Circular No. 118/2023/TT-BQP stipulates and guides competition and rewards in the Vietnam People's Army

CIRCULAR

Regulations and guidance on commendation and reward

in the Vietnam People's Army

                                  

Pursuant to the Law on Encouragement and Reward dated June 15, 2022;

Pursuant to Decree No. 01/2022/NĐ-CP dated November 30, 2022 of the Government stipulating functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of National Defense;

At the proposal of the Director of the General Political Department;

The Minister of National Defense issues this Circular to regulate and guide commendation and reward activities within the Vietnam People's Army.

PART I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation

This Circular stipulates and guides principles for awarding commendations, forms of rewards; responsibilities and authorities of agencies, units, organizations, and individuals in commendation and reward work; organization of competitions, commendation titles, criteria for commendation titles; forms, subjects, criteria for rewards; authority to decide on rewards; presentation of commendation titles and reward forms; procedures and files for proposing awards; competition and reward councils, competition and reward teams; competition groups and clusters within the Vietnam People's Army.

Article 2. Applicability

1. Individuals

a) Military personnel, workers, civil servants, and officials of the defense sector and employees belonging to agencies, units, organizations, and enterprises within the military;

b) Personnel working in confidential organizations; employees belonging to agencies, units, organizations, and enterprises under the Government Confidential Service Board;

c) Regular militia, mobile militia; reserve military personnel, individuals holding militia self-defense command positions, militia self-defense soldiers during concentrated time performing military, national defense tasks or other tasks assigned by the Ministry of National Defense;

d) Vietnamese citizens, overseas Vietnamese citizens, foreigners who have contributed to building the military, consolidating national defense, and protecting the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

2. Groups

a) Ministry of National Defense;

b) General Staff Department, Political Bureau, and various general departments; military regions, military branches, Border Guard Force; Commands of Hanoi Capital, Coast Guard, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Protection; Command 86; corps, branches, battalions directly under the Ministry of National Defense (hereinafter referred to collectively as units directly under the Ministry of National Defense), Government Confidential Service Board;

c) Agencies, units from platoon level to division level and equivalent; confidential organizations;

d) Military youth organizations, defense trade unions, military women's organizations (hereinafter referred to collectively as mass organizations);

e) State-owned enterprises under the Ministry of National Defense, enterprises under the Government Confidential Service Board;

f) Militia self-defense units, mobilization reserve units during concentrated time performing military, national defense tasks or other tasks assigned by the Ministry of National Defense;

g) State agencies, political organizations, socio-political organizations, socio-political-professional organizations, social organizations, social-professional organizations, economic organizations; groups of overseas Vietnamese citizens; groups of foreigners; foreign agencies, organizations, and international organizations in Vietnam contributing to building the military, consolidating national defense, and protecting the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

Article 3. Principles for awarding commendation titles and forms of rewards

1. Principles for awarding commendation titles and forms of rewards shall be implemented according to the provisions of Articles 5, 7, and 10 of the Law on Commendation and Reward.

2. Individuals participating in combat, combat support, mission execution, or courageous actions saving people and state property, injured and requiring treatment or convalescence as concluded by medical facilities at brigade level and above, shall have their treatment and convalescence periods counted towards consideration for commendation titles.

3. In annual summary of competition movements, commendation shall only be given to leading cadres when the unit is awarded or has completed its tasks satisfactorily or better.

4. Individuals sent to short-term training or retraining for less than one year, complying with regulations and achieving satisfactory results or higher, shall combine their performance at the unit with their training results for consideration for commendation titles.

5. Units receiving transferred personnel for work shall consider awarding commendation titles to those individuals based on their performance in the new unit and the performance of the previous unit before transfer.

6. Commendation titles shall not be awarded to newly recruited individuals or newly established collectives under nine months.

7. No commendation or recommendation for commendation shall be made for individuals currently serving a disciplinary sanction period; individuals or collectives currently under investigation for potential disciplinary sanctions or under investigation, audit, inspection due to signs of violation, or whose complaints or accusations are being verified without conclusion.

8. Commendation in mid-term and final summaries of competition movements, special topics, campaigns, and main task implementation shall use commendation forms within the authority of the unit head. In cases where individuals or collectives have outstanding achievements with significant impact throughout the army, the entire confidential sector, or nationwide, they shall be recommended to the Minister of National Defense for consideration and commendation or to relevant authorities for commendation.

Article 4. Competition and Reward Fund

1. The Competition and Reward Fund shall be implemented in accordance with the provisions of Article 11 of the Law on Competition and Rewards.

2. The Competition and Reward Fund of budgetary units and public service establishments under the Ministry of National Defense shall be guaranteed from the state budget within the annual regular defense expenditure budget at a maximum rate equal to 20% of the total salary fund according to rank, grade, level of military personnel, civil servants, officials, national defense workers, staff working in military agencies and units, and organizations under the State Cryptographic Service within the establishment, approved annual wages, contributions from individuals and organizations inside and outside the country in accordance with the law.

3. The Competition and Reward Fund of Military Enterprises and enterprises under the State Cryptographic Service Board shall use sources established according to the regulations on management and utilization of capital for production and business operations at enterprises; labor laws, wage laws, remuneration, and bonus laws applicable to companies with controlling state shares to finance competition and reward activities as stipulated by the law on competition and rewards and contributions from individuals and organizations inside and outside the country; other lawful revenues (if any).

4. The preparation of budgets, management, utilization, and settlement of funds for annual competition and reward activities shall be carried out in accordance with the regulations of the state budget law, the law on competition and rewards, and current financial regulations.

5. Funds to ensure rewards for mid-term and final reviews of competition movements by topic, mass campaigns, mid-term and final reviews of tasks; rewards in mass organizations shall be prepared by the agency, unit, sector, or mass organization responsible for the main implementation in accordance with the regulations.

Article 5. Responsibilities of agencies, units, organizations, and individuals in competition and reward work

1. The Minister of National Defense shall direct competition and reward work throughout the military and the State Cryptographic Service Board; issue regulatory documents to institutionalize the Party's guidelines, state policies, and laws on competition and rewards in compliance with the law on competition and rewards and the specific characteristics of the military and the State Cryptographic Service Board; examine and decide on rewards or propose competent authorities to grant rewards in accordance with the law.

2. The General Political Department shall assist the Central Military Commission, the Minister of National Defense in leading, directing, guiding, supervising, and evaluating the results of competition and reward work in the military and the State Cryptographic Service Board; advise and consider proposing the granting of competition titles and reward forms as prescribed.

3. Political Commissars, political officers, and commanding officers of units shall be responsible for directing and organizing the implementation of competition and reward work; promptly identify and select individuals and groups with achievements to be granted competition titles and reward forms within their authority or propose competent authorities to grant such titles and forms.

4. Political organs at all levels, political assistants, and officials in charge of competition and reward work (in places without political organs) shall advise and propose to party committees, political commissars, political officers (secretaries of party committees), and commanding officers to lead and direct competition and reward work; guide, supervise, and evaluate the results of competition and reward work; advise and propose the granting of competition titles and reward forms as prescribed.

5. Military Councils shall disseminate and guide military personnel, workers, civil servants, officials, and employees in units to actively and voluntarily participate in competition movements; cooperate in identifying and recommending competent authorities to reward individuals and groups with achievements.

6. Professional sectors and mass organizations shall cooperate in promoting and encouraging cadres, soldiers, workers, civil servants, officials, employees, members of trade unions, and associations to participate in competition movements.

7. Steering Committees and their permanent offices for specialized competition movements; permanent offices for mid-term and final reviews of tasks shall coordinate with political organs at the same level to advise, direct, and guide competition and reward work in their respective sectors and fields.

8. Relevant functional agencies shall coordinate with competition and reward councils at the same level to compile, assess, and comment on the results of competition and reward work; provide opinions on the granting of competition titles and reward forms to individuals and groups within the scope and tasks of their sectors and fields.

9. Military news agencies, press, and publishing houses shall promote the Party's viewpoints, policies, state laws, resolutions, directives, guidance, and results of competition and reward work; identify, encourage, popularize, and set examples of outstanding individuals and groups; promptly reflect and combat violations of the law on competition and rewards.

Chapter II

ORGANIZATION OF COMPETITION

COMPETITION TITLES; VICTORY COMPETITION CONGRESS

LOVE FOR THE COUNTRY COMPETITION CONGRESS

Section 1

ORGANIZATION OF COMPETITION

Article 6. Organizing Competitive Movements

1. Plan Development

a) The plan for organizing competitive movements and campaigns shall be developed by the unit.

b) The contents of the plan include: Purpose, requirements, theme, objectives, scope, participants, duration of the competition; contents, targets, measures to organize and implement.

2. Organizing the launch of competitive movements

a) The launch of competitive movements should be suitable with the characteristics, nature of tasks, scope, and participants of the unit.

b) Forms: Can be organized as a separate launch ceremony or combined with other activities of the unit.

c) The program of the launch ceremony includes: Raising the flag; stating the reasons, introducing representatives; reporting on the results of the movement, campaign; launching a new movement, campaign; awarding prizes (if any); superior leaders giving instructions (if any); unit leaders responding; representatives of the unit making a pledge of competition; signing the pledge of competition; reviewing the formation (when launching a campaign outdoors); concluding the ceremony.

