Myanmar Army
The Myanmar Army (Burmese: တပ်မတော်(ကြည်း), pronounced [taʔmədɔ̀ tɕí]) is the largest branch of the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar (formerly Burma) and has the primary responsibility of conducting land-based military operations. The Myanmar Army maintains the second largest active force in Southeast Asia after the People's Army of Vietnam. It has clashed against ethnic and political insurgents since its inception in 1948.
| Myanmar Army | |
|---|---|
| တပ်မတော် (ကြည်း) (Burmese) lit. 'Armed Forces (Army)' | |
Emblem of the Myanmar Army | |
| Founded | 1945 |
| Country | Myanmar (aka. Burma) |
| Type | Ground army |
| Size | 325,000 active personnel Reserves:
|
| Part of | Myanmar Armed Forces |
| Nickname(s) | Tatmadaw Kyi |
| Motto(s) |
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| Colours |
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| Anniversaries | 27 March 1945 |
| Engagements | Internal conflict in Myanmar 1960–1961 campaign at the China–Burma border |
| Commanders | |
| Commander-in-Chief (Army) | Senior General Min Aung Hlaing |
| Deputy Commander-in-Chief (Army) | Vice-Senior General Soe Win |
| Notable commanders | |
| Insignia | |
| Flag of the Myanmar Army | |
| Shoulder sleeve of Office of the Commander-in-Chief of Army | |
| Shoulder sleeve infantry and light infantry | |
| Former flag (1948–1994) | |
The force is headed by the Commander-in-Chief of Myanmar Army, currently Vice-Senior General Soe Win, concurrently Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Services, with Senior General Min Aung Hlaing as the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services. The highest rank in the Myanmar Army is Senior General, equivalent to field marshal in Western armies and is currently held by Min Aung Hlaing after being promoted from Vice-Senior General.
In 2011, following a transition from military government to civilian parliamentary government, the Myanmar Army imposed a military draft on all citizens: all males from age 18 to 35 and all females from 18 to 27 years of age can be drafted into military service for two years as enlisted personnel in time of national emergency. The ages for professionals are up to 45 for men and 35 for women for three years service as commissioned and non-commissioned officers.
The Government Gazette reported that 1.8 trillion kyat (about US$2 billion), or 23.6 percent of the 2011 budget was for military expenditures.