In practice, despite structural reductions and agency mergers, under the leadership and direction of the Party Committee and Command of Military Region 2, and under the close and consistent guidance of the provincial Party Committee, People’s Council, and People’s Committee, the armed forces of Điện Biên have upheld their traditions of unity, proactivity, and resilience. By fostering a strong sense of responsibility, flexibility, and innovation, local military agencies have overcome challenges and consistently strived to fulfill their duties. They have thoroughly implemented key policies, including Politburo Resolution No.28-NQ/TW (September 22, 2008) on building strong defensive zones, Central Committee Resolution No.44-NQ/TW (November 24, 2023) on the national defense strategy in the new situation, Government’s Decree No.21/2019/NĐ-CP on defensive zones, the Civil Defense Law No.18/2023/QH15, and the provincial Party Committee’s Resolution No.05-NQ/TU on defense and security for 2021-2025.

Notably, the provincial Military Command (PMC) has proactively advised the provincial Party Committee to issue a thematic resolution on defense, while implementing a comprehensive plan to build up the defensive zone. This plan leverages existing infrastructure and local resources to ensure the effective fulfillment of military and defense tasks. In 2024 alone, the PMC successfully advised and organized large-scale district-level defensive zone exercises in three districts, which were integrated with civil defense content and rated as outstanding. Additionally, all communes, wards, and towns in the province (30 in total) carried out combat exercises within their defensive zone framework.

The PMC also developed and launched specialized software for managing data on industrial mobilization and the militia/self-defense forces across the province. This innovation has saved time, ensured information security, and improved responsiveness in issuing mobilization orders. The provincial armed forces have actively coordinated to monitor, accurately forecast, and promptly report on all developments. This has enabled timely advice and proposals to address local issues directly, preventing surprises and maintaining readiness.

A major highlight was the PMC’s contribution to the successful organization of the 70th Anniversary of the Điện Biên Phủ Victory (May 7, 1954 - 2024). The celebration honored the historical significance of the victory, earning praise from Party and State leaders, the public, and international visitors.

The provincial armed forces continue to serve as the backbone in building an all-people national defense and closely integrated public security-defense posture. The province has effectively mobilized resources to strengthen the core elements of the defensive zone and has participated in reviewing 21 socioeconomic development projects to ensure alignment with national defense and security needs. The provincial Party Committee and PMC have maintained close coordination with border forces on both sides of the border, conducting joint patrols, strictly monitoring all activities along the border and at border gates, and promptly detecting and addressing violations of border management agreements, safeguarding national sovereignty and border security.

In line with Resolution No.1659-NQ/QUTW (December 20, 2022) from the Central Military Commission on improving training quality from 2023 to 2030 and beyond, the PMC has implemented breakthroughs to enhance the quality of training as per Military Region directives. Training activities are well-organized and disciplined. The armed forces also strictly enforce standard routines, enhance troop management and discipline, and regulate the use of military vehicles.

Looking ahead, with global, regional, and East Sea developments remaining complex and unpredictable, Điện Biên’s armed forces will continue to be streamlined toward the goals of “lean, strong, and modern.” To successfully fulfill military and defense tasks, the PMC must continue to provide timely, effective advisory work that aligns with political requirements and keeps national defense at the core. Scientific organization, rational task assignment, and the strategic application of modern technologies will be key to achieving this.

Inter-agency coordination and collaboration with local authorities remain vital for military advisory work to function as the central pillar of defense planning. At the same time, it is essential to build a team of advisory officers with strong ethics, firm political will, professional expertise, strategic vision, and high responsibility. These officers must also be capable of monitoring, forecasting, and effectively managing developments along the border, across cyberspace, and in key regions.

The armed forces of Điện Biên continue to affirm their role as the cornerstone of a robust all-people national defense. Despite the challenges of a streamlined and merged organizational structure, the advisory work in military and defense continues to prove effective, contributing significantly to political security, public order, and the steadfast protection of the nation’s borderlands. With determination, innovation, and a “service to the people” spirit, Điện Biên’s military advisory efforts will continue to meet expectations and earn the trust of the Party, the government, and the people of all ethnic groups in the province.

Senior Colonel Trịnh Đức Thiêm

Commander of the Điện Biên provincial Military Command