products at favourable rates, they aim to improve the welfare of both military personnel and the local community.
He emphasized the interconnectedness of military development activities like training, administration, welfare, and morale, stressing that it is each soldier’s responsibility to foster good morale, with leaders ensuring it is properly nurtured. Good morale can be supported through activities like sports competitions and addressing soldiers’ needs. He also highlighted the importance of reading and studying literature to improve individual quality, apply knowledge practically, and share it with others, while urging continued study and warning that illiteracy can hinder progress in life.
Afterwards, the State Administration Council Chairman Defence Services Commander-in-Chief presented food items and sports equipment to the officers, soldiers, and families of the military base, which were received by the officials. After the meeting, the Chairman of the State Administration Council and his team cordially greeted Tatmadaw members of various ranks and their families who had attended the meeting.
MNA/TH
#TheGlobalNewLightOfMyanmar