On Monday, 9 November 2026, Cambodia officially started its first wave of military conscription training at a base in western Kampong Speu province, a move made possible by a new law that mandates all male citizens aged 18 to 25 to serve 24 months of active duty.
Prime Minister Hun Manet, speaking at the launch event that was broadcast live on state‑run TVK, described the program as a historic milestone that would strengthen recruits’ bodies and spirits. He said the conscripts would receive instruction in military tactics, discipline, and professional conduct, and would learn the standards of military life within the armed forces.
The Prime Minister noted that military service offers a unique opportunity for citizens to serve the nation, master a range of military and technical skills, and achieve personal development. He also emphasized that while the participation is compulsory for men in the specified age bracket, it remains voluntary for women.
Under the new legislation, the Ministry of National Defense has been authorized to recruit 10,000 citizens aged 18 to 25 for a 24‑month service term in 2026. After completing active duty, conscripts will transition to the reserves, where they are expected to serve until the age of 45.
This initiative marks Cambodia’s first formal effort to expand military training and incorporate conscription into its national defense strategy, reflecting a broader push for modernization and professionalization of the armed forces.