Law on amendments to 11 Laws on military and national defense of Vietnam 2025

 

LAW

ON AMENDMENTS TO SOME ARTICLES OF 11 LAWS ON MILITARY AND NATIONAL DEFENSE

Pursuant to the Constitution of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam amended by the Resolution No. 203/2025/QH15;

The National Assembly promulgates the Law on amendments to some articles of 11 laws on military and national defense including the Law on National Defense No. 22/2018/QH14 (amended by the Law No. 18/2023/QH15 and Law No. 38/2024/QH15); the Law on Vietnam People’s Army Officers No. 16/1999/QH10 (amended by the Law No. 19/2008/QH12, Law No. 72/2014/QH13, Law No. 48/2019/QH14 and Law No. 52/2024/QH15); the Law on Professional Servicemen and Women, National Defense Workers and Public Employees No. 98/2015/QH13 (amended by the Law No. 48/2019/QH14); the Law on Vietnamese Border Defense No. 66/2020/QH14; the Law on People’s Air Defense No. 49/2024/QH15; the Law on Military Reserve Forces No. 53/2019/QH14; the Law on Civil Defense No. 18/2023/QH15;  the Law on Management and Protection of National Defense Works and Military Zones No. 25/2023/QH15; the Law on Militia and Self-defense Forces No. 48/2019/QH14; the Law on National Defense and Security Education No. 30/2013/QH13 (amended by the Law No. 35/2018/QH14).

Article 1. Amendments to some articles of the Law on National Defense

1. Amendments to clause 1, Article 9:

“1. The defense zone is an integral part of the military region defense including political, spiritual, economic, cultural, social, scientific, technological, military, security and external activities; is organized by provinces and special administrative-economic divisions with commune-level defense and construction works used as the foundation for protecting the local areas.”.

2. Amendments to clause 3, Article 21:

“3. The martial law order shall specify the province, commune, special administrative-economic division subject to the martial law, measures and effect; regulate the tasks and powers of authorities, organizations and individuals; set the social order rules that are necessary in the area subject to the martial law; and shall be regularly published on the mass media.”.

3. Amendments to points b and c, clause 3, Article 22:

“b) Province-level People’s Committees shall issue the curfew order in one or a number of communes;

c) Commune-level People’s Committees shall issue the curfew order in one or a number of areas within their jurisdiction;”.

Article 2. Amendments to some articles of the Law on Vietnam People’s Army Officers

1. Amendments to points i, k, l and m, clause 1, Article 11:

“i) Commanders of divisions, Political Commissars of divisions; Commanders and Political Commissars of province-level military commands;

k) Deputy Commanders of divisions, Deputy Political Commissars of divisions; Deputy Commanders and Deputy Political Commissars of province-level military commands;

Commanders of brigades, Political Commissars of brigades;

l) Deputy Commanders of brigades, Deputy Political Commissars of brigades; Commanders of regiments, Political Commissars of regiments;

m) Deputy Commanders of regiments, Deputy Political Commissars of regiments;”.

2. Amendments to clause 2, Article 15:

“2. Seconded officers of the People’s Army who are elected to hold the position of the head of National Assembly’s Committee for National Defense, Security, and Foreign Affairs shall hold the highest rank of Lieutenant General; Seconded officers of the People’s Army who are approved to hold the position of the deputy head of National Assembly’s Committee for National Defense, Security, and Foreign Affairs or appointed to hold the position of Deputy Minister or equivalent positions shall hold the highest rank of Major General; Seconded officers of the People’s Army who are approved to hold the position of Member and full-time National Assembly deputies working at the National Assembly’s Committee for National Defense, Security, and Foreign Affairs or appointed to hold the position of Director General or equivalent positions shall hold the highest rank of Senior Colonel.”.

3. Amendments to some points and clauses of Article 40:

a) Amendments to point b, clause 1:

“b) Presidents of province-level People’s Committees shall decide to summon cadres, civil servants and non-commissioned officers residing in provinces within their jurisdiction.”;

b) Amendments to point b, clause 2:

“b) Presidents of province-level People’s Committees shall decide to summon reserve officers holding the rank of Commander of regiment, equivalent or lower positions; reserve officers holding the rank of Lieutenant Colonel or lower positions.”.

Article 3. Amendments to Article 27 of the Law on Professional Servicemen and Women, National Defense Workers and Public Employees

Amendments to Article 27:

“Article 27. Discharge from service of reserve professional servicemen

Reserve professional servicemen who exceed the age limit as prescribed in Article 23 of this Law or no longer meet health requirements to serve the reserve force shall be discharged in accordance with the Decision of the Commander of regional defense command.”.

Article 4. Amendments to some articles of the Law on Military Service

1. Amendments to clause 8, Article 3:

“8. Evasion of military service means the activity in which the citizens fail to comply with the decision on registration for military service; the decision on pre-enlistment medical examination; the call-up; the decision on concentrated training, practicing or examination on readiness for mobilization/fighting.”.

2. Amendments to point a, clause 4, Article 4:

“a) Standing militia who have served for at least 24 months shall be recognized completing peacetime military service in accordance with the Decision of the Commander of the High Command of Capital Hanoi, the Commander of the High Command of Ho Chi Minh City or Commanders of province-level military commands at the request of the Presidents of commune-level People’s Committees, heads of authorities and organizations;”.

3. Amendments to point b, clause 1, Article 13:

“b) Any citizen who is bearing education at communes or being sent to reformatories, compulsory education establishments or compulsory detoxification establishments;”.

4. Amendments to clause 2, Article 15:

“2. Grassroots-level military commands of authorities/organizations shall carry out military service registration for citizens working or studying in such authorities/organizations, then summarize and report to commune-level People’s Committees where authorities/organizations are located. If authorities/organizations do not have grassroots-level military commands, the heads or legal representatives of authorities/organizations shall assist citizens to register for military service in their place of residence.”.

5. Amendments to Article 16:

“Article 16. Initial registration for military service

1. In every January, the commanders of commune-level military commands, the heads or legal representatives of authorities/organizations shall report to Presidents of commune-level People’s Committees the List of male citizens who turn 17 years old and male citizens subject to military service that have not registered for military service.

