Building an all-people national defense closely linked to a people’s security posture, the recruitment of young citizens for military service is consistently identified as a top political priority. In preparation for the 2026 enlistment season, Pu Nhi commune (Điện Biên province) has carefully reviewed eligible citizens, streamlined personnel, and clarified responsibilities within its Military Service Council. Local authorities have also stepped up public outreach under the “three visits, four understandings” initiative to win support from families and encourage young people to comply with the Law on Military Service. With a target of 32 recruits in 2026, including 17 for the armed forces and 15 for the police, Pu Nhi aims to complete preliminary screenings before October 31.

Đinh Quang Bạo, Chairman of the Pu Nhi commune People’s Committee and head of the commune’s Military Service Council, stressed: “Thorough preparation, from communication and mobilization to screening, is vital to ensure we meet our recruitment targets with both quality and quantity. This reflects local responsibility in defense and security while carrying forward the patriotic tradition and strengthening the all-people defense posture.”

Similarly, Búng Lao commune has made recruitment a central political task. At a recent meeting, the commune’s Military Service Council finalized regulations and set plans for both military and police service recruitment. Assigned to enlist 47 citizens in 2026, 35 for the armed forces and 12 for the police, the commune has called on the entire political system to focus efforts and fulfill the target.

Trương Hồng Bách, Chairman of Búng Lao People’s Committee, said: “Recruitment is a core political duty. The commune will lead with close supervision, engage the whole political system, and intensify communication to build public consensus and meet 100% of our targets”. He added that inspection and supervision remain critical to identify shortcomings, promote good practices, and raise overall quality.

Following the streamlining of local government into a two-tier system, the provincial Military Command has sent inspection teams to review key areas of defense work. Checks cover everything from combat-readiness plans and building model “comprehensive, exemplary” units to training facilities, equipment, and local military staffing. Strengthening commune-level military committees, consolidating militia forces, and recruitment have all been treated as core tasks requiring strict, thorough execution.

Senior Colonel Nguyễn Tiến Long, Deputy Commander of the provincial Military Command, noted: “Since adopting the two-tier government model, localities have overcome difficulties, innovated leadership, and steadily improved defense and security performance. The militia has been strengthened in both numbers and quality. Recruitment has largely followed proper timelines and procedures, while operational plans have been updated to match national defense needs. Looking ahead, communes must continue reinforcing local military staff, providing suitable facilities, maintaining active militia forces, and tightening weapons and equipment management. Training and drills also need further improvement to consolidate all-people defense, safeguard political stability, and create a secure environment for development.”

By prioritizing defense and security within the two-tier governance system, Điện Biên province has built a stronger all-people defense in tandem with people’s security. This proactive approach demonstrates the determination of local Party committees and authorities to advance the cause of building and safeguarding the nation.