In a time of peace, joining the army voluntarily is an act driven solely by the desire to defend the country, and the stories of the new recruits inspire young people across Vietnam. 

Hoang Ngoc Anh (L) and Le Linh Chi are admitted to the Party. Photo: The Hanoi Times

Le Linh Chi and Hoang Ngoc Anh, two girls in Dong Da District, Hanoi have expressed their desire to enlist in order to fulfill their obligations to the nation which are only required of boys.

In the south of the country, Dinh Tra My and Pham Xuan Nghi, two girls living in Soc Trang City in the Mekong Delta province of Soc Trang, did the same, hoping they would contribute partly to the nation.

Their love for the army and the family’s tradition have nurtured their desire to join the army. 

Walking a hard road with love and desire to serve 

Dinh Tra My and her father. Photo: Xuan Luong/The Hanoi Times

In the drizzle of the spring in Hanoi, Le Linh Chi, 25, from Lang Thuong Ward, Dong Da District, and Hoang Ngoc Anh, 23, from Nam Dong Ward of the same district, are among 107 recruits from the district to join the army in 2024. They are two out of three recruits in Dong Da admitted to the Party before the enlistment day.

They were also chosen to participate in the ceremony commemorating Emperor Quang Trung – Nguyen Hue (1753-1792) and the 235th anniversary of the Ngoc Hoi-Dong Da Victory against 29,000 Chinese Qing troops (1789-2024) at the local monument this Lunar New Year.  

Sharing with The Hanoi Times in excitement, Le Linh Chi said: “I try to do my duties well to become a good soldier and party member, although I will undoubtedly face more challenges as a girl. When I filled out my application to volunteer for the army, I mentally prepared myself to train well by overcoming all obstacles and adhering to military discipline.”

A graduate of the Hanoi College of Art, specializing in cultural management and economic law, and a bank employee, Le Linh Chi has a variety of career options for a bright future but she vowed to follow her ancestors in a family where three generations have served in the army.

For her, all young people, male or female, are obliged to serve in the army, because it's both duty and an honor. “My family’s love, my state of health, and my willingness to overcome obstacles in the army are my preparations for enlisting. Massive enlistment in the military helps to make the nation stronger,” Chi emphasized.

Meanwhile, Hoang Ngoc Anh wished to join the army in the hope that she would contribute partly to the incredible history of the army after graduating from Hanoi University of Natural Resources and Environment.

Hoang Ngoc Anh, who was raised in a home where her parents were army officers, adores her parents’ military style and uniforms. Out of this love grew her desire to serve in the army. “I decided to join the military in order to train, contribute, develop, and carry on the family tradition, even though I have many options for the future. I am in good health and I take responsibility for my choice and I believe that training in the army will make me more mature,” she told The Hanoi Times.

Nguyen Thi Theu, mother of Hoang Ngoc Anh, said she is proud of her daughter as she was happy to grow up in the army. Her family encourages and supports her to uphold the family's strong tradition and perform her national duty.

It’s clear that a female soldier will still face many challenges and hardships in the military, but t the two girls are expected to successfully finish all tasks assigned to them. 

Pham Xuan Nghi, a new recruit as a border guard. Photo: Xuan Luong/The Hanoi Times

Down to the south, Dinh Tra My, 23, wanted to be a soldier from a young age, coming from a family where her grandpa is a war invalid and her father is an army officer.

As a result, Tra My voluntarily joined the army shortly after graduating from FPT University in Can Tho. She was accepted after a tough recruitment process. She told The Hanoi Times: “I was overjoyed to learn that I had been accepted as I had always enjoyed being a soldier”

She has learned from her father and grandfather that life in the military will be hard, demanding, and disciplined and undoubtedly harder for a girl. However, she’s determined to complete her mission and become a long-term member of the army.

With the same desire, Pham Xuan Nghi, 25, was happy when she was recruited as a border guard. The reason for her enlistment is to follow the career of her late father. “I have loved the color of the military uniforms since I was little and I aspire to serve in the army all my life. The military environment is tough and demanding, but I'll do whatever it takes to overcome any obstacle,” Nghi shared with The Hanoi Times. 

Nguyen Thi Dieu, mother of Pham Xuan Nghi, said that she will miss her daughter very much when she goes to serve in the army but she is happy that Nghi has chosen to follow in her father’s footsteps and she encourages Nghi to do her best to contribute to the national defense.