3. Measures to organize competitive movements

a) Organizing the dissemination and encouragement of individuals and groups to actively participate in competitive movements and campaigns;

b) Monitoring and supervising the process of organizing competitive movements, promptly identifying and adjusting contents that are not in line with the actual situation of the unit;

c) Identifying, nurturing, promoting, and popularizing exemplary models in competitive movements.

4. Summarizing and concluding competitive movements

At the end of each competitive movement or campaign, agencies and units shall organize summaries and conclusions, evaluate the results of competitive movements, select outstanding individuals and groups for commendation and awards or propose to competent authorities for awards. For long-term campaigns, mid-campaign summaries can be organized to draw lessons.

Article 7. Time for Organizing Competitive Movements and Commendations

1. Agencies and units organize competitive movements and confer titles annually according to the calendar year.

2. Academies, officer schools, universities, colleges, and secondary vocational schools organize competitive movements and assess titles annually for individuals and groups under their jurisdiction according to the academic year; propose to present "The Prime Minister's Flag of Competition" and "The Ministry of National Defense's Flag of Competition" according to the calendar year.

3. The time for organizing competitive movements, summarizing, concluding, and assessing commendations for special topics shall be carried out according to the directives and guidelines of the initiating and organizing bodies.

Article 8. Reporting and Announcing Results of Competitive Movements

1. Forms: Paper documents, electronic documents, or other forms; focusing on using cultural systems and internal broadcasting to promptly announce the results of competitive movements.

2. Contents: Leadership and guidance work, implementation progress; results of achieving goals, contents, and targets of competitive movements, highlighting outstanding individuals and groups, new models, innovative and effective methods in competitive movements and campaigns; results of commendation work; limitations, shortcomings, and causes; directions and contents of competitive movement and commendation work.

3. Time for Reporting and Announcing Results of Competitive Movements and Commendations

a) The Ministry of National Defense's Competition and Commendation Council reports to the State Competition and Commendation Council and announces the results of competitive and commendation work to subordinate units of the Ministry of National Defense and the Government Communication Service twice a year (first half of the year before July 15; full year before December 31).

b) Subordinate units of the Ministry of National Defense and the Government Communication Service report to the Ministry of National Defense's Competition and Commendation Council (through the Propaganda Department) and announce to subordinate units twice a year (first half of the year before June 15; full year before November 30).

c) Units at division level and equivalent report to their immediate superiors and announce to subordinate units once every quarter (quarters 1 and 3: Before the last day of the quarter; quarters 2 and 4: Combined with semi-annual and annual reports, before June 10 and November 15).

d) Units at brigade, regiment level and equivalent report to their immediate superiors and announce within the unit once a month, before the last day of the month (semi-annual, before June 1; full year before November 1).

đ) Units at battalion and equivalent level report to their immediate superiors and announce within the unit weekly.

e) Units at company and equivalent level report to their immediate superiors and announce within the unit daily.

g) For units at brigade, regiment, battalion, and company levels stationed separately and performing special tasks without conditions to follow the provisions of points d, đ, and e of this clause, based on the characteristics and conditions of the unit, the head of the direct subordinate unit of the Ministry of National Defense shall stipulate the time for reporting and announcing the results of competitive movements and commendations.

h) Reporting and announcing the results of competitive movements according to campaigns or special topics shall be done immediately after the completion of the campaign or mid-term and final summaries.

i) In case of outstanding achievements, they shall be reported to immediate superiors and announced to the unit immediately.

Section 2

 AWARDS FOR COMPETITIVE MOVEMENTS AND CRITERIA FOR AWARDS

Article 9. Honorary Titles for Competitions

Implemented according to Articles 19, 20, 32, and Article 81 of the Law on Competitive Movements and Commendations. Specifically as follows:

1. For Individuals

d) "Advanced Worker", "Advanced Soldier".

b) "Outstanding Soldier of the Entire Military Force";

c) "Outstanding soldier at the grassroots level";

d) "Advanced Soldier", "Advanced Worker".

2. For Collectives

a) "Government Flag of Excellence";

b) "Flag of Competition of the Ministry of National Defense";

c) Flags of the General Staff, Political Bureau, Departments, Military Regions, Corps, Services, Arms, and equivalent units directly under the Ministry of National Defense, and the Government Communication Service;

d) "Victorious Unit", "Outstanding Labor Collective";

đ) "Advanced Unit", "Advanced Labor Collective";

e) Comprehensive Strong Unit "Model and Outstanding";

g) "Excellent Training Unit";

h) "Outstanding Cultural Unit".

3. In addition to the awards specified in clauses 1 and 2 of this article, agencies, units, sectors, and mass organizations may implement other forms of commendation and honor to motivate individuals and groups with achievements and promote competitive movements, in accordance with the principles of the law on competitive movements and commendations and report as prescribed.

Article 10. The title "National Model Competitor"

1. The title "National Model Competitor" shall be awarded to individuals who meet the criteria specified in Clause 1 of Article 21 of the Law on Competition and Reward.

2. The Minister of National Defense shall consider the effectiveness, replicability, and nationwide influence of initiatives, scientific topics, scientific projects, and scientific and technological works; recognize intelligence and creativity in combat and support for combat with nationwide influence.

Article 11. The title "Model Competitor of the Vietnam People's Army"

1. The title "Model Competitor of the Vietnam People's Army" shall be awarded to individuals who meet the criteria specified in Clause 1 of Article 22 of the Law on Competition and Reward.

2. The examination and recognition of the effectiveness, replicability, and influence of initiatives, scientific topics, scientific projects, and scientific and technological works; the examination and recognition of intelligence and creativity in combat and support for combat shall be carried out according to the hierarchical recommendation for awards from grassroots units to the Ministry of National Defense.

Article 12. The title "Grassroots Model Competitor"

The title "Grassroots Model Competitor" shall be awarded annually to individuals who meet the criteria specified in Article 23 of the Law on Competition and Reward.

Article 13. The titles "Advanced Soldier" and "Advanced Worker"

1. The title "Advanced Soldier" shall be awarded annually to military personnel, workers, civil servants, and public officials in national defense; regular militia, mobile self-defense militia members who meet the following standards:

a) Adhering well to the Party's guidelines, policies, laws of the State, and military discipline;

b) Completing tasks at good level or above; achieving requirements in 100% of tests or inspections, including 75% or more achieving good or excellent results;

c) Having a spirit of self-reliance, self-strengthening, unity, mutual assistance, actively participating in competition movements, and making positive contributions to completing the tasks of their agencies or units.

2. The title "Advanced Worker" shall be awarded annually to contractual employees; individuals working in confidential organizations, and workers under the Government Cryptographic Service who meet the standards set forth in Clause 1 of this Article.

Article 14. The title "Flag of Competition of the Government"

1. The title "Flag of Competition of the Government" shall be awarded to collectives that meet the criteria specified in Article 25 of the Law on Competition and Reward.

2. The recipients of the title "Flag of Competition of the Government" include:

a) Collectives of subordinate units of the Ministry of National Defense, the Government Cryptographic Service.

b) Collectives at division, brigade, regiment, department, bureau, institute, and equivalent levels; departments, institutes with party organizations at the grassroots level; management battalions of students in academies and officer schools under the Ministry of National Defense.

Article 15. The title "Flag of Competition of the Ministry of National Defense"

1. The title "Flag of Competition of the Ministry of National Defense" shall be awarded annually to collectives of subordinate units of the Ministry of National Defense, the Government Cryptographic Service, meeting the following criteria:

a) Leading the competition movement in the bloc or cluster organized by the Ministry of National Defense;

b) Exceeding competition targets and assigned tasks for the year; having new factors, innovative models, and effectiveness. If they are production or business units, they must comply with legal regulations and fulfill obligations to the State and the Ministry of National Defense;

c) Internal solidarity; thoroughly practicing thrift, combating waste, corruption, and other social evils.

2. The title "Flag of Competition of the Ministry of National Defense" shall be awarded annually to collectives at division, brigade, regiment, department, bureau, institute, and equivalent levels; departments, institutes with party organizations at the grassroots level; management battalions of students in academies and officer schools under the Ministry of National Defense, meeting the following criteria:

a) Leading the competition movement in the bloc or cluster organized by subordinate units of the Ministry of National Defense, the Government Cryptographic Service;

b) Exceeding competition targets and assigned tasks for the year; having new factors, innovative models, and effectiveness. If they are production or business units, they must comply with legal regulations and fulfill obligations to the State and the Ministry of National Defense;

c) Internal solidarity, leading in practicing thrift, combating waste, corruption, and other social evils. Party organizations and mass organizations (if any) must meet the standard of excellently fulfilling tasks; units must meet the standard of comprehensively strong and exemplary.

