Vietnam Ministry of Defense issues new military service regulations

The Vietnamese Ministry of Defense has issued Circular 173/2026/TT-BQP, which takes effect on October 28, 2026. This circular introduces several updates regarding military recruitment, health examinations, and discharge procedures.

Key changes include regulations on health standards, where citizens meeting health categories 1, 2, or 3 will be eligible for recruitment. Local authorities are instructed that the number of citizens called for health examinations must not exceed four times the recruitment quota, and the reserve ratio must not exceed 5% of the assigned quota.

Additionally, the circular mandates a re-examination of new soldiers' standards within 10 days of their arrival at receiving units. If discrepancies in political, moral, or health standards are found, units must coordinate with local authorities to replace personnel within 15 days, with a replacement rate not exceeding 2% of the total quota.

For discharged personnel, the regulation requires individuals to register for reserve service within 15 days of returning to their place of residence, either online or in person at the commune-level military command. Units must also provide 30 days' notice prior to the discharge of non-commissioned officers and soldiers.