2.  In every April, Presidents of commune-level People’s Committees shall send the call-up to citizens as prescribed in clause 1 of this Article to perform initial registration for military service.

3. Citizens shall perform initial registration for military service online or in person at authorities responsible for military service registration prescribed in Article 15 of this Law.”.

6. Amendments to clauses 1, 2 and 3, Article 17:

“1. Additional registration for military service:

Any citizen having registered for military service who has changes in their working position, educational qualification, professional qualification, health condition and other information related to military service shall carry out additional registration for military service online or in person at authorities responsible for military service registration.

2. Registration for military service in case of changes in places of residence or workplace/school:

a) Any citizen having registered for military service who has changes in their places of residence or workplace/school shall register for military service online or in person at authorities where he/she has registered for military service to carry out procedures for modification of military service registration. Within 05 working days from the date on which a citizen move to the new place of residence or workplace/school, he/she shall carry out modification of military service registration online or in person at authorities responsible for military service registration;

b) Any citizen having registered for military service who is going to study at vocational education institutions or higher education institutions of national education system shall register for military service online or in person at authorities where he/she has registered for military service to carry out procedures for modification of military service registration. After the studying period, such citizen shall carry out procedures for military service re-registration. The heads of educational institutions shall assist citizens to register for military service and modify military service registration.

3. Registration for absenteeism from military service:

a) Any citizen having registered for military service who leaves his/her place of residence or workplace/school for 03 months or more shall register for absenteeism from military service online or in person at authorities responsible for military service registration. After returning to place of residence or workplace/school, he/she shall carry out re-registration of military service within 05 working days.”.

7. Amendments to clause 2, Article 19:

“2. Within 05 working days from the date on which the confirmation of competent authorities is issued, military commands of communes, authorities and organizations where citizens prescribed in clause 1 of this Article 1 shall report to Presidents of commune-level People’s Committees for issuance of decision.”.

8. Amendments to some points and clauses of Article 20:

a) Amendments to the first sentence of clause 4:

“4. Commune-level military authorities within their tasks and powers shall:”;

b) Amendments to the first sentence and point a of clause 5:

“5. Commune-level police authorities within their tasks and powers shall:

a) Promptly notify the military commands of the same level where the citizens subject to military service is living as prescribed in clause 1, Article 13 of this Law,”.

9. Amendments to clause 2, Article 28:

“2. Commune-level People’s Committees shall direct medical facilities at the same level to cooperate with relevant authorities in organizing medical examination for reserve non-commissioned officers/soldiers.”.

10. Amendments to Article 29:

“Article 29. Discharge from service of reserve force

Reserve non-commissioned officers/soldiers who exceed the age limit or no longer meet health requirements to serve the reserve force shall be discharged in accordance with the Decision of the Commander of regional defense command.”.

11. Amendments to some clauses of Article 34:

a) Amendments to clause 3:

“3. Presidents of province-level People’s Committees shall decide the quantity of citizens subject to conscription and service in People’s Public Security in communes; the list of citizens subject to conscription and service in People’s Public Security at the request of province-level Boards of military service.”;

b) Amendments to clause 4:

“4. Commanders of province-level military commands, Directors of police authorities shall cooperate and advise Presidents of province-level People’s Committees on the quantity of citizens subject to conscription and service in People’s Public Security in communes, authorities and organizations; direct the selection of citizens subject to conscription and service in People’s Public Security.”;

c) Amendments to clause 6:

“6. Presidents of commune-level People’s Committees shall send a call-up to each citizen subject to conscription and service in People’s Public Security. The call-up for service in People’s Public Security shall be sent to the citizens at least 15 days before the time prescribed in the call-up.”.

12. Amendments to some clauses of Article 35:

a) Amendments to clause 2:

“2. Province-level People’s Committees shall handover citizens subject to conscription and service in People’s Public Security to authorities in charge of accepting enlisted citizens; and organize the soldier accepting ceremony conducted by the regional defense commands in accordance with regulations of the Minister of National Defense.”;

b) Amendments to clause 3:

“3. Commune-level People’s Committees, authorities and organizations shall publish the quantity, entities and standards for conscription; the list of citizens liable for conscription and service in People’s Public Security; the list of citizens subject to conscription and service in People’s Public Security; the list of citizens whose military service are postponed or exempted on the websites and at the offices of commune-level People’s Committees, authorities and organizations.”;

c) Amendments to clause 5:

“5. Any citizen who receives the call-up for conscription and service in People’s Public Security shall attend at the time and place prescribed in the call-up. Any absence shall has good and sufficient reason; be approved by commune-level People’s Committees where he/she lives or authorities/organizations where he/she works/studies; and be reported to commune-level People’s Committees.”.

13. Amendments to clause 2, Article 36:

“2. Province-level and commune-level Boards of military service include:

The President of the Board of military service shall be the President of province-level/commune-level People’s Committee;

The standing Deputy President of the Board of military service shall be the commander of province-level/commune-level military authorities;

The Deputy President of the Board of military service shall be the Director of province-level police authorities, the head of commune-level authorities;

The members of the Board of military service shall be heads of the Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, social-political organizations affiliated to the Vietnam Fatherland Front, specialized authorities affiliated to the People’s Committee, other members as decided by the President of the People’s Committee at the same-level.”.

14. Amendments to Article 37:

“Article 37. Responsibilities of province-level Boards of military service

1. Assist province-level People’s Committees in directing the inspection and urge of the military registration and management of citizens subject to military service of authorities and organizations; prepare the military service in active force, the plan for selection, conscription and military service in People’s Public Security; the selection of citizens subject to conscription and military service in People’s Public Security; provide training for non-commissioned officers/reserve soldiers; implement benefits and policies for non-commissioned officers/soldiers in provinces.

2. Report to province-level People’s Committees for issuance of decision on the list of citizens subject to conscription, military postponement and exemption, and service in People’s Public Security.

3. Direct commune-level People’s Committees in implementing laws on military service; direct and provide guidelines for operation of commune-level Boards of military service.

4. Assist province-level People’s Committees in directing and organizing the handover of citizens subject to conscription and service in People’s Public Security to military and police units; organize the acceptance of demobilized non-commissioned officers/soldiers.

5. Assist province-level People’s Committees in inspecting and providing guidelines for relevant authorities and organizations to implement policies of the rear and manage citizens subject to military service in provinces.

