According to current regulations, in which cases can military service be postponed in 2026?
My nephew is 19 years old this year, a first-year university student and the only worker supporting his mother who suffered a stroke and lost her ability to work. I would like to know if he can postpone his military service or not. The concern of Mrs. Tran Thi Thanh (Tay Hieu ward, Nghe An province).
Reply:Pursuant to Clause 1, Article 41 of the Law on Military Service 2015, supplemented by Point c, Clause 1, Article 49 of the Law on Militia and Self-Defense Forces 2019, cases of temporary deferment from military service include:
- Not fit for military serviceaccording to the conclusion of the Health Examination Council.
- The only workerMust directly support relatives who are no longer able to work or have not reached working age; or families that have suffered serious damage due to accidents, natural disasters, or dangerous epidemics (with confirmation from the People's Committee at the commune level).
- A child of a war invalid or a person infected with Agent Orange61%–80% reduction in working capacity.
- Have siblingsis a non-commissioned officer or soldier currently serving in the army or performing duty in the People's Public Security.
- Belonging to the immigration and population dispersal categoryin the first 3 years to a particularly difficult commune according to a socio-economic development project approved by the provincial level or higher.
- Cadres, civil servants, public employees, and youth volunteersmobilized to work in areas with particularly difficult socio-economic conditions.
- Studyingat high school; or studying at a full-time university or college during a training course.
Therefore, in the above situation, her grandchild has two reasons for deferment: being a full-time university student and being the only worker taking care of her disabled mother - so her military service in 2026 is deferred.
