In the late afternoon, in a small house in Khon Khuyen block, Dong Kinh ward, Lang Son province, new recruit Ngo Nhat Hoang (born 2000) quietly folded each set of clothes, putting them neatly in his backpack.
The corner of the desk still has a set of diplomatic documents, and the university degree is neatly placed on the bookshelf. Tomorrow, Hoang will enlist in the army.
Before joining the army, the house was more crowded than usual. Relatives and friends stopped by to congratulate, instruct, and chat about New Year's stories.
Graduating from the Faculty of International Economics, Diplomatic Academy of Foreign Affairs in 2024, Hoang once tried his hand at a few private enterprises in Hanoi.
After that, he decided to return to his hometown and work at Viettel Logistics Park Lang Son. The job gradually stabilized, and development opportunities were wide open. However, instead of continuing to stick with it, Hoang quietly wrote a voluntary enlistment application.
I used to take military courses every summer. I want to spend two years of my youth in a disciplined environment to train and challenge myself," Hoang shared, squeezing his backpack straps.
That decision was not impulsive. Three years ago, the new recruit had cherished the idea of enlisting, but at that time he was not healthy enough due to nearsightedness.
Not giving up his desire, Hoang actively underwent eye surgery to meet the standards.
Mr. Ngo Viet Hai - Hoang's father, a retired state official - emotionally said: "When we know our son is so determined, the family is both worried and proud. We understand that our son has grown up and has his own choices. The family always supports him when he wants to contribute to the army.
According to Hoang, he registered to serve at the Border Guard unit.
I study International Economics, understand somewhat about trade and border trade activities. I hope to be able to apply the knowledge I have learned to practice. After completing my military service, if there is an opportunity, I hope to be attached to the military environment for a long time," Hoang said, his eyes sparkling with determination.
Not only Hoang, this year's recruitment season in Lang Son recorded many young people with university degrees volunteering to write applications to go.
New recruit Nguyen Tien Hung, graduated from the Academy of Finance, who used to intern at a large company in Hanoi, also chose to return to his hometown to perform military service.
Friends ask why I don't take advantage of going to work to accumulate experience. But for me, wearing a military uniform is also a valuable experience. At the border, I understand the value of peace even more," Hung shared.
Talking to reporters, Senior Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Van Tien - Deputy Chief of Staff of the Lang Son Provincial Military Command - said that the quality of military recruitment in 2026 is rated higher than the previous year.
The number of young volunteers writing applications has increased; many cases have good educational qualifications and guaranteed health.
Up to this point, 100% of matriculated citizens have received conscription orders. The work of reviewing dossiers, examining, issuing orders and organizing logistics has been implemented closely, in accordance with regulations, ensuring publicity and transparency.
The new recruits from afar have been gathered at the troop delivery location, arranged to eat and rest thoughtfully to be ready for the ceremony.
According to information from the Lang Son Provincial Military Command, in the 2026 military service handover, the whole province has 1,614 citizens enlisting. Of which, 1,350 citizens perform military service, 264 citizens perform the duty of People's Police.
Regarding age structure, young people aged 18-21 years old account for 87%. High school level accounts for 86.52%; there are 14 citizens with intermediate, college, and university degrees (accounting for 1.03%).
There is 1 new recruit who is a party member; 392 new recruits have been trained in Party awareness. Tay ethnic recruits account for 34.73%; Nung ethnic group accounts for 52%; Kinh ethnic group accounts for 8.6%.
Tomorrow morning, they will "take off their scholarly clothes and wear military uniforms". From lecture halls and offices to training grounds, the young men in the border region of Lang province begin a new journey, a journey of discipline, training and growth...
