On this occasion, President Luong Cuong presented the Militia and Self-Defense Force with the Ho Chi Minh Order, a noble reward of the Party and State.
Addressing the event, President Luong Cuong highlighted the force's 90-year journey, from a grassroots paramilitary group to an essential component of the Vietnam People’s Armed Forces. It has always excellently completed its tasks, making great contributions to the cause of national liberation and reunification in the past and the process of Fatherland building and safeguarding.
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State President Luong Cuong addresses the ceremony. |
Congratulating the force on the outstanding achievements and maturity over the last nine decades, the State leader affirmed that the Party and State steadfastly uphold the policy of building the all-people defense force. The Militia and Self-Defense Force remains a critically important component to implement the doctrine of all-people national defense and people’s warfare.
To enhance its effectiveness, President Luong Cuong urged relevant agencies at all levels to improve training, modernize equipment, and ensure appropriate policies for militia members, particularly in remote and disadvantaged areas. He also emphasized the importance of strengthening coordination with other security forces to safeguard national borders, maintain social order, and contribute to disaster relief efforts.
He underlined the need to focus on ensuring a well-structured force with increasing quality, high combativeness and mobility in strategic areas, especially in border areas.
The force must engage in refuting wrongful viewpoints propagated by hostile forces against the Party, the State, and the military, thereby contributing to the firm protection of the Party’s ideological foundation, President Luong Cuong stated.
The State leader called for enhanced training and capacity-building for local defense officers and militia personnel at all levels, ensuring their preparedness for combat and civil defense in line with local conditions. He emphasized the need for structured organization, proper equipment, and effective deployment of commune-level military officers to align with administrative reforms and military restructuring.
Additionally, he stressed strict coordination among forces to safeguard national borders, maintain security and public order, support socio-economic development, and assist in disaster response, and search and rescue operations.
The President also urged the Central Military Commission and the Ministry of National Defense to advise the Party and State on policies ensuring adequate support for the Militia and Self-Defense Force, particularly in disadvantaged areas, while increasing funding and resources to enhance its operational effectiveness.
The Militia and Self-Defense Force was formed on March 28, 1935 following a resolution issued at the First National Party Congress in Macao (China). This decision laid the foundation for the force’s role in national defense.
Throughout the wars for national liberation, the militia played a vital role along with regular troops, supporting combat operations and acting as a crucial reserve force, while balancing production with military readiness, contributing to public security and disaster response efforts.
During the country’s modernization process, the force has upheld its revolutionary spirit, demonstrating resilience and dedication. Today, it remains at the forefront of safeguarding national sovereignty, maintaining political stability, and countering threats to national security.
In recognition of its contributions, the Militia and Self-Defense Force has received numerous honors, including the Gold Star Order in 2015 and the Ho Chi Minh Order in 2025.
Source: VNA