3. The title "Flag of Competition of the Ministry of National Defense" shall be awarded to collectives within the scope defined in Clauses 1 and 2 of this Article, who are outstanding in competitions, exercises, performances, or when summarizing campaigns, movements organized and launched by the Ministry of National Defense lasting three years or more.

Article 16. The title of the Flag of Excellence of the General Staff, Political Bureau, general departments, military regions, military branches, corps, arms, and equivalent units under the Ministry of National Defense, and the Office of Official Communications of the Government

Clause 1. The title of the Flag of Excellence of the General Staff, Political Bureau, general departments, military regions, military branches, corps, arms, and equivalent units under the Ministry of National Defense, and the Office of Official Communications of the Government shall be awarded annually to collective units at the division, regiment, battalion, department, office, institute, and equivalent levels; official communication organizations; offices, departments with grassroots party organizations; offices, departments, systems, and companies managing students under academies, officer schools, universities, meeting the following standards:

Point a) Being a typical collective in the competition movement of the bloc or cluster organized by units under the Ministry of National Defense and the Office of Official Communications of the Government;

Point b) Excellently completing all competition targets and tasks for the year; having new factors, innovative models that are effective. If it is a production or business unit, it must comply with laws, fulfill obligations to the State and the Ministry of National Defense;

Point c) Internal solidarity, leading in practicing thrift, combating waste, corruption, and social evils. Party organizations and mass organizations (if any) meet the standard of satisfactorily completing tasks or better;

Clause 2. The title of the Flag of Excellence of the General Staff, Political Bureau, general departments, military regions, military branches, corps, arms, and equivalent units under the Ministry of National Defense, and the Office of Official Communications of the Government shall be awarded to collectives within the objects stipulated in Clauses 1 and 2 of this Article, which have outstanding achievements in competitions, exercises, performances, or when summarizing campaigns, movements organized and launched by units under the Ministry of National Defense and the Office of Official Communications of the Government, lasting for three years or more.

Article 17. The titles "Outstanding Unit," "Excellent Labor Collective"

Clause 1. The title "Outstanding Unit" shall be awarded annually to collectives at the brigade, regiment, battalion, company, office, department, bureau, and equivalent levels, meeting the following standards:

Point a) Actively participating in regular, practical, and effective competition movements;

Point b) Excellently completing assigned tasks;

Point c) Having 100% individuals completing assigned tasks, of which 85% or more complete tasks excellently or better;

Point d) Having individuals achieving the title of "Outstanding Soldier at the Grassroots Level";

Point đ) Internal solidarity, exemplary compliance with the Party's guidelines, state policies and laws, and military discipline. Party organizations and mass organizations (if any) meet the standard of satisfactorily completing tasks or better.

Clause 2. The title "Excellent Labor Collective" shall be awarded annually to collectives at the factory, workshop, enterprise, team, and equivalent levels belonging to units, enterprises, economic-military groups; departments, offices, institutes, and equivalent levels under the Office of Official Communications of the Government, meeting the standards stipulated in Clause 1 of this Article.

Article 18. The titles "Advanced Unit," "Advanced Labor Collective"

Clause 1. The title "Advanced Unit" shall be awarded annually to collectives at the company, battalion, platoon, squad, office, department, bureau, and equivalent levels, meeting the following standards:

Point a) Participating in regular, practical, and effective competition movements;

Point b) Satisfactorily completing assigned tasks;

Point c) Having 100% of test or inspection contents meeting requirements or better, of which 70% or more are good or excellent;

Point d) Internal solidarity, complying well with the Party's guidelines, state policies and laws, and military discipline; no individuals violating laws or committing serious disciplinary violations. Grassroots party organizations and mass organizations (if any) meet the standard of satisfactorily completing tasks or better.

Clause 2. The title "Advanced Labor Collective" shall be awarded annually to collectives at the enterprise, workshop, team, group, or equivalent levels belonging to units, enterprises, economic-military groups; offices, departments, and equivalent levels under the Office of Official Communications of the Government, meeting the standards stipulated in Clause 1 of this Article.

Article 19. Title of Comprehensive Strong Unit "Model and Exemplary"

The title of Comprehensive Strong Unit "Model and Exemplary" shall be awarded annually to collective units at the division, regiment, battalion, company, department, bureau, institute, and equivalent levels; departments, faculties, offices, and equivalent levels within division, regimental agencies, academies, schools, hospitals; departments, workshops, factories, enterprises, companies, and equivalent levels within corps, general corporations that meet the standards for building Comprehensive Strong Units "Model and Exemplary."

Article 20. Title of "Excellent Training Unit"

The title of "Excellent Training Unit" shall be awarded annually to collective units at the brigade, regiment, battalion, company, and equivalent levels that are fully staffed with personnel, fulfill training tasks for combat readiness, and meet the standards for excellent training units.

Article 21. Title of "Exemplary Cultural Unit"

The title of "Exemplary Cultural Unit" shall be awarded annually to units at the brigade, regiment, battalion, company, department, faculty, office, and equivalent levels that meet the following criteria:

1. Outstanding completion of tasks; effective implementation of competitive movements and campaigns.

2. A healthy, rich, and positive cultural and spiritual life.

3. Neat, clean, green, and beautiful camps.

4. Strict adherence to Party policies, state laws, military discipline; construction and maintenance of good relationships within the unit and between the military and civilians.

Section 3

DECISIVE COMPETITION CONGRESS, LOVE FOR THE COUNTRY CONGRESS

Article 22. Scope and Time of Congress Organization

1. The Decisive Competition Congress shall be organized from the regiment level and equivalent up to the national level.

2. The Government Cryptographic Department shall organize the Love for the Country Congress.

3. The Decisive Competition Congress and the Love for the Country Congress shall be held every five years.

Article 23. Content of Congress

1. Summarize, evaluate results, identify causes and experiences in leadership, guidance, organization of the Decisive Competition Movement, Patriotic Movement, and competition and reward work over the past five years; determine directions, goals, tasks, measures to improve the quality and effectiveness of competition and reward work and the Decisive Competition Movement, Patriotic Movement over the next five years.

2. Honor and reward individuals and collectives with outstanding achievements in the Decisive Competition Movement and Patriotic Movement; promote and encourage individuals and collectives to learn from exemplary models and good deeds.

Chapter III

FORMS, OBJECTS, STANDARDS OF REWARD

Article 24. Forms of Reward

Implemented according to Articles 9 and 76 of the Law on Competition and Reward. Specifically as follows:

1. Orders;

2. Medals;

3. State honorary titles;

4. "Ho Chi Minh Award," "State Award;"

5. "Prime Minister's Commendation;"

6. Commemorative Medal "For the Cause of Building the People's Army of Vietnam;"

7. Commemorative Medal "For the Cause of Mass Armed Forces;"

8. Commemorative Medal "For the Cause of Cryptographic Affairs of Vietnam;"

9. "Minister of National Defense's Commendation;"

10. Commendation of the Chief of General Staff, Political Bureau, General Departments, Military Regions, Military Branches, Corps, Services, and Equivalent Agencies under the Ministry of National Defense, Government Cryptographic Department;

11. Certificate of Merit of the Chief of General Staff, Political Bureau, General Departments, Military Regions, Military Branches, Corps, Services, and Equivalent Agencies under the Ministry of National Defense, Government Cryptographic Department;

12. Certificate of Merit of the Chief of Division, Brigade, Regiment, Department, Bureau, Institute, and Equivalent Agencies.

Article 25. Medal "For the Cause of Building the People's Army of Vietnam"

The Medal "For the Cause of Building the People's Army of Vietnam" shall be awarded to individuals:

1. Party and State leaders, leaders of central agencies, ministries, sectors, mass organizations; provincial and centrally-administered city leaders; Vietnamese citizens, overseas Vietnamese, foreigners who have made significant contributions to the construction and development of the People's Army of Vietnam;

2. Military personnel, civil servants, officials, defense workers, and staff working in the Secretariat under the Government Secretariat when retiring or transferring to another sector, having served for at least 25 years for males and 20 years for females in the Army or the Government Secretariat, fulfilling their duties excellently without being disciplined with a reduction in rank or higher.

Article 26. Medal "For the Cause of Mass Self-Defense Forces"

The criteria, procedures, and dossier for awarding the Medal "For the Cause of Mass Self-Defense Forces" shall be implemented according to Circular No. 57/2020/TT-BQP dated May 13, 2020, issued by the Minister of National Defense guiding commendation work related to Militia and Self-Defense Forces.

Article 27. Medal "For the Cause of Vietnam's Cryptography"

The criteria, authority, procedures, and dossier for awarding the Medal "For the Cause of Vietnam's Cryptography" shall be carried out according to the Regulation on Awarding the Medal "For the Cause of Vietnam's Cryptography" issued together with Circular No. 132/2013/TT-BQP dated August 5, 2013, by the Minister of National Defense.

