Cambodia to Begin Accepting Military Service Applications From October 1
Cambodia to Begin Accepting Military Service Applications From October 1
PHNOM PENH, Sept. 27, 2026 — Cambodia will begin accepting applications from young people seeking to fulfill military service obligations from Oct. 1, 2026, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Tea Seiha announced Sunday.
Tea Seiha said young people wishing to apply for military service can obtain application forms at municipal, district and Khan gendarmerie offices starting Oct. 1.
The announcement marks the start of the practical implementation of Cambodia’s military service law, which was formally enacted in May after being approved by the National Assembly and Senate. Under the law, Cambodian male citizens aged 18 to 25 are required to complete 24 months of military service, while military service for women remains voluntary. Registration begins at age 17.
In his announcement, Tea Seiha called on young people to follow official notices for details on eligibility requirements, required documents and subsequent application procedures.
He said the government was implementing the law for the first time with the objective of strengthening Cambodia’s defence capacity and building a more capable and disciplined national defence force.
“The protection of the nation and territorial integrity is the duty of every Cambodian citizen,” Tea Seiha said, adding that rapid changes in society and technology require a trained, knowledgeable and disciplined force capable of protecting national sovereignty, territorial integrity, the population and peace.
The defence minister also said military training would provide young people with physical and mental development, discipline, skills and practical experience that could be useful for their education, employment and lives after completing their service.
The government has previously said the revised military-service framework is intended not only to strengthen national defence but also to provide young people with training, discipline and practical skills. The law provides certain protections and benefits for those completing service, including employment and educational provisions.
Tea Seiha also called on parents, guardians and members of the public to support young people and help them understand the purpose of the law.
He stressed that the recruitment process should be conducted according to established conditions and procedures with transparency and equality.
The announcement comes as Cambodia moves from the legislative phase of military conscription to its first nationwide implementation. The government had earlier said the previous 2006 military-service framework no longer fully reflected current circumstances and that a revised law was needed to strengthen national defence and prepare future generations.
