On February 10, the military junta launched a military training course at Mawlamyine Education Degree College for university lecturers and students from universities in Mawlamyine during the 2024–2025 academic year.
The course is organized under the supervision of the Military Junta’s Office of the Commander-in-Chief of Defense Services, the Directorate of People’s Militia and Territorial Forces, and No. (3) University Training Battalion. According to a source in Mawlamyine, it is a three-month program for university lecturers and students who have voluntarily applied.
“When we asked university lecturers how many people were being sent, they didn’t specify the numbers. They were just collecting lists of participants by academic major. I heard the training is taking place at Mawlamyine Education Degree College. Similar military training courses have previously been conducted at Mawlamyine University under the University Training Battalion,” the source said.
A student from Mawlamyine University confirmed that participants mainly include students with ties to military families.
Graduates of the military training course are said to receive benefits such as exemption from military conscription, expedited processing of national registration cards and passports, and tax exemptions. According to an insider, some university lecturers have reportedly encouraged students to enroll in the course.
“They said that those who complete the training would receive these privileges. If you have a completion card, it makes travel easier. The recruitment efforts are especially targeted at students staying in university dormitories, not those living off-campus. They also mentioned that even distance-learning students can’t apply—this is only for full-time students,” the insider added.
Parents of university students are increasingly concerned that students might be required to participate in this training, which closely resembles military conscription. According to students, some female students who do not wish to attend have returned to their hometowns.
The training is divided into a basic military course and an advanced one, with sessions covering theoretical military studies and practical field training, as described by military-backed media channels.
Amid ongoing battlefield losses, the junta is seeking to maintain its military strength through various means. Experts warn that those undergoing military training could be deployed to the front lines at any time, just as previous military trainees have been sent to combat zones.
On February 10, similar military training courses were also opened in junta-controlled territories, including Taunggyi in southern Shan State, Naypyidaw, Kamayut Township in Yangon, Pathein in Ayeyarwady Region, Taungoo in Bago Region, and Mawlamyine in Mon State.