Article 28. Certificate of Merit of the Minister of National Defense

1. The Certificate of Merit of the Minister of National Defense shall be awarded or posthumously awarded to individuals who set a good example in implementing the Party's policies, State laws, military discipline, and meet one of the following criteria:

a) Achieving outstanding results recognized in competitions initiated and organized by the Ministry of National Defense, or achieving high results in contests, exercises, performances, drills, mid-term and final evaluations organized by the Ministry of National Defense.

b) Achieving outstanding and sudden achievements with significant influence within the scope of management of the Ministry of National Defense or the Cryptography sector.

c) Making positive contributions to national defense, security, cryptography, defense diplomacy, applying scientific and technological progress, economic and social development, social work, humanitarian aid, recognized and recommended by competent authorities.

d) Being consecutively awarded the title of "Model Soldier" twice or being recognized as completing tasks excellently for two consecutive years during which time two initiatives were recognized and effectively applied at the grassroots level, or two scientific research topics, projects, and technological works were accepted and effectively applied at the grassroots level.

2. The Certificate of Merit of the Minister of National Defense shall be awarded to collectives that set a good example in implementing the Party's policies, State laws, military discipline, and meet one of the following criteria:

a) Achieving outstanding results recognized in competitions initiated and organized by the Ministry of National Defense, or achieving high results in contests, exercises, performances, drills, mid-term and final evaluations organized by the Ministry of National Defense.

b) Achieving outstanding and sudden achievements with significant influence within the scope of management of the Ministry of National Defense or the Cryptography sector.

c) Making positive contributions to national defense, security, cryptography, defense diplomacy, applying scientific and technological progress, economic and social development, social work, humanitarian aid, recognized and recommended by competent authorities.

d) Consecutively receiving the title of "Victorious Unit" or "Excellent Labor Collective" for two years, or being recognized as completing tasks excellently for two consecutive years, actively participating in grassroots-level competition movements, caring for the material and spiritual life of the collective, actively combating corruption and waste, practicing thrift and opposing extravagance.

3. The Certificate of Merit of the Minister of National Defense shall be awarded to individuals, collectives, and households who have made many achievements and contributions to the construction and development of the Army and Cryptography, recognized and recommended by competent authorities.

Article 29. Commendation by the Head of the General Staff Department, the Political Bureau, the Military Zones, the Military Services, and equivalent agencies under the Ministry of National Defense, and the Government Office for Official Communications

Clause 1. The commendation by the Head of the General Staff Department, the Political Bureau, the Military Zones, the Military Services, and equivalent agencies under the Ministry of National Defense, and the Government Office for Official Communications shall be awarded to individuals who set a good example in implementing the Party's guidelines, state policies and laws, military discipline, and meet one of the following criteria:

Point a) Achieving outstanding results recognized in competition movements, campaigns, or initiatives launched and organized by higher-level units or subordinate units under the Ministry of National Defense, and the Government Office for Official Communications.

Point b) Achieving high results in competitions, exercises, performances, or drills initiated and organized by subordinate units under the Ministry of National Defense, and the Government Office for Official Communications.

Point c) Achieving outstanding and exceptional results with significant impact within subordinate units under the Ministry of National Defense, and the Government Office for Official Communications.

Clause 2. The commendation by the Head of the General Staff Department, the Political Bureau, the Military Zones, the Military Services, and equivalent agencies under the Ministry of National Defense, and the Government Office for Official Communications shall be awarded to groups that set a good example in implementing the Party's guidelines, state policies and laws, military discipline, and meet one of the following criteria:

Point a) Achieving outstanding results recognized in competition movements, campaigns, or initiatives launched and organized by higher-level units or subordinate units under the Ministry of National Defense, and the Government Office for Official Communications.

Point b) Achieving high results in competitions, exercises, performances, or drills initiated and organized by subordinate units under the Ministry of National Defense, and the Government Office for Official Communications.

Point c) Achieving outstanding and exceptional results with significant impact within subordinate units under the Ministry of National Defense, and the Government Office for Official Communications.

Clause 3. The commendation by the Head of the General Staff Department, the Political Bureau, the Military Zones, the Military Services, and equivalent agencies under the Ministry of National Defense, and the Government Office for Official Communications shall be awarded to individuals or groups with many achievements and contributions to national defense, security, official communications, defense diplomacy, economic and social development, scientific and technological progress, social work, charity, humanitarianism, recognized and recommended by competent authorities.

Article 30. Certificate of Merit by the Head of the General Staff Department, the Political Bureau, the Military Zones, the Military Services, and equivalent agencies under the Ministry of National Defense, and the Government Office for Official Communications

Clause 1. The Certificate of Merit by the Head of the General Staff Department, the Political Bureau, the Military Zones, the Military Services, and equivalent agencies under the Ministry of National Defense, and the Government Office for Official Communications shall be awarded to individuals who set a good example in implementing the Party's guidelines, state policies and laws, military discipline, and meet one of the following criteria:

Point a) Achieving results recognized in competition movements, campaigns, or initiatives launched and organized by higher-level units or subordinate units under the Ministry of National Defense, and the Government Office for Official Communications.

Point b) Achieving results in performing tasks or achieving exceptional results.

Clause 2. The Certificate of Merit by the Head of the General Staff Department, the Political Bureau, the Military Zones, the Military Services, and equivalent agencies under the Ministry of National Defense, and the Government Office for Official Communications shall be awarded to groups that set a good example in implementing the Party's guidelines, state policies and laws, military discipline, and meet one of the following criteria:

Point a) Achieving results recognized in competition movements, campaigns, or initiatives launched and organized by higher-level units or subordinate units under the Ministry of National Defense, and the Government Office for Official Communications.

Point b) Achieving results in performing tasks or achieving exceptional results.

Clause 3. The Certificate of Merit by the Head of the General Staff Department, the Political Bureau, the Military Zones, the Military Services, and equivalent agencies under the Ministry of National Defense, and the Government Office for Official Communications shall be awarded to individuals or groups with achievements and contributions to national defense, security, official communications, defense diplomacy, economic and social development, scientific and technological progress, social work, charity, humanitarianism, recognized and recommended by competent authorities.

Article 31. Commendation Certificates issued by the Heads of Divisions, Brigades, Regiments, Departments, Offices, Institutes, and Equivalent Units

Clause 1. Commendation Certificates issued by the Heads of Divisions, Brigades, Regiments, Departments, Offices, Institutes, and Equivalent Units shall be awarded to individuals who comply well with the Party's guidelines, State policies and laws, military discipline, and meet one of the following criteria:

Point a) Achieving notable results recognized in competition movements initiated or organized by superiors or units.

Point b) Achieving results in performing tasks or achieving exceptional results.

Clause 2. Commendation Certificates issued by the Heads of Divisions, Brigades, Regiments, Departments, Offices, Institutes, and Equivalent Units shall be awarded to groups that comply well with the Party's guidelines, State policies and laws, military discipline, and meet one of the following criteria:

Point a) Achieving notable results recognized in competition movements initiated or organized by superiors or units.

Point b) Achieving results in performing tasks or achieving exceptional results.

Clause 3. Commendation Certificates issued by the Heads of Divisions, Brigades, Regiments, Departments, Offices, Institutes, and Equivalent Units shall be awarded to individuals and groups for their achievements and contributions to national defense, security, cryptology, defense diplomacy, socio-economic development, scientific and technological progress application, social work, charity, humanitarianism, recognized and proposed by competent authorities.

Chapter IV

AUTHORITY TO DECIDE ON REWARDS AND AWARDS;

BESTOWING COMPETITION TITLES AND AWARD FORMS

Article 32. Minister of National Defense

Clause 1. Decides to award the title "Outstanding Soldier of the Entire Military Force".

Clause 2. Decides to award the titles "Outstanding Soldier at the Base Level", "Advanced Soldier" to commanders of subordinate units under the Ministry of National Defense, Government Cryptographic Office, and officers of general rank.

Clause 3. Decides to award the Flag of Merit of the Ministry of National Defense.

Clause 4. Decides to award the Commemorative Medal "For the Cause of Building the People's Army of Vietnam", Commemorative Medal "For the Cause of Mass Armed Forces".

Clause 5. Decides to award or posthumously award the Certificate of Merit from the Minister of National Defense.

Clause 6. Decides to award the title "Excellent Training Unit" to groups at the brigade and regiment levels and equivalent.

Clause 7. Decides to recognize the title "Comprehensively Strong Unit Model and Exemplary" for groups at the division level and equivalent; brigades, regiments of combat arms and equivalent under corps, combat arms, Command of Hanoi Capital, Command 86; departments and equivalent under the Ministry of National Defense, General Staff Department, Political Bureau, various general departments, military regions, military branches, Border Guard, corps, combat arms, Command of Hanoi Capital; academies, schools under the Ministry of National Defense and under general departments, military regions, military branches, Border Guard, corps, combat arms; battalions, general companies; hospitals under the Ministry of National Defense.

Article 33. Director of the Political Department of the People's Army of Vietnam, Chief of the General Staff of the People's Army of Vietnam

Clause 1. Decides to award the titles "Outstanding Soldier at the Base Level", "Advanced Soldier", "Advanced Worker" to individuals under their authority with the highest position up to department head and equivalent (excluding officers of general rank); highest rank up to major general or equivalent salary.

