Troops drill movements and rehearse formations
Units of the Commando Corps are rehearsing artistic performances, martial arts and commando combat techniques for the opening ceremony. Training at the Commando Officer Candidate School is moving at a brisk pace. On the training ground, troops refine individual movements and repeatedly rehearse formations to make them precise, uniform and synchronized.
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Officers, cadets, and soldiers at the Commando Officer Candidate School rehearse “Phu Dong Thien Vuong,” the first performance of the Viet Nam Defense Expo 2026 opening ceremony. |
The Commando Corps said 2,394 officers and soldiers will take part in the performances, including 195 for the battle drum display, 500 for the battle flag display, 1,200 for synchronized martial arts and formations that create shapes and spell out words, and 300 for commando combat martial arts, as well as other participants.
Training progresses from physical conditioning, drill and individual techniques to coordination in teams, squads, platoons, companies and battalions and then across the entire formation. Units hold daily competitions to assess performance, draw lessons and improve rehearsals.
The Standing Board of the Commando Corps’ Party Committee and leaders of its command have made participation in the expo a priority. They see it as an opportunity to demonstrate the corps’ ability to organize, command and train troops and maintain combat readiness, and to strengthen troops’ pride and sense of responsibility for building and safeguarding the country.
The school’s opening ceremony program includes a welcoming arts performance and a commando combat martial arts display. The arts program features “Phu Dong Thien Vuong,” “Proud Viet Nam,” “Golden Star Warriors” and a song-and-dance medley combining “We Are the World,” “Aspiration for Peace” and “Rise Up, Viet Nam.” The martial arts display includes battle drums and flags, synchronized martial arts, formations spelling out words and depicting symbols, commando combat techniques, weapons routines and mixed martial arts.
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The performances showcase the strength and skill of the commando force. |
Units are also preparing performances, exchanges and hands-on activities for visitors and the public during the expo.
Staff Sergeant Nhu Van Thanh of Company 3, Battalion 1, at the Commando Corps’ Commando Officer Candidate School said rehearsing and performing at the opening ceremony was an honor, a source of pride and a major responsibility for him and personnel across the corps. Despite intensive training in harsh weather, he said he and his fellow soldiers encouraged and helped one another to carry out their duties. The rehearsals gave him a chance to learn and improve his skills for his studies and for his future duties as an officer.
Sergeant Bui Thanh Tung, a cadet in Company 6, Battalion 2, at the school, said leaders and commanders at every level had explained the importance of training and performing from the moment he received the assignment. He described the expo as a political event of international stature that would introduce the Viet Nam People’s Army and the country to international audiences. That helped him and his fellow cadets understand their responsibilities and approach the task accordingly, he said.
While inspecting training and rehearsals at the school, Deputy Chief of the General Staff Senior Lieutenant General Le Quang Dao praised the role of Commando Corps officers and soldiers in the opening ceremony performances.
With little rehearsal time left before the expo, Senior Lieutenant General Le Quang Dao urged the school’s officers, soldiers and cadets taking part in the formations to keep training, maintain discipline, look after their health and uphold military bearing. He called on them to work with the rest of the military to make the expo a success.
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Senior Lieutenant General Le Quang Dao presents gifts to encourage officers, cadets and soldiers at the Commando Officer Candidate School. |
Modern combat techniques meet traditional martial arts
The display combines modern combat techniques with traditional martial arts. The forms, stances and weapons routines demonstrate strength, agility and technical skill and convey the martial spirit, resolve and commitment to defending the country.
The school hopes to show delegates, visitors and international audiences what distinguishes Vietnamese commando martial arts. The performances bring together political resolve, judgment, physical fitness, military skills and teamwork developed through education and systematic training.
Senior Colonel Bui Quang Trung, Deputy Political Commissar of the Commando Officer Candidate School, said taking part in an international defense event was an honor, a source of pride and a major responsibility for the school’s officers, instructors, cadets, professional military personnel, noncommissioned officers and soldiers. He said the demonstrations would show the skill, strength, resolve and traditions of the Viet Nam People’s Army’s commando troops.
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Performers rehearse each movement carefully. |
Senior Colonel Bui Quang Trung said the rehearsals built resolve, determination, teamwork, military bearing and discipline. Cadets could apply what they had learned and improve their technical and tactical skills, coordination and response to unexpected situations. Instructors were also gaining practical experience to draw on in teaching and training.
Officers and cadets of the Commando Officer Candidate School are patiently refining each movement for the December expo. The rehearsals show the troops’ resolve, discipline and military bearing. They also reflect the troops’ pride in presenting Vietnamese commandos and an elite, modern Viet Nam People’s Army committed to peace.
Translated by Minh Anh