6. Assist Presidents of province-level People’s Committees in considering and resolving complaints and denunciations regarding implementation of laws on military service.”.

15. Amendments to clauses 1, 2 and 3, Article 39:

“1. Assist commune-level People’s Committees in disseminating laws on military service; organize the military service registration and pre-enlistment medical examination.

2. Report to commune-level People’s Committees and province-level Boards of military service on the list of citizens subject to conscription, military postponement and exemption, and service in People’s Public Security.

3. Facilitate the citizens in implementation of the decision on preliminary selection; decision on pre-enlistment medical examination; the call-up for conscription and service in People’s Public Security; the decision on concentrated training, practicing or examination on readiness for mobilization/fighting.”.

16. Amendments to Article 40:

“Article 40. Pre-enlistment medical examination for conscripted citizens and service in People’s Public Security

1. Presidents of commune-level People’s Committees shall decide the establishment of the pre-enlistment medical examination team at the request of medical facilities at the same level.

2. Presidents of commune-level People’s Committees shall decide the establishment of the regional Council for medical examination at the request of the Departments of Health.

3. Presidents of commune-level People’s Committees shall issue the decision on pre-enlistment medical examination for military service; medical examination for citizens subject to conscription and service in People’s Public Security. The decision on pre-enlistment medical examination shall be sent to the citizens at least 15 days before the date of examination.

4. The regional Councils for medical examination shall conduct medical examination for citizens subject to conscription and service in People’s Public Security. The content of medical examination includes physical fitness, clinical, and subclinical assessments. The regional Councils for medical examination shall bear the responsibility for the results.

5. The pre-enlistment medical examination shall be conducted from November 01 to December 31 annually. The time for the second pre-enlistment medical examination shall comply with Article 33 of this Law and decided by the Prime Minister.

6. The results of pre-enlistment medical examination and classification of health shall be published on the websites and at the offices of commune-level People’s Committees, authorities and organizations within 20 days.”.

17. Amendments to Article 42:

“Article 42. Authority for decision on postponement and exemption from conscription and recognition of completion of active duty military service

1. Presidents of province-level People’s Committees shall decide the postponement and exemption from conscription for citizens prescribed in Article 41 of this Law.

2. Commanders of province-level military commands shall decide the recognition of completion of active duty military service for citizens prescribed in clause 4, Article 4 of this Law.”.

18. Amendments to clauses 2, 3 and 4, Article 44:

“2. Commanders of regiments, equivalent or higher levels shall decide the demobilization of non-commissioned officers and soldiers under their management; organize demobilization ceremonies for non-commissioned officers and soldiers who have completed their active service and handover them to the regional defense commands.

3. The time for mobilization shall be notified to non-commissioned officers/soldiers, regional defense commands, or authorities/organizations where citizens worked/studied before conscription at least 30 days before the demobilization.

4. Province-level People’s Committees, commune-level People’s Committee, regional defense commands, authorities and organizations shall organize the receipt of demobilized non-commissioned officers/soldiers.”.

19. Amendments to clause 2, Article 47:

“2. Presidents of commune-level People’s Committees shall decide the conscription for each citizen.”.

20. Amendment to clauses 2, 3, 4 and 5, Article 56:

“2. The Minister of Health shall direct local health authorities to take charge of the cooperation with military authorities at the same level and relevant authorities, units in organizing the pre-enlistment medical examination; the cooperation with the Ministry of National Defense in regulating the health standards for military service.

3. The Ministry of Education and Training shall take charge of the cooperation of the Ministry of National Defense in directing and providing guidelines for educational establishments, vocational education establishment/units within its jurisdiction to implement military service and provide training for cadres and technical staff for the military in accordance with the decision of the Prime Minister; implement vocational training policies for demobilized non-commissioned officers and soldiers as prescribed by laws.

4. The Ministry of Home Affairs shall implement employment policies for demobilized non-commissioned officers and soldiers as prescribed by laws.

5. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism shall direct the mass media agencies to disseminate and educate laws on military service as prescribed by law.”.

21. Annulment of points, clauses, articles and phrases in the following articles, clauses and points:

a) Annulment of clause 5, Article 34 and Article 38;

b) Annulment of the following phrases: “or the Coastguard” in clauses 3, 4 and 5, Article 3; “the Coastguard forces or” in clause 3, Article 4; “/Coastguard force” in point b, clause 3, Article 18.

Article 5. Amendments to some articles of the Law on Vietnamese Border Defense

1. Amendments to clause 5, Article 5:

“5. Build a nationwide border defense force and a comprehensive border defense posture within the all-people national defense and the all-people defense system linked with the People’s security foundation and the People’s security posture; establish province-level defense zones, defense zones at border areas and civil defense areas; manage, respond and overcome incidents, natural disasters, climate change, and epidemics; conduct search and rescue operations in border areas.”.

2. Amendments to point d, clause 1, Article 10:

“d) Commune-level governments in border areas, within their tasks and powers, shall take charge and cooperate with local authorities and organizations in implementing border defense tasks.”.

3. Amendments to some points and clauses of Article 11:

a) Amendments to points a and b, clause 3:

“a) Commanders of the border guard stations shall decide the restriction or suspension of activities within border zones under their management for under 12 hours;

b) Commanders of the border guard commands shall decide the restriction or suspension of activities within border zones under their management for under 24 hours;

After 24 hours, if it is deemed necessary to continue restricting and suspending activities within border areas, the commanders of the border guard commands shall report to the commanders of the province-level military commands to request Presidents of province-level People’s Committees to issue decision on restriction and suspension of activities for under 24 hours;”;

b) Amendments to points a, b and c, clause 4:

a) Commanders of the border guard stations shall decide the restriction and suspension of passage at secondary border checkpoints and border crossings for under 06 hours;

b) Commanders of the border guard commands shall decide the restriction or suspension of passage at secondary border checkpoints and border crossings for under 12 hours; decide the restriction or suspension of main border checkpoints or bilateral border checkpoints for under 06 hours;

c) Presidents of province-level People’s decide the restriction or suspension of passage at main border checkpoints or bilateral border checkpoints for under 24 hours at the request of the commanders of province-level military commands;”;

c) Amendments to point b, clause 5:

“b) Commanders of the border guard commands shall decide the extension of restriction or suspension of passage at main border checkpoints or bilateral border checkpoints for under 06 hours; and at secondary border checkpoints and border crossings for under 12 hours;”;

d) Addition of clause 8 after clause 7:

“8. The Minister of National Defense shall elaborate points a and b, clause 3; points a, b and c, clause 4 and point d, clause 5 of this Article.”.

