An interview with Captain Kaung Thu Win (CDM) on the situation of the Myanmar Army, which is currently in a difficult situation that even deserters have to be accepted back into military service
The military council, which severely punishes deserters from the military, announced on 3 December that it would take back runaway soldiers by granting them immunity from punishment.
On 3 December, the military council announced that those who have gone AWOL in eastern Myanmar and intend to resume military service will not be considered deserters and can be re-accepted as soldiers.
Than Lwin Times interviewed Captain Kaung Thu Win (CDM) to find out how the Myanmar military punishes deserters and handles AWOL cases, and to get his opinion on the junta’s announcement to reinstate runaway soldiers in the current situation.
Q: First of all, we have seen the announcement by the junta army that it will take back runaway soldiers. What does the military law say about deserters and AWOL cases, and what are the penalties?
A: In the military, AWOL is when someone misses their post or duty without sufficient reason. If the absence exceeds 21 days, the person is considered a deserter. If you are caught after deserting, you face severe penalties – either severe penalties or a variety of penalties. The penalties for desertion depend on various factors, such as whether they deserted with weapons, went AWOL, evaded military operations, etc. Although there are various punishments, it is the military tribunal in the army that decides. The tribunal can reduce a serious crime, but it can also make a minor crime appear more serious. Such powers only lie with people like Min Aung Hlaing. The punishments we see in relation to deserters are based on their internal authority.
Q: Many AWOL soldiers and military veterans are now returning to rejoin the army in light of the junta’s announcement. What does this situation say about the junta army? Is it in a situation of total collapse? What is your opinion?
A: Almost none of the soldiers who went AWOL returned and resumed their military service. Those who have fled the front have suffered many hardships, dangers and traumas there. It is unlikely that they will voluntarily expose themselves to such suffering again. They could return if they are caught and forced. Nor is it new for military veterans to return and serve. Since the coup, many of them have received financial incentives and security assignments. The lists of these people are now being published. Currently, veterans express their interest in returning mainly online – almost none of them have actually fought on the front lines.
Q: The military has suffered heavy casualties during Operation 1027. How long can lower-ranking troops hold out?
A: After the coup, recruitment of soldiers was very low. There are combat casualties and deaths from illness. Some are sentenced to prison or expelled. The troop strength is quickly depleting. It is very difficult to recruit new recruits. In the ground forces, a battalion used to have at least 100-120 men when ordered to deploy, with some large battalions having 200 men. Now 80 men is the maximum strength for a battalion, which is totally inadequate. The army is underpowered.
Q: To what extent can the military council use land, sea and air forces, especially the air forces, for counter-offensives?
A: The ground forces can’t launch any major attacks at the moment. They will focus on fortifying defensive positions with their ground forces. They will reinforce locations such as major cities and towns where their troops are stationed. As for the air forces, they will continue to use them wherever possible to attack approaching enemy positions.
Sent by Than Lwin Times.