Clause 2. Decides to award Certificates of Merit, Commendation Certificates to individuals with the highest position up to department head and equivalent; highest rank up to lieutenant general.

Clause 3. Decides to award the Flag of Merit of the Political Department, Flag of Merit of the General Staff Department to groups at the department, office, institute and equivalent levels; titles "Victorious Unit", "Outstanding Labor Group" to groups under their authority up to brigade, room, department and equivalent levels; titles "Advanced Unit", "Advanced Labor Group" to groups under their authority at battalion, room, department and equivalent levels; title "Exemplary Cultural Unit" to groups under their authority at brigade, detachment, battalion, room, department and equivalent levels; title "Excellent Training Unit" to groups under their authority at battalion and equivalent levels.

Clause 4. Decides to award Certificates of Merit, Commendation Certificates to groups at the division, department, office, institute and equivalent levels.

Clause 5. Decides to recognize the title "Comprehensively Strong Unit Model and Exemplary" for groups under their authority up to brigade, company, factory and equivalent levels.

Article 34. Heads of units under the Ministry of National Defense and the Government Cryptographic Agency

1. Decide to confer the titles of "Model Grassroots Soldier", "Advanced Soldier", and "Advanced Worker" on individuals under their authority with the highest rank up to division commander, division political commissar, department head, and equivalent positions (excluding officers at the general level); the highest military rank up to colonel or equivalent salary.

2. Decide to confer Certificates of Merit and Letters of Commendation on individuals with the highest rank up to division commander, division political commissar, department head, and equivalent positions; the highest military rank up to colonel or equivalent salary.

3. Decide to confer the Flag of Merit of units under the Ministry of National Defense and the Government Cryptographic Agency on collectives up to division level, departments, bureaus, institutes, and equivalent; the titles of "Victorious Unit", "Outstanding Labor Collective" for collectives under their authority up to brigade, regiment, office, department, and equivalent; the titles of "Advanced Unit", "Advanced Labor Collective" for collectives under their authority up to battalion, office, department, and equivalent; the title of "Exemplary Cultural Unit" for collectives under their authority up to brigade, regiment, office, department, and equivalent; the title of "Excellent Training Unit" for collectives under their authority up to battalion and equivalent.

4. Decide to confer Certificates of Merit and Letters of Commendation on collectives up to division level, departments, bureaus, institutes, and equivalent.

5. Decide to recognize the title of "Comprehensive Strong Unit 'Paragon, Exemplary'" for collectives under their authority up to brigade, regiment (excluding brigades, regiments belonging to corps, military branches, and the Capital Military Command, Command 86) and equivalent.

Article 35. Deputy Head of the Central Military Commission Inspection Committee, Chief Judge of the Central Military Court, Chief Prosecutor of the Central Military Procuracy, Chief Inspector of the Ministry of National Defense; Department Heads, Bureau Chiefs, and Equivalent Positions

1. Deputy Head of the Central Military Commission Inspection Committee, Chief Judge of the Central Military Court, Chief Prosecutor of the Central Military Procuracy, Chief Inspector of the Ministry of National Defense

a) Decide to confer the titles of "Model Grassroots Soldier", "Advanced Soldier", and "Advanced Worker" on individuals under their authority with the highest position up to bureau chief; the highest military rank up to senior colonel or equivalent salary.

b) Decide to confer Letters of Commendation on individuals with the highest position up to office chief and equivalent; the highest military rank up to colonel or equivalent salary.

c) Decide to confer the titles of "Advanced Unit", "Advanced Labor Collective" for collectives under their authority up to bureau level and equivalent.

d) Decide to confer Letters of Commendation on collectives up to office, bureau level and equivalent.

2. Department Heads, Bureau Chiefs, and Equivalent Positions

a) Decide to confer the titles of "Model Grassroots Soldier", "Advanced Soldier", and "Advanced Worker" on individuals under their authority with the highest position up to bureau chief; commissioned officers with the highest military rank up to lieutenant colonel, non-commissioned officers with the highest military rank up to senior colonel or equivalent salary.

b) Decide to confer Letters of Commendation on individuals with the highest position up to office chief and equivalent; the highest military rank up to colonel or equivalent salary.

c) Decide to confer the titles of "Advanced Unit", "Advanced Labor Collective" for collectives under their authority up to bureau level and equivalent.

d) Decide to confer Letters of Commendation on collectives up to brigade, office, bureau level and equivalent.

Article 36. Commanders of divisions and equivalent positions

1. Decide to award the titles "Model Grassroots Soldier", "Advanced Soldier", and "Advanced Worker" to individuals under their command with the highest rank up to company commander, company political commissar, and equivalent; officers with the highest rank up to colonel, professional military personnel with the highest rank up to senior colonel, or those with a salary equivalent to that of a senior colonel.

2. Decide to award Certificates of Merit to individuals with the highest rank up to regiment commander, regiment political commissar, and equivalent; highest rank up to major general, or those with a salary equivalent to that of a major general.

3. Decide to award the titles "Advanced Unit", "Advanced Labor Collective", and "Outstanding Cultural Unit" to collectives under their command with the highest level up to battalion, department, and equivalent; the title "Excellent Training Unit" for collectives under their command at the company level and equivalent.

4. Decide to award Certificates of Merit to collectives with the highest level up to regiment, department, institute, department, and equivalent.

5. Decide to recognize the title "All-Round Strong Unit 'Exemplary, Outstanding'" for collectives under their command with the highest level up to battalion and equivalent.

Article 37. Commanders of brigades and equivalent positions

1. Decide to award the titles "Model Grassroots Soldier", "Advanced Soldier", and "Advanced Worker" to individuals under their command with the highest rank up to company commander, company political commissar, and equivalent positions; officers with the highest rank up to lieutenant colonel, professional military personnel with the highest rank up to colonel, or those with a salary equivalent to that of a colonel.

2. Decide to award Certificates of Merit to individuals with the highest rank up to battalion commander, battalion political commissar, and equivalent; highest rank up to senior colonel, or those with a salary equivalent to that of a senior colonel.

3. Decide to award the titles "Advanced Unit" and "Advanced Labor Collective" to collectives under their command with the highest level up to company and equivalent; the titles "Excellent Training Unit" and "Outstanding Cultural Unit" for collectives under their command at the company level and equivalent.

4. Decide to award Certificates of Merit to collectives with the highest level up to battalion, department, and equivalent.

5. Decide to recognize the title "All-Round Strong Unit 'Exemplary, Outstanding'" for collectives under their command at the company level and equivalent.

Article 38. Commanders of regiments and equivalent positions

1. Decide to award the titles "Model Grassroots Soldier", "Advanced Soldier", and "Advanced Worker" to individuals under their command with the highest rank up to company commander, company political commissar, and equivalent; officers with the highest rank up to lieutenant colonel; professional military personnel with the highest rank up to colonel, or those with a salary equivalent to that of a colonel.

2. Decide to award Certificates of Merit to individuals with the highest rank up to battalion commander, battalion political commissar, department head, and equivalent positions; officers and professional military personnel with the highest rank up to colonel, or those with a salary equivalent to that of a colonel.

3. Decide to award the titles "Advanced Unit" and "Advanced Labor Collective" to collectives under their command with the highest level up to company and equivalent; the titles "Excellent Training Unit" and "Outstanding Cultural Unit" for collectives under their command at the company level and equivalent.

4. Decide to award Certificates of Merit to collectives with the highest level up to battalion and department and equivalent.

5. Decide to recognize the title "All-Round Strong Unit 'Exemplary, Outstanding'" for collectives under their command at the company level and equivalent.

Article 39. Authority of the Head of the Unit Not Permitted to Use a Seal

For units equivalent to division, brigade, regiment level but not permitted to use a seal, the immediate superior head shall propose to sign the decision awarding commendation titles and forms of reward for collectives and individuals under their authority.

Article 40. Bestowing Commendation Titles and Forms of Reward

Implement Article 82 of the Law on Encouragement and Rewards; provisions set forth in Circular No. 199/2016/TT-BQP dated December 1, 2016 of the Ministry of National Defense stipulating and guiding the organization of commemorative days; ceremonies for bestowing and receiving forms of rewards and commendation titles in the Vietnam People's Army.

Chapter V

PROCEDURE, FILE FOR PROPOSAL TO CONSIDER BESTOWING COMMENDATION TITLES AND FORMS OF REWARD;ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE RESULTS OF REVIEW,RESULTS OF REWARDS; STORAGE OF REWARD FILES

Section 1

PROCEDURE FOR CONSIDERING BESTOWING

COMMENDATION TITLES AND FORMS OF REWARD

Article 41. Procedure for Considering Rewards at the Ministry of National Defense Level

1. Title "Flag of Government Encouragement", "Flag of Ministry of National Defense Encouragement"

a) The Standing Office of the Council for Encouragement and Rewards of the Ministry of National Defense reviews the file, sends a document seeking opinions from relevant agencies; compiles and reports to the Standing Office for consideration and proposal to the Standing Council.

b) The Standing Council convenes a meeting to consider and report to the Council.

c) The Council convenes a meeting to consider and vote secretly.

d) Based on the results of the Council's trust vote, the Political General Department submits to the Central Military Commission's Standing Delegation for consideration.