4. Amendments to clause 9, Article 14:

“9. Advise and play a core role in building  the all-people border defense force and the all-people border defense posture in the border areas; participate in developing province-level defense zones, border area defense, and civil defense.”.

5. Amendments to point b and addition of point b1 after point b in clause 1, Article 21:

“b) The border guard commands affiliated to province-level military commands;

b1) Units affiliated to the border guard high command;”.

Article 6. Amendments to some articles of the Law on People’s Air Defense

1. Amendments to some points and clauses of Article 6:

a) Amendments to clause 1:

“1. Key areas of the People’s air defense are areas where the enemy is likely to concentrate air attacks including political, economic, socio-cultural, national defense, security and foreign affairs centers, or locations with national key targets, targets at military regions, province-level and commune-level targets, as well as other locations as determined in the defense operational plans at all levels.”;

b) Amendments to point d, clause 2:

“c) Commune-level People’s air defense key areas.”;

c) Amendments to point b, clause 3:

“b) Presidents of province-level People’s Committees shall decide the commune-level People’s air defense key areas.”.

2. b) Amendments to point dd, clause 1, Article 11:

“dd) Commanders of regional defense commands;”.

3. Amendments to points and b, clause 2, Article 13:

“a) Province-level air defense forces and the regional defense commands include local servicemen, air defense militia and self-defense forces, air defense reserve servicemen, part-time air defense forces of province-level military commands, regional defense commands and border guard units that are organized into companies, platoons, artillery batteries; air defense observation posts and towers; low-altitude firing teams and teams for suppressing UAVs and other aerial vehicles;

b) Commune-level air defense forces include militia and self-defense forces that are organized into air-defense machine gun platoons, low-altitude firing teams, teams for suppressing UAVs and other aerial vehicles;”.

4. Amendments to clause 2, Article 15:

“2. Presidents of commune-level People’s Committees, heads of authorities, organizations and enterprises shall decide the extension of age limit for mobilization for the mass forces as prescribed in clause 1 of this Article.”.

5. Amendments to point a, clause 2, Article 16:

“a) Commune-level People’s Committees shall take charge and cooperate with regional defense commands  in managing the mass forces in communes;”.

6. Amendments to clauses 3 and 5, Article 25:

a) Amendments to clause 3:

“3. The construction of People’s air defense works shall follow the plannings, plans linked with the defense posture of provinces and regions; ensure the integration of socio-economic development with the People’s air defense posture.”;

b) Amendments to clause 5:

“5. Province-level People’s Committees shall issue or propose the province-level People’s Councils for issuance of the decision on construction of People’s air defense works.

Presidents of province-level People’s Committees, Presidents of commune-level People’s Committees shall decide the evacuation and dispersal locations for enterprises within jurisdiction. Heads of authorities, organizations and enterprises shall determine the areas and evacuation plans to protect employees and secure assets in accordance with local People’s air defense plans.”.

7. a) Amendments to point c, clause 2, Article 30:

“c) In cases where the Ministry of National Defense or Ministry of Public Security grants flight permits within airport/aerodrome areas or other areas affecting the operations of civil aircrafts, such permits shall be approved by the Ministry of Construction.”.

8. b) Amendments to point dd, clause 2, Article 33:

“d) Commanders of regional defense commands, commanders of commune-level military commands, and commanders of border guard units in border areas may suspend flights of UAVs and other aerial vehicles within their jurisdiction, except for UAVs and other aerial vehicles of the Ministry of Public Security operating outside the areas and targets under management of the army;”.

9. Amendments to point b, clause 2, Article 34:

“b) Commanders of military regions, the commander of the High Command of Capital Hanoi, the commander of the High Command of Ho Chi Minh City, commanders of province-level military commands, commanders of regional defense commands, and commanders of commune-level military commands may order the suppression and detention of UAVs and other aerial vehicles as prescribed in clause 1 of this Article within their jurisdiction;”.

10. Amendments to point b, clause 1, Article 41:

“b) Participate in People’s air defense activities during province-level defense exercises and commune-level combat exercises within the defense zones;”.

11. Amendments to point b, clause 2, Article 43:

“b) Local People’s air defense activities shall be funded by the local budget. Province-level People’s Committees shall propose People’s Councils of the same level for consideration and decision on expenditure for People’s air defense activities that exceed the general expenditure as prescribed by laws. Province-level People’s Committees shall propose People’s Councils of the same level for approval or approve schemes or projects related to People’s air defense, management of UAVs and other aerial vehicles, and budget estimates for People’s air defense activities.”.

12. Amendments to Article 47:

“Article 47. Effect

1. This Law comes into force from July 01, 2025, except for clause 2 of this Article.

2. Clause 1, Article 29; point c, clause 2, Article 31; and Article 32 come into force from July 01, 2026.”.

Article 7. Amendments to some articles of the Law on Military Reserve Forces

1. Amendments to clauses 1 and 3, Article 8:

a) Amendments to clause 1:

“1. The Ministry of National Defense shall take charge and cooperate with the Ministry of Finance, ministries, ministerial authorities and governmental authorities in preparing the State plan for development and mobilization of reserve forces.”.

b) Amendments to clause 3:

“3. Province-level People’s Committees shall prepare plans for development and mobilization of reserve forces in provinces.”.

2. Amendments to clause 1, Article 10:

“1. The Ministry of National Defense shall take charge and cooperate with the Ministry of Finance to propose the Prime Minister for approval of the State plan for development and mobilization of reserve forces.”.

3. Amendments to Article 12:

“Article 12. Registration and management of reserve servicemen

1.  Commune-level military commands shall register local citizens as reserve servicemen.

Military commands of authorities and organizations shall register their citizens working and studying at their workplace as reserve servicemen.  If authorities and organizations do not have military commands, the heads or legal representatives of authorities and organizations shall assist citizens working/studying at their workplace to register for reserve forces in their place of residence.

