Bodyguard recruitment confirmed to fill shortage

SENIOR officia ls at the Minist r y of National Defence have confirmed t hat t he government’s decision to recruit 209 new personnel for the bodyguard unit (BGU) is aimed to replace those who have retired and fill shortages.

The recruitment came after the Ministry of National Defence announced in September the recruitment of nearly 700 new soldiers to strengthen defence, territorial integrity, and the people’s peace and security.

A document signed by Prime Minister Hun Sen on October 25, and obtained by journalists on Sunday, said the government allowed The Ministry of National Defence to recruit 209 new personnel for the bodyguard unit at the request of Samdech Tea Banh, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence.

The document said: “The Royal Government has decided to a llow t he Ministr y of National Defence to recruit 209 new personnel to f ulfil t he framework for t he bodyguard unit.”

It said the Minister in charge of the Council of Ministers, the Minister of National Defence, the Minister of Economy and Finance, the Commander-inChief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, Ministers, the Secretary of State, and the relevant ministries must implement this decision from the date of the signature.

Ministry of National Defence spokesman General Chum Socheat said the recruitment is held annually following the national defence policies to strengthen the defence, territorial integrity, peace and security.

It is also in response to the retirement of military officers and fills personnel shortages. Those who wish to apply to be part of the BGU must sit for an examination.

“Applicants must sit for the examination. Every year there are retirees and loss of personnel due to this. They must have suitable qualifications when recruited, such as age, height, and a suitable physique,” he said.