Major General Vũ Văn Điền on February 5 chairs a meeting reviewing the implementation of military conscription in HCM City for 2026. — VNA/VNS Photo Xuân Khu

HCM CITY — HCM City has set a target to improve the quality of military recruitment in 2026, with a strong focus on political reliability, physical fitness and educational standards, according to city authorities.

The information was highlighted at a meeting reviewing the implementation of the 2026 military conscription plan, chaired on Wednesday (February 5) by Major General Vũ Văn Điền, Commander of the city Command and Permanent Vice Chairman of the City’s Military Service Council.

Guided by the principle of “selecting only those who are certain to be suitable”, the city aims to comprehensively improve recruitment quality, ensuring that new enlistees meet political, health and educational requirements.

According to the city’s Military Service Council, 29,200 citizens were summoned for health examinations.

Of these citizens, 12,574 were found fit for military service, or 43 per cent of those examined. On average, one eligible candidate was identified for every 2.32 citizens screened.

Among those qualified, more than 51 per cent met health standards classified as Grade 1 or 2.

Notably, 4,008 citizens hold secondary, college or university qualifications, representing 54.9 per cent of the assigned target.

Ninety-five qualified citizens are Party members, accounting for 1.3 per cent and exceeding the city’s target of one per cent.

Under the 2026 conscription plan, the city is expected to enlist around 9,100 citizens, including 7,300 for compulsory military service and approximately 1,800 for compulsory service in the People’s Public Security force.

More than 2,400 citizens have voluntarily registered for police service, surpassing the assigned quota.

Major General Điền praised the efforts of relevant units in organising and implementing the conscription process, noting their sense of responsibility and effective coordination.

He called on members of the Military Service Council at all levels, as well as authorities in wards, communes and special zones, to closely monitor changes among local youth populations.

He also instructed the police force to work closely with local authorities to thoroughly review and cross-check personal and family backgrounds, ensuring strict compliance with political standards and preventing any errors in the selection process.

He stressed the importance of understanding the family circumstances of eligible citizens, promptly organising visits and providing encouragement and support for those facing difficulties.

He urged grassroots-level military commanders to actively advise local Military Service Councils and resolve issues in a timely manner.

The city plans to organise the 2026 troop handover ceremonies at six locations across regional defence areas on March 4.

The city-level ceremony will take place at the National Defence and Security Education Centre of Việt Nam National University-HCM City.

Điền also emphasised that the issuance of conscription orders, the organisation of military training camps and troop handover ceremonies must be carried out in accordance with approved plans, ensuring timeliness, safety, economy and solemnity, while fostering a positive atmosphere and inspiring enthusiasm among young people.

The meeting was held in both in-person and online formats. — VNS