2.  Commune-level People’s Committees shall manage local reserve servicemen.

3. Regional military commands shall cooperate with authorities and organizations managing reserve servicemen working and studying at authorities and organizations within their jurisdiction.

4. The Government shall elaborate procedures for registration of reserve servicemen as prescribed in clause 1 of this Article.”.

4. Amendments to Article 13:

“Article 13. Registration and management of reserve technical equipment

1. Authorities in charge of registration for ownership of means of civil aviation transport, water transport or inland water transport which are affiliated to the Ministry of Construction; authorities in charge of registration for ships of fishery authorities and fisheries surveillance ships which are under control of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment shall annually provide information to the Ministry of National Defense for registration and management of  reserve technical equipment.

2. Local authorities in charge of registration for ownership of means of inland water transport, road transport; authorities managing means of communication, medical equipment or supplies shall annually provide information to province-level People’s Committees where the owners thereof reside for registration and management of reserve technical equipment.

3. Commune-level People’s Committees, authorities and organizations shall annually report and provide information on reserve technical equipment that is not prescribed in clauses 1 and 2 of this Article to province-level People’s Committees where the owners thereof reside, or these authorities and organizations are located for registration and management purposes.

4. The Government shall elaborate the list of reserve technical equipment; the registration and management of reserve technical equipment.”.

5. Amendments to point c, clause 2, Article 14:

“c) Presidents of province-level People’s Committees shall allocate targets for establishment reserve forces to authorities/units under their management and commune-level People’s Committees.”.

6. Amendments to Article 19:

“Article 19. Authority for placement of reserve soldiers and reserve technical equipment into reserve units

Province-level People’s Committees and commune-level People’s Committees shall take charge and cooperate with standing units of the People’s army that have to meet targets for reception of reserve forces in placement of reserve soldiers and reserve technical equipment into reserve units.”.

7. Amendments to some points and clauses of Article 22:

a) Amendments to point b, clause 2:

“b) Presidents of province-level People’s Committees shall allocate targets in training, exercises and inspection of mobilization and combat readiness to commune-level People’s Committees.”.

b) Amendments to point b, clause 4:

“b) Reserve servicemen are unable to participate in the above events because of sickness, unexpected family or personal difficulties certified by commune-level People’s Committees where servicemen reside or certified by authorities/organizations where reservemen are working/studying.”;

c) Amendments to clause 5:

“5. Ministers, heads of ministerial authorities and governmental authorities shall decide the fixed-term mobilization of reserve technical equipment that are already placed into reserve units affiliated to ministries, ministerial authorities and governmental authorities for training, exercises and inspection of mobilization and combat readiness.

Presidents of province-level People’s Committees shall decide the quantity and duration for mobilization of reserve technical equipment that are already placed into reserve units for training, exercises and inspection of mobilization and combat readiness.

Presidents of commune-level People’s Committees shall organize the implementation of the decision on mobilization of reserve technical equipment of Presidents of province-level People’s Committees.”.

8. Amendments to clauses 1 and 2, Article 23:

“1. Regional defense commands shall establish daily routine for reserve servicemen holding reserve unit commander ranks including squad leader, equivalent or higher ranks.

2. Commune-level People’s Committees shall establish daily routine for reserve servicemen that are already placed into reserve units.”.

9. Amendments to point c, clause 3, Article 25:

“c) Presidents of province-level People’s Committees shall decide the mobilization of local reserve technical equipment. In cases where units of the People’s army do not have operators for such equipment, they may decide the mobilization of operators for such equipment.

Presidents of commune-level People’s Committees shall organize the implementation of the decision on mobilization of reserve technical equipment and operators for such equipment of Presidents of province-level People’s Committees.”.

10. Amendments to clause 2, Article 26:

“2. Presidents of province-level People’s Committees shall decide the mobilization of reserve servicemen and reserve technical equipment in cases prescribed in clauses 3 and 4, Article 24 of this Law.

Presidents of commune-level People’s Committees shall organize the implementation of the decision on mobilization of reserve servicemen and reserve technical equipment of Presidents of province-level People’s Committees.”.

11. Amendments to points c, d, and dd, clause 2, Article 27:

“c) Province-level People’s Committees shall notify the decision on mobilization of reserve forces of Presidents of province-level People’s Committees to authorities/units under their management, relevant mass organizations and commune-level People’s Committees.

The High Command of Capital Hanoi, the High Command of Ho Chi Minh City and province-level military commands shall notify the order on mobilization of reserve forces of the commander of the High Command of Capital Hanoi, the commander of the High Command of Ho Chi Minh City, commanders of province-level military commands and the decision on calling up reserve officers of competent authorities to regional defense commands;

d) Regional defense commands shall notify the decision on mobilization of reserve technical equipment of Presidents of province-level Committees, the decision on calling up reserve officers of superior levels; notify the order on calling up reserve professional servicemen, non-commissioned officers and reserve soldiers of commanders of regional defense commands to commune-level People’s Committees, relevant authorities and organizations.

dd) Commune-level People’s Committees, authorities and organizations shall transfer the decision and order on calling up to each reserve servicemen; and the decision on mobilization of  reserve technical equipment of Presidents of province-level People’s Committees to each owner of reserve technical equipment:”.

12. Amendments to clauses 1 and 3, Article 28:

a) Amendments to clause 1:

“1. Province-level People’s Committees, commune-level People’s Committees, authorities and organizations, within their tasks and powers, shall implement the concentration, transportation and handover of reserve forces to standing units of the People’s army; receive reserve forces after completion of their duties.”;

b) Amendments to clause 3:

“3. The location for mustering reserve forces shall be determined by regional defense commands. The location for receipt of reserve forces shall be determined by the standing units of the People’s army.”.