đ) Based on the conclusion of the Central Military Commission's Standing Delegation, the Minister of National Defense decides to bestow the title "Flag of Ministry of National Defense Encouragement" and proposes to the Government to bestow the title "Flag of Government Encouragement".

2. Awarding Orders; "Certificate of Merit of the Prime Minister", title "Outstanding Soldier of the Entire Military"

a) The Propaganda Department reviews the file, sends a document seeking opinions from relevant agencies.

b) The Propaganda Department compiles and reports to the Council for Encouragement and Rewards of the Ministry of National Defense for consideration.

c) The Propaganda Department compiles the results of the Council for Encouragement and Rewards of the Ministry of National Defense's consideration and reports to the Political General Department.

d) Based on the results of the Council's consideration, the Political General Department submits to the Minister of National Defense for decision on rewarding or the Minister of National Defense submits to the Prime Minister.

đ) Individuals and collectives proposed for awarding "Gold Star Order", "Ho Chi Minh Order", "Independence Order", "Military Service Order"; Heads of the Ministry of National Defense, General Staff, Political General Department, commanders of subordinate units of the Ministry of National Defense, State Cryptographic Agency, and generals proposing state-level rewards, the Political General Department submits to the Central Military Commission's Standing Delegation for consideration. Based on the conclusion of the Central Military Commission's Standing Delegation, the Minister of National Defense submits to the Prime Minister.

3. Title "Hero of the People's Armed Forces", "Hero of Labor" and title "Outstanding Soldier of the Entire Country"

a) The Standing Office of the Council for Encouragement and Rewards of the Ministry of National Defense reviews the file, sends a document seeking opinions from relevant agencies; compiles and reports to the Standing Office for consideration and proposal to the Standing Council.

b) The Standing Council convenes a meeting to consider and report to the Council.

c) The Council convenes a meeting to consider and vote secretly.

d) Based on the results of the Council's trust vote, the Political General Department submits to the Central Military Commission's Standing Delegation for consideration.

đ) Based on the conclusion of the Central Military Commission's Standing Delegation, the Minister of National Defense submits to the Prime Minister.

4. Reward for Contribution Process

a) The Propaganda Department reviews the file, reports to the Head of the Political General Department for consideration, submits to the Minister of National Defense for review, and submits to the Prime Minister.

b) Individuals proposed for awarding "Gold Star Order", "Ho Chi Minh Order", "Independence Order", "Military Service Order"; Heads of the Ministry of National Defense, General Staff, Political General Department, commanders of subordinate units of the Ministry of National Defense, State Cryptographic Agency, and generals, the Political General Department submits to the Central Military Commission's Standing Delegation for consideration. Based on the conclusion of the Central Military Commission's Standing Delegation, the Minister of National Defense submits to the Prime Minister.

5. "Military Flag Victory Medal", "Brave Soldier Medal"; "Certificate of Merit of the Minister of National Defense"

The Propaganda Department reviews the file, reports to the Head of the Political General Department for consideration, submits to the Minister of National Defense for review and decision on rewarding or the Minister of National Defense submits to the Prime Minister.

6. Commemorative Medal "For the Cause of Building the Vietnam People's Army", "For the Cause of Mass Armed Forces"; Commemorative Medal of the Standing Committee of the National Assembly; commemorative medal of ministries, agencies, and provinces

a) Commemorative Medal "For the Cause of Building the Vietnam People's Army", "For the Cause of Mass Armed Forces": The Propaganda Department reviews the file, reports to the Head of the Political General Department for consideration, submits to the Minister of National Defense for review and decision on rewarding.

b) Commemorative Medal of the Standing Committee of the National Assembly; commemorative medal of ministries, agencies, and provinces: The Propaganda Department reviews the file, reports to the Head of the Political General Department for consideration and proposal for rewarding or the Political General Department submits to the Minister of National Defense for review and proposal for rewarding.

7. Title "People's Teacher", "Excellent Teacher"; "People's Doctor", "Excellent Doctor"; "People's Artist", "Excellent Artist"; "Ho Chi Minh Prize", "State Prize"

a) The competent state management agency in one of the above fields takes the lead in advising, reviewing the file, achievements, and proposing rewards; submits to the Central Military Commission's Standing Delegation, the Minister of National Defense (through the Propaganda Department).

b) The Propaganda Department compiles and reports to the Head of the Political General Department for submission to the Central Military Commission's Standing Delegation for consideration.

c) Based on the conclusion of the Central Military Commission's Standing Delegation, the Minister of National Defense submits to the Prime Minister.

8. Title "Outstanding Soldier of the Base", "Advanced Soldier" for heads of subordinate units of the Ministry of National Defense, State Cryptographic Agency, and generals

The Propaganda Department reviews the file, sends a document seeking opinions from relevant agencies; compiles and reports to the Head of the Political General Department for consideration, submits to the Minister of National Defense for review and decision on rewarding.

9. Title "Excellently Trained Unit", "Comprehensive Strong Unit Model and Exemplary"

a) The Training Department compiles and reviews the file, reports to the Head of the General Staff for consideration, submits to the Minister of National Defense (through the Propaganda Department).

b) The Training Propaganda Department compiles and reports to the Head of the Political General Department for the Minister of National Defense to examine and decide on awarding the title "Excellent Training Unit" and recognizing the title "All-Round Strong Unit Model and Exemplary".

10. Exceptional rewards: The Training Propaganda Department takes the lead, coordinates with competent agencies to review files, report to the Head of the Political General Department for consideration, and submit to the Minister of National Defense for examination and decision on rewarding, or the Minister of National Defense submits to the Prime Minister.

11. Rewards for mass competitive movements, campaigns, mid-term and final reviews of tasks.

a) The Steering Committee for mass competitive movements, campaigns, mid-term and final reviews of tasks of the Ministry of National Defense examines and proposes rewards.

b) The Chairman of the Steering Committee for mass competitive movements, campaigns, mid-term and final reviews of tasks decides on rewards within the authority delegated by the Minister of National Defense or submits to the Minister of National Defense (through the Training Propaganda Department).

c) The Training Propaganda Department compiles and reports to the Head of the Political General Department for consideration, and submits to the Minister of National Defense for examination and decision on rewarding.

d) For national-level reward forms, the Training Propaganda Department reports to the Competition and Reward Council of the Ministry of National Defense for consideration; compiles and reports to the Head of the Political General Department for consideration and proposes to the Minister of National Defense for examination and submission to the Prime Minister.

12. Rewards in competitions, sports meets, performances, and exercises.

a) The organizing committee for competitions, sports meets, performances, and exercises of the Ministry of National Defense examines and proposes rewards.

b) The Chairman of the organizing committee for competitions, sports meets, performances, and exercises decides on rewards within the authority delegated by the Minister of National Defense or submits to the Minister of National Defense (through the Training Propaganda Department).

c) The Training Propaganda Department compiles and reports to the Political General Department for consideration, and submits to the Minister of National Defense for examination and decision on rewarding.

d) For national-level reward forms, the Training Propaganda Department reports to the Competition and Reward Council of the Ministry of National Defense for consideration; compiles and reports to the Head of the Political General Department for consideration and proposes to the Minister of National Defense for examination and submission to the Prime Minister.

13. Rewards for foreign individuals and organizations; overseas Vietnamese.

The Training Propaganda Department takes the lead, coordinates with the Foreign Affairs Department and related competent agencies to review files and achievements, report to the Head of the Political General Department for consideration, and submit to the Minister of National Defense for examination and decision on rewarding, or the Minister of National Defense submits to the Government.

14. For reward forms and awards of central ministries and sectors.

a) The competent agency managing the sector or field takes the lead in reviewing files and achievements, and submits to the Minister of National Defense (through the Training Propaganda Department).

b) The Training Propaganda Department compiles and reports to the Head of the Political General Department for consideration and proposes rewards.

Article 42. Procedures for awarding commendation titles at various levels.

1. Publicize the subjects, conditions, and standards for commendation titles.

2. Organize reporting and evaluation meetings: Conduct evaluations from grassroots units. Collectives and individuals report their achievements at military personnel meetings or grassroots trade union meetings. The meeting conducts evaluations and proposes rewards.

3. Competitiveness groups or clusters hold evaluation meetings to honor and propose awarding commendation titles to collectives within the group or cluster.

4. The secretariat of the competition and reward council compiles and seeks opinions from the same-level competent agency (if applicable); compiles and reports to the same-level competition and reward council's permanent office.

5. The permanent office of the council holds a meeting to consider and report to the same-level competition and reward council.

6. The competition and reward council holds a meeting to consider.

7. The Party Committee (Party Standing Committee) considers and makes a resolution.

8. The Political Commissar, Political Instructor, or unit commander decides on rewards within their authority or proposes higher-level rewards.

