Cambodia Seeks 8,500 Military Recruits as Thousands Apply on Opening Day

Over 3,000 young Cambodians flocked to gendarmerie facilities on the opening day of military service registration, representing more than a third of the government's recruitment target, the Ministry of National Defence announced.

Young people between the ages of 18 and 25 can obtain registration forms from October 1 through October 9, with completed applications due between October 10 and 15.

Lieutenant General Phuong Siphann, secretary of state at the defence ministry and permanent deputy chairman of the National Military Service Committee, confirmed to journalists that first-day registrations reached 35 percent of the required total.

Using this percentage as a baseline, officials estimate the country needs approximately 8,500 new service members for 2026. If volunteer numbers fall short of this goal, authorities will conduct a conscription lottery to fill remaining positions.

Prime Minister Hun Manet praised the strong initial response on October 2, emphasizing the program's broader objectives beyond military readiness.

Writing on social media, Manet described military service as a pathway to building capable citizens with physical strength, professional discipline, and commitment to national service across military, government, and private sectors. He characterized the initiative as converting youthful potential into meaningful contributions to society.

The prime minister further noted that the enthusiasm shown by young volunteers reflects their grasp of civic duty and their dedication to national development, which he said would help ensure Cambodia's continued prosperity and stability.