13. Amendments to some points and clauses of Article 34:

a) Amendments to point c and addition of point c1 after point c in clause 3:

“c) Ensure the equipment and means for mobilization command purposes; ensure the availability of training grounds and barracks for training for reserve forces, construction of training establishments, muster stations for reception of reserve servicemen and reserve technical equipment of the local army;

c1) Develop, mobilize and receive reserve forces for defense zones;”;

b) Amendments to clause 4:

“4. Commune-level People’s Committees shall spend on the followings:

a) Registration, management and medical examination of reserve servicemen; registration and management of reserve technical equipment; daily routine of reserve units;

b) Implementation of benefits and policies for operators of reserve technical equipment that are mobilized in accordance with this Law;

c) Concentration, transportation and handover/receipt of reserve servicemen and reserve technical equipment.”;

c) Amendments to clause 5:

“5. Authorities/organizations shall spend on registration, management, daily routine and medical examination for reserve servicemen; management of reserve technical equipment; concentration, transportation and handover/receipt of reserve servicemen and reserve technical equipment.”.

14. Clause 6, Article 10 is annulled.

Article 8. Amendments to some articles of the Law on Civil Defense

1. Amendments to points a and b, clause 3, Article 7:

“a) Civil defense level 1 shall be applied to respond to and recover from consequences of adverse events and catastrophes in communes when progression and level of damage of adverse events and catastrophes exceed capability and conditions of full-time forces, part-time forces and other forces in communes in responding to and recovering from consequences;

b) Civil defense level 2 shall be applied to respond to and recover from consequences of adverse events and catastrophes in province level when progression and level of damage of adverse events and catastrophes exceed capability and conditions of commune-level government in responding to and recovering from consequences;”.

2. Amendments to point a, clause 1, Article 20:

c) Presidents of commune-level People’s Committees shall declare and terminate civil defense level 1 in their communes;”.

3. Amendments to clause 2, Article 22:

“2. Presidents of commune-level People’s Committees shall decide the application of civil defense measures prescribed in clause 1 of this Article.”.

4. Amendments to point a, clause 3 and clause 4, Article 33:

a) Amendments to point a, clause 3:

“a) Presidents of commune-level People’s Committees shall command available forces and means in communes to apply measures of civil defense level 1 in accordance with Article 22 of this Law and other measures in accordance with relevant laws;”;

b) Amendments to clause 4:

“4. Heads of local specialized authorities under command of People’s Committees of provinces and communes shall command affiliated forces to implement civil defense in their respective fields as prescribed by laws.”.

5. Amendments to clause 4, Article 34:

“4. Local civil defense commands shall be established in communes and provinces. It shall advise Presidents of People’s Committees of the same level in organizing, directing and managing local civil defense operations. Military authorities of all levels shall act as the standing authority of civil defense command of the same level. Members of local civil defense commands shall advise local commands in organizing, directing and managing civil defense operations within their fields of operation.

Regional defense commands shall advise standing authorities of province-level civil defense commands to direct commune-level civil defense commands in organizing, directing and managing local civil defense operations within their jurisdiction; uniformly command all affiliated units to cooperate with commune-level civil defense commands in responding and recovering consequences of adverse events and catastrophes.”.

6. Amendments to Article 45:

“Article 45. Responsibilities of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment

1. Issue or propose competent authorities for issuance of legislative documents on civil defense within jurisdiction; organize the implementation of such documents.

2. Take charge and cooperate with ministries, central authorities, ministerial authorities and local authorities in implementing measures to mitigate the consequences of adverse events and catastrophes caused by natural hazards in accordance with laws on disaster management and control.

3. Take charge and cooperate with relevant ministries, central authorities, ministerial authorities and local authorities in developing national plans for response to dike, reservoir and dam failures; forest fires; storms, tropical depressions, floods; flash floods, mudslides, landslides and other types of natural disasters.

4. Develop content and programs for training for civil defense knowledge for civil defense forces within their fields of operation.

5. Take charge and coordinate the inspection and determination of environmentally polluted areas across provinces and territories; provide guidelines on damage assessment and organization of remediation of environmental pollution and degradation.

6. Take charge and cooperate with the Ministry of National Defense, Ministry of Science and Technology, relevant ministries, central authorities, governmental authorities and local authorities in constructing research centers, forecasting and warning system for natural and environmental adverse events and catastrophes related to civil defense.

7. Conduct the following activities: monitoring, investigation and survey for collection of meteorological, hydrological and geological hazard information and data.

8. Direct the implementation of forecasting and warning activities; fully and promptly provide forecast and warning bulletins on adverse events and catastrophes related to geology, meteorology, hydrology and oceanography to the National Steering Committee for Civil Defense, ministries, central authorities, governmental authorities, local authorities and mass media agencies in accordance with laws.

9. Direct the investigation and application of science, technology; implement smart measures in monitoring, supervising, managing and handling environmental adverse events, and giving early warning of natural disasters.”.

7. Amendments to the title of Article 46:

“Article 46. Responsibilities of the Ministry of Construction”.

8. Article 49 is annulled.

Article 9. Amendments to some articles of the Law on Management and Protection of National Defense Works and Military Zones

1. Amendments to point b, clause 5, Article 6:

“b) Category-B military zones include firing ranges and training grounds of brigades, equivalent and lower levels; firing ranges and training grounds constructed in military zones as prescribed in this point.”.

2. Amendments to points a and b, clause 4, Article 17:

“a) The inner limit of the safety perimeter of the ammunition depot from the ammunition depot baseline shall not exceed 55 meters. For ammunition depots of battalions, equivalent or lower levels, the inner limit shall coincide with the baseline;

b) The safety radius shall be determined based on the level of the ammunition depot; the quantity and stockpile of various types of ammunition and explosives in the depot that are calculated and converted into TNT equivalent. The safety radius for Group I and Group II ammunition depots ranges from 1.200 meters to 1.500 meters. The safety radius for Group III ammunition depots ranges from 800 meters to 1.000 meters. For ammunition depots of battalions, equivalent or lower levels, the safety radius ranges from 60 meters to 800 meters;”.

Article 10. Amendments to some articles of the Law on Militia and Self-defense Forces

1. Amendments to clause 3, Article 8:

“3. Presidents of commune-level People’s Committees, heads of authorities and organizations shall decide the extension of age limit and duration of service in militia and self-defense forces as prescribed in this Article.”.

2. Amendments to some points and clauses of Article 9:

a) Amendments to points a and b, clause 1:

a) In April of each year, based on results of registration for military service, Presidents of People’s Committees of communes, heads of authorities and organizations are responsible for registering citizens from 18 years of age for service in militia and self-defense forces; organizing additional registration for citizens within the age group eligible for service in militia and self-defense forces;

b) Presidents of People’s Committees of communes are responsible for registering citizens within the age group eligible for service in militia and self-defense forces that change residence or register temporary or permanent residence for service in militia and self-defense forces.