9. Method of conducting elections for the title "Model Grassroots Soldier".

a) Organize a military personnel meeting, worker, civil servant, defense employee, or laborer meeting at the grassroots level or a grassroots trade union meeting to evaluate the title "Model Grassroots Soldier" through a secret ballot. Individuals nominated for election as "Model Grassroots Soldier" report their achievements. The meeting considers and votes on trust. For commanding officers at all levels nominated for "Model Grassroots Soldier" at the military personnel meeting or officer meeting or grassroots trade union meeting where they participate.

b) The military personnel meeting, worker, civil servant, defense employee, or laborer meeting, or officer meeting, or grassroots trade union meeting must have more than two-thirds of the total number of attendees compared to the total number of personnel currently working in the unit. Individuals proposed for the title "Model Grassroots Soldier" must receive more than 50% of the votes in favor compared to the total number of personnel currently working in the unit.

Article 43. Procedure for examination and proposal of awards of Orders, "Certificate of Merit of the Prime Minister," and "Certificate of Merit of the Minister of National Defense"

1. Individuals and collectives report achievements at military personnel meetings or grassroots trade union meetings or cadre meetings (for unit leaders). The meeting examines and proposes awards.

2. The secretariat of the competition and commendation council compiles, seeks opinions from competent agencies at the same level (if any); compiles and reports to the standing body of the competition and commendation council at the same level.

3. The standing body of the council examines and reports to the competition and commendation council at the same level.

4. The competition and commendation council examines and gives opinions.

5. The Party Committee (Party Standing Committee) examines and makes resolutions.

6. The Political Commissar, Political Instructor, or unit commander submits to the immediate superior.

Article 44. Procedure for examination and proposal of conferring and posthumously conferring the titles of "People's Armed Forces Hero" and "Labor Hero"

1. Individuals and collectives report achievements at military personnel meetings or grassroots trade union meetings. The meeting proceeds to examine and propose.

2. The secretariat of the competition and commendation council seeks opinions from competent agencies at the same level (if any); compiles and reports to the standing body of the competition and commendation council.

3. The standing body of the council convenes to examine and report to the competition and commendation council at the same level.

4. The competition and commendation council convenes to examine and vote secretly.

5. The Party Committee (Party Standing Committee) examines and makes resolutions.

6. The Political Commissar, Political Instructor, or unit commander submits to the immediate superior.

Article 45. Procedure for examination and proposal of extraordinary awards

1. The political department, political cadre (where there is no political department) verifies and reports proposals to the head of the unit.

2. The Political Commissar, Political Instructor, or unit commander examines and decides on awards within their authority or proposes to the competent authority to award.

Article 46. Procedure and line of submission for proposals of awards for dedication periods

1. Procedure

a) Individuals report a summary of achievements, with confirmation from the head of the awarding unit (in cases where individuals have died, their relatives or units proposing awards report a summary of achievements).

b) The political department verifies and reports to the Party Committee (Party Standing Committee), Political Commissar, Political Instructor, or unit commander to examine and submit to the immediate superior.

2. Line of Submission

a) For individuals still working until retirement age, the unit directly managing them examines, prepares files, and submits to superiors according to the organizational system in the Military, Government Cryptographic Office.

b) For individuals who have transferred out of the Military, the unit managing them before transferring responsibility confirms their work period and time holding positions in the Military, Government Cryptographic Office to serve as a basis for the agency managing them before retirement to examine and propose awards.

Article 47. Procedure for examination and proposal of service anniversary and commemorative medals

1. Individuals declare their work history, with confirmation from the head of the awarding unit.

2. The political department, political assistant, or cadres responsible for competition and commendation work (where there is no political department) verify and report to the Political Commissar, Political Instructor, or unit commander.

3. The Political Commissar, Political Instructor (Party Secretary) or unit commander examines and submits to the immediate superior.

Article 48. Procedure for examination and proposal to award certain titles and prizes

The procedure for examining and proposing to award the titles "People's Teacher", "Outstanding Teacher"; "People's Doctor", "Outstanding Doctor"; "People's Artist", "Outstanding Artist", "Ho Chi Minh Prize", "State Prize" shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of the Law on Competition and Reward and the guidance of the competent authority.

Article 49. Procedure for examination and proposal to reward mass movements based on specific themes, campaigns, interim reviews, and final summaries of tasks; rewards for achievements in sports meetings, competitions, performances, and exercises

1. Procedure for examining and rewarding mass movements based on specific themes, campaigns, interim reviews, and final summaries of tasks

a) The permanent office of the steering committee for mass movements based on specific themes, campaigns, interim reviews, and final summaries of tasks shall take the lead and coordinate with the political agency at the same level to study and advise on the drafting of reward guidance documents (guidance documents signed and issued by the political agency); implement and urge compliance.

b) The permanent office of the steering committee for mass movements based on specific themes, campaigns, projects, or interim reviews and final summaries of tasks shall compile, report to the party committee (party standing committee) for consideration and decision.

c) The Political Commissar, Political Instructor, or unit commander shall decide on rewards within their authority or propose rewards to the competent authority.

d) For national-level reward forms, the permanent office of the competition and reward council shall report to the competition and reward council at the same level for consideration; compile and report to the unit commander for review and submission to the immediate superior.

2. Procedure for examining and rewarding in competitions, sports meetings, performances, and exercises

a) The organizing committee for competitions, sports meetings, performances, and exercises shall conclude, comment, evaluate results, and assess and propose rewards.

b) The permanent office of the organizing committee for competitions, sports meetings, performances, and exercises or the political agency at the same level shall compile, verify, and report to the head of the unit or the organizing committee head (if authorized by the unit head) for consideration and decision on rewards within their authority or propose rewards to the competent authority.

Article 50. Procedure for examination and proposal to reward by mass organizations

1. Hold a meeting of members to publicize the criteria, conditions, and standards; assess and propose rewards.

2. The agency (assistant) or staff member responsible for mass work shall compile and report to the political agency or the party committee member responsible for mass work; compile and report to the party committee (party standing committee) at the same level for consideration and resolution.

3. The Political Commissar, Political Instructor, or unit commander or head of the political agency shall decide on rewards within their authority or submit to the competent authority for rewards.

Section 2

APPLICATION FOR AWARDING COMPETITION TITLES AND REWARD FORMS

Article 51. General provisions on application files

1. Implement according to Articles 84 and 85 of the Law on Competition and Reward.

2. Individuals who have retired and transferred their files to local management before December 31, 2023, shall have their examination and application file preparation conducted by local military agencies from the commune level upwards, submitted to the immediate superior according to the organizational system of units in the Military.

3. Individuals who retire or pass away after December 31, 2023, shall have their examination and application file preparation conducted by the agency or unit managing the individual before retirement or passing away.

4. For individuals who have passed away, the agency or unit directly managing them before their death shall report achievements and propose rewards.

5. The heads of subordinate units under the Ministry of National Defense and the Government Office of Security Affairs are responsible for evaluating achievements, procedures, and files to be submitted to the Minister of National Defense.

6. The files submitted to the Minister of National Defense (through the Propaganda and Training Department) include paper documents as prescribed and electronic files of the reward dossier (excluding documents containing state secrets or military secrets).

Article 52. Documents for Proposing to Award the Titles "National Model Combatant" and "Army-wide Model Combatant"

1. The titles "National Model Combatant" and "Army-wide Model Combatant" are awarded once a year. Units submit to the Minister of National Defense before March 15 each year.

2. The documents for proposing to award the titles "National Model Combatant" and "Army-wide Model Combatant" consist of one set (original copy), including:

a) A report from the head of the unit under the Ministry of National Defense or the Office of the Government Communication Service;

b) Minutes of the meeting and voting results of the competition and reward council of the unit under the Ministry of National Defense or the Office of the Government Communication Service;

c) A report on achievements of the individual, confirmed by the head of the recommending unit. In the achievement report, clearly state initiatives, scientific topics, scientific projects, science and technology works, or intelligence and creativity in combat and support for combat.

Article 53. Documents for Proposing to Award the Titles "Model Combatant at the Base Level," "Advanced Soldier," and "Advanced Worker"

1. The titles "Model Combatant at the Base Level," "Advanced Soldier," and "Advanced Worker" are awarded once a year. Units submit to the Minister of National Defense to award the titles "Model Combatant at the Base Level" and "Advanced Soldier" for commanding officers of units under the Ministry of National Defense or the Office of the Government Communication Service and general officers before December 15 each year.

2. The documents for proposing rewards consist of one set (original copy), including:

a) A report from the head of the unit;

b) Minutes of the meeting and voting results of the competition and reward council of the recommending unit;

c) A report on achievements of the individual, confirmed by the head of the recommending unit.

Article 54. Documents for Proposing to Award the Titles "Flag of Excellence from the Government" and "Flag of Excellence from the Ministry of National Defense"

1. The titles "Flag of Excellence from the Government" and "Flag of Excellence from the Ministry of National Defense" are awarded once a year. Units, groups, and clusters of units under the Ministry of National Defense or the Office of the Government Communication Service submit to the Minister of National Defense before November 1 each year.

