Vietnam Updates Health Requirements for Militia Service

Vietnam’s Ministry of National Defense has detailed the health certification criteria and legal prerequisites for those aiming to join the Militia and Self-Defense Force. This clarification arises after inquiries from a citizen, Huynh Nhat, who questioned his eligibility due to severe congenital myopia affecting both eyes.

The Department of Militia and Self-Defense, under the Ministry, indicated that current requirements adhere to the 2019 Law on Militia and Self-Defense Forces, along with amendments from Law No. 98/2025/QH15. The Ministry remarked that all aspiring members must meet specific conditions prior to selection into the militia.

Officials reiterated that individuals seeking to join the Militia and Self-Defense Force should maintain a clean personal history, abide by the Vietnamese government laws, and possess adequate health for militia roles. Health standards are deemed critical in the selection process, given the militia's diverse responsibilities across defense, security, emergency response, and community support.

In accordance with Circular No. 84/2025/TT-BQP, aspiring militia members must obtain health certification from a recognized commune-level or higher medical facility before recruitment. Individuals with serious disabilities, drug addiction, HIV/AIDS, significant deformities, or inadequate physical fitness are excluded from consideration. For those looking for long-term militia recruitment, health classifications 1, 2, or 3 as designated by provincial medical authorities are also necessary.

Regarding Huynh Nhat, who reported 15 degrees of congenital myopia in the left eye and 9.25 degrees in the right, the Ministry clarified that eligibility cannot be determined solely from ocular health. A formal medical examination at an approved healthcare establishment is required, with the results submitted to the commune-level People’s Committee chairman, who will ultimately make the eligibility decision.

Authorities highlighted that the responsibility for assessing militia eligibility falls upon commune-level People’s Committees and organizational heads, ensuring compliance with Vietnamese legal obligations. This process is designed to provide an equitable and thorough medical evaluation of a citizen's capability to undertake militia responsibilities.

The government also reaffirmed the Militia and Self-Defense Forces' significant contribution to Vietnam’s national defense framework. These forces are pivotal in local security efforts, emergency response, social stability, and crisis management collaboration. Hence, maintaining health standards among members is crucial for operational preparedness and community safety.

Officials pointed out that the latest revisions and updated regulations form part of a wider initiative aimed at streamlining administrative processes and enhancing local defense framework management within Vietnam’s dual-level government structure. The Ministry of National Defense assured that recruitment and health certification methods will rigorously follow government-established legal and medical protocols.