Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet attended the opening ceremony for the first compulsory military service training course of 2026 on the afternoon of 9 November, marking the start of the training phase of the country’s military service programme being implemented from 2026. The ceremony took place at the training school of the Coastal and Island Defence Command in Phnom Sruoch district, Kampong Speu province.
Hun Manet said the government had established a national committee for compulsory military service to coordinate implementation of the system. Over nearly three months, the relevant departments completed preparations including registration, collection of personnel data, inspections of training schools, infrastructure repairs and public information work.
According to the figures cited, 14,646 citizens have volunteered, including 2,417 women. Based on defence needs, the government has approved the recruitment of 10,000 male conscripts in 2026, with training in two groups of 5,000 at eight schools nationwide.
The first 5,000 recruits assembled on 4 November and underwent health and physical fitness checks. The government also allocated 114 tonnes of rice to support their meals and nutrition, and issued 14 items of personal equipment, including combat uniforms, sportswear, shoes, mosquito nets and bedding.
Under the arrangements, conscript training in 2026 will last three months, or 91 days, with six training days a week and seven hours a day. After completing training, the recruits will be assigned to units of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces for operational duties.
The training school of the Coastal and Island Defence Command is ready to receive 1,500 conscripts, with dormitories, a dining hall, classrooms and related training facilities.
The launch is seen as an important step in implementing Cambodia’s military service system. The national committee for compulsory military service will coordinate subsequent recruitment and training.
