A Strong National Reserve Force

By Junior Thinn

DO you know another or­ganization that is strong and reliable for our coun­try’s security? It is the Myanmar Veterans’ Organization (MVO), one of the important support forces for the country’s national defence. It is made up of former soldiers who served in the mil­itary and now continue to help the country in many ways. Even though they are retired from active duty, they still work hard to support the nation whenever needed.

This organization is officially organized by laws, procedures, and guidelines. All its activities follow proper systems. The mem­bers of the MVO used to serve in the military with loyalty, disci­pline, and bravery. They carried out their responsibilities faithfully during their time in service. Now, as veterans, they still stand ready to help the country and its people at any time. They are respected as part of the national defence team, even after retirement.

The Beginning of the Organ­ization

The Myanmar Veterans’ Or­ganization has a long history. It started right after the country gained independence in 1948. At that time, former soldiers in towns and villages across the country helped one another and worked together to solve local problems. They provided support to each other and also worked to improve their communities. These early groups are the roots of the current Veterans’ Organization.

Over time, these small groups became more organized. In 1973, they were brought together into one system. That year, the govern­ment officially formed the Central Organizing Committee for Myan­mar Veterans. Later, committees were also created at the regional level. This was the beginning of a more organized structure for veterans in the country.

In 1975, the organization be­gan to write and follow official rules and regulations. These rules helped the group to grow and work in a clear, legal way.

Legal Recognition and Re­form

The MVO became even more official in 1989 when a new law for the veterans’ organization was passed. The law clearly stated how the organization should be structured and how it should operate. There were also new working guidelines. These steps made the organization stronger and more trusted by the govern­ment and the people.

In 2016, the political situation in Myanmar changed. Accord­ing to the new 2008 Constitution, some changes had to be made. On 29 March 2016, the President’s Office issued Order No. 36/2016. This order officially ended the Central Organizing Committee for Myanmar Veterans. Instead, the veterans’ organization was restructured as a separate and independent group that works alongside the military, but not directly under it. It became a partner organization with its own independence.

This change allowed the or­ganization to continue its work more freely. It could still cooper­ate with the military, but it also had more freedom to operate on its own, helping the people and the country in new ways.

The Role of the Organization

The MVO serves as a bridge between the military and the peo­ple. As many of its members are former soldiers, they understand military discipline and values. At the same time, they live among ordinary people and understand their needs and problems. This makes them a strong connection between the armed forces and the civilian population.

The MVO plays many impor­tant roles. It helps in times of nat­ural disaster, supports communi­ty development, and teaches the younger generation about patriot­ism and discipline. The veterans also support national stability and peace by helping solve local con­flicts and promoting cooperation among citizens. Many of the mem­bers of the MVO still have strong loyalty to the military, which they consider their second family. They follow military values in their daily lives, and they act as role models for others.

A Message from the Leader

At the Myanmar Veterans’ Organization’s Special Confer­ence held on 30 April 2025, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, who is the Commander-in-Chief of De­fence Services and Chairman of the State Administration Coun­cil, gave an important speech. In his message, he said that the veterans’ organization plays a very important role in national defence. He reminded everyone that military personnel are born from the people and must always remember that connection. Then, he also remarked that if one is a soldier once, they will be a soldier forever.

He said, “Since the military comes from the people, it must work closely with them. The MVO is made up of sons and daughters of the armed forces, and because of that, it must serve as a bridge between the military and the public.”

He also advised the veterans to be careful with their words and actions. What they say and do can directly affect not only their organization but also the image of the military. He asked all veterans to act wisely and with responsibil­ity, and to always keep the honour of the organization and the mili­tary in mind.

A Strong and Proud Force

Today, the Myanmar Vet­erans’ Organization is a strong and proud group. It includes thousands of former soldiers who continue to serve the nation in different ways. They are ready to help during times of need, wheth­er it is a flood, a landslide, or an­other emergency. They also help in national development projects such as building roads, schools, and clinics.

They do all of this as vol­unteers, showing love for their country. Their work shows that being a soldier is not only about fighting in wars. It is also about helping people, solving problems, and building a better future. They follow the values they learned during their military service, such as discipline, courage, loy­alty, and unity. These values help them work together and support the country strongly.

Training and Education

The organization also pro­vides training and education for its members. This helps them to stay updated and skilled, even after retirement. They learn about national policies, emer­gency response, leadership, and communication. These skills help them continue their service to the country in meaningful ways.

Younger veterans also get chances to lead and take on re­sponsibilities. This helps prepare new leaders for the future of the organization. By building new leadership, the MVO ensures that its mission will continue for many years to come.

Serving the Community

The MVO is also deeply in­volved in social activities. Mem­bers visit hospitals, support or­phans and the elderly, and help students with their education. They promote traditional culture and values and work to build uni­ty among people. These activi­ties help build trust between the public and the military. They also create a positive image of former soldiers, showing that they are not just warriors, but also protectors, helpers, and builders.

Veterans in Times of National Emergency

During times of national emergency, many physically fit members of the Myanmar Vet­erans’ Organization are ready to take up arms once again to pro­tect their local areas. With their military experience and training, they can quickly organize and re­spond to threats. These veterans work closely with local authori­ties to ensure peace and stability in their townships and villages. Whether it is to guard important locations, assist in rescue mis­sions, or maintain public order, they play a key role in defending their communities. Their read­iness and courage make them a strong reserve force that the country can rely on during diffi­cult times.

In conclusion, the Myanmar Veterans’ Organization is a strong national reserve force. Even af­ter their military careers have ended, the members continue to serve the nation. They work with discipline and loyalty, supporting both the military and the people. They also help build peace, solve problems, and respond in times of crisis. They provide a bridge between the armed forces and ci­vilians. With their experience, val­ues, and teamwork, they remain an important part of the coun­try’s security and development. They are proud of their service, and the country is proud of them. Their continued dedication is an example of true patriotism and responsibility. As long as the MVO exists, Myanmar has a reliable and loyal reserve force, ready to serve at any time.