In case of changes to workplace, heads of authorities and organizations are responsible for registering citizens for service in militia and self-defense forces;”;

b) Amendments to point b, clause 2:

“b) Servicemen of militia and self-defense forces that are temporarily absent for 3 months or more must report to commune-level military commands where they reside, military commands of authorities and organizations, or commanders of self-defense forces if military commands of authorities and organizations are not available;”.

3. Amendments to point b, clause 2 and clause 4, Article 10:

a) Amendments to point b, clause 2:

“b) On a yearly basis, the High Command of Capital Hanoi, the High Command of Ho Chi Minh City and province-level military commands shall direct and provide guidelines for commune-level People’s Committees, authorities and organizations on selection of citizens for service in militia and self-defense forces.”;

b) Amendments to clause 4:

“4. Presidents of commune-level People’s Committees, heads of authorities and organizations shall decide the citizens for service in militia and self-defense forces.”;

4. Amendments to point e, clause 1 and clause 4, Article 11:

a) Amendments to point e, clause 1:

“e) He/she is the only breadwinner in a poor or near poor household; person directly taking care of relatives incapable of working or not in the age for working; person within a household heavily damaged in terms of humans and assets due to accidents, disasters or diseases certified by Presidents of communes, heads of authorities or organizations where he/she lives; or;”;

b) Amendments to clause 4:

“4. Presidents of commune-level People’s Committees, heads of authorities and organizations shall decide the postponement and exemption from service in militia and self-defense forces.”.

5. Amendments to some points and clauses of Article 12:

a) Amendments to point c, clause 1:

“c) His/her unexpected family hardships render inability to participate in militia and self-defense forces which is certified by Presidents of People’s Committees of communes, heads of authorities and organizations; or;”;

b) Amendments to point e, clause 2:

“e) He/she is forced to comply with education methods in communes, wards and special zones.”;

c) Amendments to clause 3:

“3. Presidents of commune-level People’s Committees, heads of authorities and organizations shall decide the dismissal and removal from service in militia and self-defense forces.”.

6. Amendments to clauses 2 and 4, Article 13:

a) Amendments to clause 2:

“2. Citizens completed service in militia and self-defense forces while still remain within the age group prescribed in Clause 1 Article 8 of this Law shall be subject to registration and management of Presidents of commune-level People’s Committees, heads of authorities and organizations so as to be ready for expansion of militia and self-defense forces.”;

b) Amendments to clause 4:

“4. Presidents of commune-level People’s Committees, heads of authorities and organizations shall decide recognition for completion of service in militia and self-defense forces.”.

7. Amendments to clauses 2 and 4, Article 15:

a) Amendments to clause 2:

“2. Communes shall establish platoons of mobile militia. Coastal and island communes shall establish platoons of mobile militia or platoons of marine militia.

Based on national defense and military requirements, communes shall organize mortar batteries, teams or squads of militia reconnaissance, communications, engineering, chemical defense, medical, platoons of air defense and artillery militia. Communes vital to national defense shall establish squads or platoons of standing militia.”;

b) Amendments to clause 4:

“4. On the basis of organization of militia and self-defense forces units prescribed in clauses 1, 2 and 3 of this Article, based on national defense and military requirements, provinces shall establish companies of air defense and artillery militia. Coastal provinces shall establish standing militia squadrons.”.

8. Amendments to clause 1, Article 17:

“1. ensures the direction of Party Executive Committees, management of People’s Committees of all levels and the command of military authorities of all levels; and;”.

9. Amendments to some points and clauses of Article 20:

a) Amendments to point a, clause 1:

“a) Commanders that are civil servants, members of commune-level People’s Committees and reserve officers. During national defense emergencies and at wars, they shall be conscripted for active duty as prescribed in the Law on Vietnam People’s Army Officers and shall continue to hold title of commanders of commune-level military commands;”;

d) Amendments to point d, clause 1:

“d) Deputy commanders and assistants that are civil servants.”;

c) Amendments to point c, clause 3:

“c) Cooperate with Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, commune-level departments and mass organizations in disseminating policies and viewpoints of the Communist Party of Vietnam, policies and laws of the State regarding national defense and local military; implement national defense and security education; participate in development of a comprehensively strong foundation; implement rear policies and preferential policies for people with meritorious services to the revolution;”;

d) Amendments to clause 5:

“5. The Government shall elaborate the positions of commanders, deputy commanders and assistants; the quantity of deputy commanders and assistants; standards and norms for equipment of commune-level military commands.”.

10. Amendments to points c and d, clause 1, Article 22:

“c) The commander of the High Command of Capital Hanoi, the commander of the High Command of Ho Chi Minh City or commanders of province-level military commands shall decide the establishment of companies of self-defense forces; platoons; mortar batteries; batteries and batteries of air defense and artillery militia; platoons of marine militia and self-defense forces; squads and platoons of standing militia;

d) Commanders of commune-level military commands shall decide the establishment of teams, squads and platoons of on-site militia and self-defense forces; teams or squads of militia reconnaissance, communications, engineering, chemical defense, medical; squads of marine militia and self-defense forces after reaching agreements Presidents of commune-level People’s Committees and the commander of the High Command of Capital Hanoi, the commander of the High Command of Ho Chi Minh City or commanders of province-level military commands;”.

11. Amendments to points b, c and dd, clause 1, Article 23:

a) Amendments to points b and c, clause 1:

“b) The commander of the High Command of Capital Hanoi, the commander of the High Command of Ho Chi Minh City or commanders of province-level military commands shall decide the appointment of commanders of companies and squadrons of marine militia and self-defense forces, standing militia squadrons. The commander of Navy shall decide the appointment of commanding titles of marine squadrons under their management;

c) Commanders of commune-level military commands shall decide appointment of hamlet leaders, commanders of squads, captains and commanders of batteries of militia and self-defense forces after reaching agreements Presidents of commune-level People’s Committees and the commander of the High Command of Capital Hanoi, the commander of the High Command of Ho Chi Minh City or commanders of province-level military commands;”;

b) Amendments to point dd, clause 1:

“dd) Presidents of province-level People’s Committees shall decide the appointment of commanding positions and assistants of commune-level military commands.”.

