RANGOON —Mya Tun Oo, the former major general who is tipped to become the next commander-in-chief of the Burmese armed forces, was promoted to lieutenant general in late June, becoming the fourth-ranking official in the military, according to an army source.
Lt-Gen Mya Tun Oo is a graduate of the 25th intake of the elite Defense Services Academy and was appointed in 2012 to chief of staff (army). He was reportedly regarded by former military supremo Snr-Gen Than Shwe as a promising officer, and the Lt-Gen himself is said to look up to the retired senior general.
“In the military, those who are likely to be hand-picked for important positions get promotions relatively quickly,” a military insider told The Irrawaddy.
“Regardless of his current position, if someone is taking on an important responsibility, he will be promoted as quickly as possible. Since Maj-Gen Mya Tun Oo was appointed as the chief of staff (army), it is clear that he is very likely to become the future commander-in-chief of the Defense Services.”
Lt-Gen Mya Tun Oo has served as commander of No. 101 Infantry Division Headquarters, principal of Defense Services Academy, and commander of Central East Command. He is reported to have helped improve the relations between the military and Karen armed groups and is also a military representative to the ongoing ceasefire talks between the government and ethnic armed groups.
Mya Tun Oo and Adjutant General Lt-Gen Khin Zaw Oo (OTS-56) led the military delegation to the 67th Martyrs’ Day on Saturday. Mya Tun Oo was named above Lt-Gen Khin Zaw Oo on the list of top military officers attending the event published in state-run newspapers.
