Nearly 3,000 Register for Military Service on First Day, Hun Manet Says
Nearly 3,000 Register for Military Service on First Day, Hun Manet Says
PHNOM PENH, Oct. 2, 2026 — Nearly 3,000 people registered to apply for military service on the first day of the implementation of Cambodia’s military service law, Prime Minister Hun Manet said on October 2.
Speaking at a graduation ceremony for 2,573 graduates of Asia Euro University at the Koh Pich Convention and Exhibition Centre, Hun Manet described military service as not only a national obligation but also an investment by the state in developing Cambodia’s human resources.
“Yesterday we started receiving applications under the military service law. Nearly 3,000 people applied,” Hun Manet said, adding that the initial phase was being conducted as a pilot implementation.
He said authorities would continue accepting applications through October 10 and would assess the appropriate number and structure of military service recruits for this year and future years.
Military Service as Human Resource Development
Hun Manet described 2026 as a historic year for the implementation of Cambodia’s military service law, saying the first intake would need to be organised according to a designated number.
He said the government viewed the military service programme as part of its broader policy to strengthen the country’s human resources, with benefits extending beyond national defence to wider society.
According to the prime minister, military service would provide young people with new life experiences and military skills while helping develop discipline, teamwork, patience and a strong sense of responsibility.
“Military service is not only about fulfilling an obligation to the nation. It is also an investment by the state in building human resources through education in behaviour and discipline for young people,” he said.
Hun Manet added that participation in military service could contribute to developing young people with the skills and values needed to participate in Cambodia’s development.
Military Service Law
Cambodia’s Law on Military Service was officially promulgated on May 23, 2026. The law consists of eight chapters and 20 articles establishing the framework for implementing military service as part of national defence and development.
Under the law, Cambodian men aged 18 to 25 are required to complete 24 months of military service, while women’s participation is based on the principle of voluntary participation.
According to a notice from the National Military Service Committee, application forms are being distributed from October 1 to 9, 2026, while applications will be accepted from October 10 to 15.
Applications are being accepted from Monday to Saturday, from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The government says the programme is intended not only to fulfil military obligations but also to contribute to the development of human resources and prepare young people to contribute to national development.