12. Amendments to Article 25:

“Article 25. Provision of military weapons, explosives, combat gears, equipment, technical equipment and mobile equipment for militia and self-defense forces

1. Militia and self-defense forces shall be equipped with military weapons, explosives, combat gears, equipment, technical equipment and mobile equipment in accordance with laws on management and use of weapons, explosives and combat gears, and other relevant laws.

2. The Minister of National Defense shall elaborate the provision of equipment, registration, management and use of military weapons, explosives, combat gears, equipment, technical equipment and mobile equipment for militia and self-defense forces.”.

13. Amendments to Article 26:

“Article 26. Training for commanders of commune-level military commands

Commanders, deputy commanders and assistants of commune-level military commands shall participate in training for commanders of commune-level military commands regarding basic military major in college and university levels in military education institutions.”.

14. Amendments to clause 3, Article 29:

“3. Act as core forces to develop fighting hamlets, communes, wards and special zones; participate in development of a comprehensively strong foundation, defense zones, the all-people national defense and the all-people defense posture linked with local People’s security foundation and the People’s security posture.”.

15. Amendments to clauses 3 and 5, Article 30:

a) Amendments to clause 3:

“3. Fight enemies to protect hamlets, communes, wars, special zones, authorities and organizations within defense zones.”;

b) Amendments to clause 5:

“5. Participate in political enhancement; develop and strengthen fighting hamlets, communes, wards, special zones, authorities and organizations.”.

16. Amendments to points g and h, clause 1, Article 32:

“g) Commanders of commune-level military commands shall mobilize militia and self-defense forces in communes after reaching agreements with Presidents of commune-level People’s Committees and the commander of the High Command of Capital Hanoi, the commander of the High Command of Ho Chi Minh City or commanders of province-level military commands;

h) Commanders of military commands of authorities and organizations shall mobilize militia and self-defense forces within their jurisdiction after reaching agreements with Presidents heads of authorities/organizations and the commander of the High Command of Capital Hanoi, the commander of the High Command of Ho Chi Minh City or commanders of province-level military commands;”.

17. Amendments to clause 3, Article 33:

“3. Commanding titles of mobile militia and standing militia units shall be entitled to national defense and military allowances.”.

18. Amendments to clause 8, Article 38:

“8. Build new or repair combat warehouses and facilities for militia and self-defense forces within defense zones; places for daily routines of standing militia; offices of commune-level military commands.”.

19. Amendments to clause 2, Article 43:

“2. The Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Education and Training, Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, within their tasks and powers, shall comply with clause 1 of this Article and take the following responsibilities:

a) The Ministry of Finance shall take charge and cooperate with the Ministry of National Defense, local governments, relevant authorities and organizations in preparing and proposing the Government the state budget estimates for regulate tasks and investment for militia and self-defense forces under management of central authorities; consolidating in budget estimates and proposing competent authorities;

b) The Ministry of Home Affairs shall take charge and cooperate with the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Finance in directing and providing guidelines for local governments, relevant authorities and organizations in planning, training and appointing commanders, deputy commanders and assistants of commune-level military commands; in implementing benefits and policies for titles of commune-level military commands;

c) The Ministry of Education and Training shall take charge and cooperate with the Ministry of National Defense, relevant authorities and organizations in directing higher education institutions to develop programs and guidelines on training for commanders of commune-level military commands in higher education levels of basic military major;

d) The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment shall take charge and cooperate with the Ministry of National Defense, relevant authorities and organizations in directing authorities and organizations under their management to cooperate with militia and self-defense forces in protection of islands and territorial waters, management and control of natural disasters, rescue, protection and control of forest fires; in directing and providing guidelines on registration, inspection, issuance of marine fishing licenses for vessels of marine militia and self-defense forces and standing militia squadrons as prescribed by laws.”.

20. Clause 5, Article 18; point dd, clause 1, Article 22; point e, clause 1, Article 32; clause 2, Article 33; point d, clause 2, Article 43 are annulled.

Article 11. Amendments to some articles of the Law on National Defense and Security Education

1. Amendments to point d, clause 2, Article 14:

“d) Heads of hamlets, villages, residential groups (hereinafter referred to as hamlets); heads of mass organizations in hamlets;”.

2. Amendments to clauses 3 and 4, Article 26: “3. Leaders of provinces and communes

4. Leaders of province-level departments and authorities; divisions affiliated to province-level departments and authorities; and commune-level divisions.”.

3. Amendments to clause 2, Article 36:

“2. Take charge and cooperate with the Ministry of National Defense and Ministry of Public Security in providing guidelines on national defense and security education in primary schools, lower secondary schools; regulating the curriculum, content and implementation of national defense and security education in upper secondary schools, higher education institutions and vocational education institutions.”.

4. Amendments to clause 4, Article 36:

“4. Take charge and cooperate with the Ministry of National Defense and Ministry of Home Affairs in regulating the norms of teachers in charge of national defense and security education in upper secondary schools, vocational education institutions and higher education institutions; schools of state authorities, socio-political organizations and national defense and security education centers.”.

5. Amendments to Article 37:

“Article 38. Tasks and powers of the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs

Cooperate with the Ministry of National Defense and Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, relevant authorities and organizations in providing guidelines on training for knowledge regarding national defense and security for dignitaries of religions, outstanding individuals and respected persons in the community.”.

6. Amendments to the title of Article 39:

“Article 39. Tasks and powers of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism”

7. Amendments to clauses 1 and 3, Article 44:

a) Amendments to clause 1:

“1. The National Defense and Security Education Councils are established at central-level, in military regions, provinces and communes.”;

b) Amendments to clause 3:

“3. The standing authority of the National Defense and Security Education Council at central-level is the Ministry of National Defense; in a military region is the military region authority; in a province is the military authority at the same level; in a commune is the commune-level limitary command.”.

8. Article 38 is annulled.

Article 12. Effect

This Law shall be effective from July 01, 2025.

This Law was ratified by the 9^th meeting of the 15^th National Assembly of Socialist Republic of Vietnam on June 27, 2025.