The third batch of conscripts has arrived at Myanmar military training centers across the country, just two months after the launch of training for draftees, junta media reported on Saturday.
The regime says it is drafting around 5,000 people in each batch, which indicates that up to 15,000 civilians have been conscripted so far.
The junta enforced the conscription law on Feb. 10 following a string of heavy military defeats on multiple fronts across the country.
The batches are being called up for training at five-week intervals, with the first batch reporting on April 8, the second on May 15, and the third on June 22. Junta media have not said when the third batch will begin training.
A timeframe for the third intake has been issued by the conscription committee, according to its chairman, Defense Minister Tin Aung San.
Junta No. 3 General Maung Maung Aye has threatened draft dodgers with three years in jail. Regime officials are reportedly snatching draft-age citizens from their homes and off the street in some areas of the country. Parents have spoken of the living hell of seeing their sons forcibly enlisted.
Basic military training for conscripts will last for three months, according to the regime, after which conscripts will be assigned to posts.
Normal military protocol dictates that draftees who have only undergone basic military training are not sent straight to the front line. However, there is no guarantee the current regime will stick to protocol as it cedes territory to resistance forces across the country.
The junta has been hit hard by desertions, mass surrenders and a recruitment crisis. Its troops appear to be losing the war in Rakhine State while military tensions are also running high in northern Shan State despite a ceasefire brokered by neighboring China.
So far, only men aged 18-35 have been eligible for the draft, but the regime has announced plans to begin conscripting women aged 18-27 starting with the fifth draft. Conscription of women is already underway in some parts of Ayeyarwady and Bago regions, according to residents.
Enactment of the conscription law has triggered an exodus of young people to neighboring countries via both legal and illegal means. Other draft-age citizens have opted to join resistance groups fighting the regime.
