Lịch sử và truyền thống Quân đội, Công an, Dân quân

Historical Foundations of Vietnam’s Armed Forces and Public Security

Understanding the origins of Vietnam’s military and police institutions provides essential context for the traditions, doctrines, and legal frameworks that shape today’s national defence and public safety. This course explores key milestones, foundational laws, and the core traditions that define the Quân đội Nhân dân Việt Nam (Vietnam People’s Army) and the Công an Nhân dân Việt Nam (Vietnam People’s Public Security).

1. The Birth of the Vietnamese Propaganda Unit for Liberation

The Đội Việt Nam Tuyên truyền Giải phóng quân was officially established on 22 December 1944 under the direct instruction of Hồ Chí Minh. This unit marked the first organized effort to use media and propaganda as a weapon of war, aiming to mobilise the masses and spread the revolutionary message.

• Date of foundation: 22 December 1944
• Guiding authority: Hồ Chí Minh’s directive
• Purpose: Inform, inspire, and coordinate the liberation forces through printed and oral communication.

Mnemonic tip: Remember that Hồ = the founder of Vietnam’s propaganda tradition.

2. The Traditional Day of the People’s Public Security

The 19 August 1945 is celebrated as the traditional day of the Công an Nhân dân Việt Nam. This date commemorates the formal establishment of the public security force, which played a crucial role in maintaining order during the revolutionary transition.

• Key date: 19 August 1945
• Significance: Marks the birth of the modern Vietnamese police system.

Mnemonic tip: 19‑8‑1945 is the “birthday” of the police.

Core Traditions of the Vietnam People’s Army

The Vietnam People’s Army (VPA) upholds a set of enduring traditions that guide its ethos, operational conduct, and relationship with the Vietnamese people. These traditions are codified in official regulations and are taught in military academies across the country.

3. The Seven Fundamental Traditions

The VPA recognises seven basic traditions, a number symbolically linked to the seven days of the week, representing continuity and perseverance.

• Party leadership and loyalty to the people
• Political education and ideological unity
• Discipline and strict command
• Combat readiness and technical proficiency
• Self‑reliance and innovation
• Honour and sacrifice
• Continuous improvement and modernization

Mnemonic tip: Seven traditions = seven days a week – the army never rests.

4. Modern Construction Direction of the VPA

The current strategic direction for building the VPA is encapsulated in the phrase “Cách mạng, chính quy, tinh nhuệ, từng bước hiện đại” (Revolutionary, regular, elite, and gradually modernised). This doctrine blends the revolutionary spirit with systematic professionalisation and a phased approach to modernisation.

• Cách mạng: Maintaining the revolutionary character and political loyalty.
• Chính quy: Developing a regular, standing force with clear organisational structures.
• Tinh nhuệ: Cultivating elite units capable of high‑tech warfare.
• Từng bước hiện đại: Implementing modern equipment and doctrines step by step.

Mnemonic tip: “Cách mạng + chính quy” – remember the two pillars that drive the army’s evolution.

Legal Framework Governing National Defence and Security Education

Vietnam’s legal system provides detailed statutes that structure defence education, officer ranks, and the overall military‑civilian relationship. Two key pieces of legislation are highlighted below.

5. Law on National Defence and Security Education (2013)

The 2013 law consists of 8 chapters and 37 articles. It outlines the responsibilities of educational institutions, the curriculum for defence education, and the integration of national defence concepts into civilian life.

• Structure: 8 chapters, 37 articles
• Key focus: Embedding defence awareness in schools, universities, and workplaces.

Mnemonic tip: 8‑37 – think of International Women’s Day (8 March) and a normal body temperature (37 °C).

6. Law on Officers of the Vietnam People’s Army (1999)

This law defines three officer rank levels (or “cấp quân hàm”). The three‑level system simplifies career progression and aligns with international standards for officer classification.

• Number of ranks: 3 levels
• Purpose: Clear hierarchy, professional development, and command clarity.

Mnemonic tip: Three like three stars on a badge.

Practical Safety and Counter‑Illicit Substance Knowledge

Beyond historical and legal knowledge, personnel must be equipped with practical skills for public safety, including recognising non‑controlled plants and proper responses to explosive hazards.

7. Plants Not Used for Narcotic Production

Among common plants, Lá Khát is the only one that is not utilised in the manufacture of narcotics. Other listed plants—Bông mã đề, Cần sa, and Thuốc phiện—are well‑known sources of psychoactive substances.

• Non‑narcotic plant: Lá Khát
• Narcotic plants: Bông mã đề, Cần sa, Thuốc phiện

Mnemonic tip: “Lá Khát only eats, never makes drugs.”

8. Correct Behaviour When Encountering Suspected Explosive Devices

When faced with a suspected bomb or mine, the only unsafe action is to approach, cut, or dismantle the device for scrap. The correct protocol is to stay at a safe distance, warn others, and immediately report the situation to authorities.

• Do not get close or attempt to disarm the device.
• Maintain a safe perimeter and alert nearby people.
• Report the incident promptly to the local police or emergency services.

Mnemonic tip: “Don’t touch, just call.”

Summary and Review

This course has covered the foundational dates, traditions, legal structures, and safety practices that define Vietnam’s military and public security forces. Mastery of these topics not only prepares individuals for examinations but also fosters a deeper appreciation of the nation’s defence heritage.

• Key dates: 22 Dec 1944 (propaganda unit), 19 Aug 1945 (public security).
• Core traditions: 7 fundamental values and the modern construction direction.
• Legal framework: 8 chapters‑37 articles (2013 law) and 3 officer rank levels (1999 law).
• Practical safety: Identify non‑narcotic plants and follow proper bomb‑suspect protocols.

Review these points regularly, use the mnemonic aids provided, and you will be well‑prepared for both academic assessments and real‑world applications.