HNMU Students Complete the First Phase of National Defense and Security Education

Dr. Tran Van Tung – Director of the National Defense and Security Education Program and Deputy Commander of the Military Command – delivers remarks at the closing ceremony of the first phase.

From August 10 to 28, 2026, full-time undergraduate students of the 2025–2029 cohort of Hanoi Metropolitan University participated in the first phase of National Defense and Security Education courses at Campus 2 (Soc Son).

Unlike their usual daily routines in lecture halls, during the three-week period of intensive study, students began each day with morning physical exercises, arranged their personal belongings and dormitory areas, assembled in formation before attending classes, participated in collective activities in the evening, and complied with regulations governing entry to and exit from the study area.

In addition to theoretical lessons, students also participated in practical activities on the training ground, including military formation drills, tactics, AK submachine gun shooting techniques, and other training components required under the National Defense and Security Education program.

Studying and living according to military routines placed students in an environment with a higher level of organization and discipline than their usual daily lives. Through seemingly simple activities such as arranging their belongings, assembling on time, and moving in formation, students gradually developed self-discipline, a sense of responsibility, and awareness of teamwork.

Despite the hot August weather and unpredictable rain and wind, maintaining study, training, and collective living schedules presented considerable challenges. Nevertheless, classroom learning, training-ground activities, and daily routines continued to be carried out according to plan. 

Artistic exchange program marking the closing of the first phase of National Defense and Security Education.

Following the completion of the program, among the 333 students listed to participate in the National Defense and Security Education courses, 305 students participated in and completed National Defense and Security Education courses 1 and 2, while 300 students participated in and completed courses 3 and 4. One student had to discontinue courses 3 and 4 for health reasons.

100% of students participating in National Defense and Security Education met the requirements during their study at Campus 2.

Notably, 100% of students participating in National Defense and Security Education courses 1 and 2 met the requirements of the continuous assessment and were eligible to take the final examinations. In the practical components of courses 3 and 4, the proportion of students achieving excellent results in several training areas was relatively high: Military Formation Drills and AK Submachine Gun Shooting Techniques each reached 75%; Tactics reached 70%; and General Training Components reached 65%.

The students’ progress was reflected not only in their academic results but also in their awareness of discipline and adherence to routines. Students attended classroom and training-ground sessions, participated in morning physical exercises, had meals collectively, arranged their personal belongings and dormitory areas, assembled in formation, and took part in combat alert drills. Many students also made use of their free time for self-study and knowledge consolidation.

National Defense and Security Education goes beyond providing students with knowledge of national defense and security. Through an environment of intensive study and training, students have additional opportunities to develop discipline, a sense of responsibility, adaptability, and a stronger sense of connection with the collective.

Author: Dr. Tran Van Tung – Director of the National Defense and Security Education Program