Over 4,000 young citizens in Hanoi started their compulsory service on Saturday in a ceremony with no relatives allowed inside due to COVID-19 restrictions.

As per the capital city’s plan, a total of 3,500 enlistees will join military service this year, while more than 1,000 others will serve in police forces.

Candidates were selected from each district of the city and had to undergo a strict pre-qualification process.

It was revealed that 80 percent of 154 youths eligible for service in Hai Ba Trung District graduated from universities, junior colleges or vocational schools.

Meanwhile, the outlying district of Son Tay sent conscription calls to 83 young citizens, 18 of whom already finished post-K-12 education, while the remaining 52 voluntarily enlisted in the military.

The new recruit handover ceremony was held last Saturday and wrapped up within 20 minutes.

Relatives of the novices were not allowed inside as the send-off ceremony was canceled this year.

Participants were subject to body temperature checks at the event. They were also required to wear face masks and keep a safe distance in adherence to COVID-19 prevention guidelines.

Earlier, the Hanoi Capital High Command had worked with relevant forces to conduct mass COVID-19 testing for all rookies.

Vuong Dinh Hue, secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee, attended the handover ceremony in Dong Anh District and gave a speech to uplift the enlistees.

In Nam Tu Liem District, the handover ceremony at My Dinh Stadium was also streamlined in adherence to COVID-19 prevention guidelines.

Relatives of the enlistees were seen observing the rookies at a distance.

Around 8:30 am, the rookies boarded the vehicles and headed to the military base.

This year, 56 military draftees and 10 police rookies were required from Nam Tu Liem District.

Under the Law on Military Service, all male citizens of ages 18-25 (or 18-27 for college and university students who have their conscription delayed for study) from all rural areas, city districts, organs, state enterprises, and vocational schools must serve in the armed forces for a limited time, usually 24 months, if they meet the introduction criteria of the annual state plan.

Women may register if they are members of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union.

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