Phnom Penh (FN), Apr. 19 – Cambodian Prime Minister, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet instructed the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) to consider a thorough recruitment of officers and soldiers in order to respond to the social situation, especially to maintain the balance of the composition of the officers, deputies and soldiers for 15 or 20 years.

The premier spoke on Friday (Apr. 19) during an inauguration of buildings and closing 2023 training course of the National Defence University.

Samdech Thipadei underlined that all officers in Cambodia were engaged in the conflict to end the war, yet this did not compromise Cambodia's defence capabilities. However, he stressed the need for balanced leadership in future commands to facilitate better preparation for leading and commanding the army.

“It is imperative to bolster the fighter count and increase the composition of officers, deputies, and soldiers, particularly within combat units. Priority lies in surpassing the number of soldiers over officers and evaluating promotions,” the premier underlined.

On the occasion, Samdech Thipadei directed the legal commission to assess the legal parameters for conscription recruitment, ensuring that young individuals can undergo military training and skill acquisition. Moving forward, a significant portion of the recruitment process will involve multiple conscription rounds and examinations (with exceptions for specialized skills or frameworks). This approach enables soldiers to contemplate their career paths, deciding whether to continue in the military or transition to other professions.

Samdech Thipadei continued, “In the future, the recruitment of soldiers, deputies, and officers should primarily adhere to a conscription-based approach whenever feasible. This allows conscripts reasonable period of time to consider their career choices and pursue a career in the military with a clear purpose.”
=FRESH NEWS