Two men fined $5,000 for evading military service

The 23-year-old man from Quang Nam was called for conscription after passing the health examination. But on Feb. 25, when the compulsory military service ceremony took place, he did not show up. Chairman of Quang Nam Le Tri Thanh signed the decision to fine the man, adding that he would be conscripted anyway.

Another man in Ha Tinh, 24, had passed the health examination and been called for conscription. But when authorities came to his family, they said the man had already gone abroad for work. Authorities then requested the family to call the man back home to be conscripted. Deputy chairman of Ha Tinh Nguyen Hong Linh on March 7 signed the decision to fine the man.

Quang Nam has 2,554 people and Ha Tinh has 1,250 people being conscripted this year. In Vietnam, all male citizens need to sign up for military service when they turn 18. Those who enter university or college can postpone their induction but need to sign up before they turn 28. Women are not required to undergo military service, but can volunteer.