2. The time for proposing to award the titles "Flag of Excellence from the Government" and "Flag of Excellence from the Ministry of National Defense" for collectives with outstanding achievements leading the competition movement initiated and organized by the Prime Minister or the Ministry of National Defense is determined according to the guidance of the General Political Department when summarizing and concluding the implementation.

3. The documents for proposing to award the titles "Flag of Excellence from the Government" and "Flag of Excellence from the Ministry of National Defense" consist of one set (original copy), including:

a) A report from the head of the unit under the Ministry of National Defense or the Office of the Government Communication Service or from the head of the competition group or cluster of units under the Ministry of National Defense or the Office of the Government Communication Service;

b) Minutes of the meeting and voting results of the competition and reward council of the unit under the Ministry of National Defense or the Office of the Government Communication Service or minutes of the meeting proposing rewards of the competition group or cluster of units under the Ministry of National Defense or the Office of the Government Communication Service;

c) A report on achievements of the collective, confirmed by the head of the recommending unit.

Article 55. Documents for Proposing to Award the Titles "Outstanding All-Round Strong Unit" and "Excellent Training Unit"

1. The titles "Outstanding All-Round Strong Unit" and "Excellent Training Unit" are awarded once a year. Units submit to the Minister of National Defense (through the Military Training Department) before December 15 each year.

2. The documents for proposing to award the titles "Outstanding All-Round Strong Unit" and "Excellent Training Unit" consist of one set, including:

a) A report from the head of the unit under the Ministry of National Defense or the Office of the Government Communication Service;

b) Minutes of the meeting and voting results of the competition and reward council of the unit under the Ministry of National Defense or the Office of the Government Communication Service;

c) A report on achievements, confirmed by the head of the recommending unit.

Article 56. Documents for Proposing Awards of Orders, "Prime Minister's Commendation," and "Ministry of National Defense's Commendation"

1. The time to propose awards of Orders and "Ministry of National Defense's Commendation" shall be three times a year. Units shall submit to the Minister of National Defense before March 15, July 15, and December 30 each year.

2. The documents for proposing awards of Orders and "Ministry of National Defense's Commendation" shall consist of one set (original), including:

a) A proposal from the head of the unit under the Ministry of National Defense or the Government Official Communication Service Board, accompanied by a list of proposed awardees (the list shall be prepared separately according to each form and level of award);

b) Minutes of the commendation review meeting of the competition and commendation council of the unit under the Ministry of National Defense or the Government Official Communication Service Board;

c) Reports on achievements of individuals and groups, confirmed by the head of the recommending unit;

d) Opinions of the Standing Committee of the Party Committee under the Central Military Commission, the Standing Committee of the Party Committee of the Hanoi Capital Command (for "Gold Star Order," "Ho Chi Minh Order," "Independence Order," "Military Merit Order"; commanding officers of units under the Ministry of National Defense or the Government Official Communication Service Board, and officers of general rank).

Article 57. Documents for Proposing Awards of "Order of Military Flag Victory," "War Hero Medal"; Commemorative Medals

1. The time to propose awards of "Order of Military Flag Victory" and "War Hero Medal" shall be three times a year. Units shall submit to the Minister of National Defense before March 15, July 15, and November 15 each year.

2. The time to propose awards of commemorative medals shall be carried out in accordance with guidelines issued by the General Political Department or by the competent authority.

3. The documents for proposing awards of medals and commemorative medals shall consist of one set (original), including:

a) A report from the head of the unit under the Ministry of National Defense or the Office of the Government Communication Service;

b) A brief list of individuals proposed for medal and commemorative medal awards (the list shall be prepared separately according to each form and level);

c) A summary of achievements proposed for commendation, confirmed by the head of the recommending unit.

Article 58. Documents for Proposing Awards for Long-Term Contributions

1. The time to propose awards for long-term contributions shall be three times a year. Units shall submit to the Minister of National Defense before March 15, July 15, and November 15 each year. For commanding officers of units under the Ministry of National Defense or the Government Official Communication Service Board, and officers of general rank, this shall be carried out according to the notification of the relevant agency.

2. The documents for proposing awards for long-term contributions shall consist of one set (original), including:

a) A proposal from the head of the unit under the Ministry of National Defense or the Government Official Communication Service Board, accompanied by a brief list summarizing the work history of the individual proposed for commendation;

b) A summary report on the achievements of the individual, confirmed by the head of the recommending unit;

c) Opinions of the Standing Committee of the Party Committee under the Central Military Commission, the Standing Committee of the Party Committee of the Hanoi Capital Command (for "Gold Star Order," "Ho Chi Minh Order," "Independence Order," "Military Merit Order"; commanding officers of units under the Ministry of National Defense or the Government Official Communication Service Board, and officers of general rank).

Article 59. Documents for Proposing to Bestow and Posthumously Bestow the Titles of "People's Armed Forces Hero" and "Labor Hero"

1. The time for proposing to bestow and posthumously bestow the titles of "People's Armed Forces Hero" and "Labor Hero" shall be twice a year. Units shall submit to the Minister of National Defense before April 15th and September 15th each year.

2. The documents for proposing to bestow and posthumously bestow the titles of "People's Armed Forces Hero" and "Labor Hero" shall consist of one set (original), including:

a) A report from the head of the unit under the Ministry of National Defense or the Office of the Government Communication Service;

b) Minutes of meetings and results of secret ballots of the competition and reward council of subordinate units under the Ministry of National Defense and the Government Office Security Board;

c) Reports on achievements of individuals and groups, confirmed by the head of the recommending unit;

d) Opinions of the standing committees of party committees directly under the Central Military Commission and the Standing Committee of the Party Committee of the Hanoi Capital Command.

Article 60. Documents for Proposing to Award Certain Titles and Prizes

The time and documents for proposing to award the titles of "National Teacher," "Outstanding Teacher;" "People's Doctor," "Outstanding Doctor;" "People's Artist," "Outstanding Artist" and the prizes of "Ho Chi Minh Prize" and "State Prize" shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of the law on competition and reward and the guidance of the competent authority.

Article 61. Documents for Proposing to Reward through Simplified Procedures

1. Cases of commendation examination through simplified procedures shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of Article 85 of the Law on Competition and Commendation.

2. The documents for proposing rewards consist of one set (original copy), including:

a) A report from the head of the unit under the Ministry of National Defense or the Office of the Government Communication Service;

b) A summary report of achievements of individuals and groups, confirmed by the head of the unit proposing the reward.

Article 62. Documents for Proposing to Reward Foreign Individuals and Organizations

1. The establishment of documents for proposing to reward foreign individuals and groups shall be carried out by the unit proposing the reward.

2. The documents for proposing rewards consist of one set (original copy), including:

a) A report from the head of the unit under the Ministry of National Defense or the Office of the Government Communication Service;

b) A summary report of achievements of foreign individuals and groups (to be implemented by the unit proposing the reward);

c) A document confirming the fulfillment of obligations towards the Socialist Republic of Vietnam according to the law by the competent authority (if applicable).

Section 3

ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE RESULTS OF REVIEW AND REWARD

STORAGE OF REWARD DOCUMENTS

Article 63. Announcement of the Results of Review and Reward

1. In cases where the conditions, standards, and documents do not meet the prescribed requirements, within fifteen working days from the date of receiving all the documents for proposing rewards, the Department of Propaganda and Training shall notify in writing to the unit proposing the reward.

2. After receiving the decision and reward items from the competent authority, within ten working days, the Department of Propaganda and Training shall make copies of the decision and send them to the unit proposing the reward.

3. After receiving the reward decision from the competent authority, within ten working days, the unit proposing the reward shall notify the individual or group being rewarded.

Article 64. Storage of Reward Documents

1. Agencies and units shall store reward documents of individuals and groups under their management according to the provisions of the law.

2. The agency responsible for competition and reward work shall apply information technology and modernize the management of competition and reward work; develop software for managing reward data to serve tracking, summarizing, researching, searching, verifying information, and handling complaints and appeals.

Chapter VI

COMPETITION AND REWARD COUNCILS, COMPETITION AND REWARD GROUPS; BLOCKS, GROUPS OF COMPETITION

Section 1

 COMPETITION AND REWARD COUNCILS, COMPETITION AND REWARD GROUPS

Article 65. Competition and Reward Council of the Ministry of National Defense

1. The Competition and Reward Council of the Ministry of National Defense is the advisory body to the Central Military Commission and the Ministry of National Defense on competition and reward work in the military.

2. The Minister of National Defense decides to establish the Competition and Reward Council of the Ministry of National Defense.

Article 66. Competition and Reward Councils of Agencies and Units

1. Organization

a) Competition and Reward Councils shall be established from units at the regiment level, brigade level, and equivalent to units directly under the Ministry of National Defense and the Government Office for Official Communications.

b) Competition and Reward Teams shall be established at units at the company level, battalion level, and equivalent; departments, faculties, and equivalent organizations that have a grassroots party organization or have more than 30 personnel.

c) The Competition and Reward Councils and Teams of agencies and units shall be decided to establish by the heads of agencies and units.

2. Functions

Provide advisory services to the party committees, political commissars, political officers, and commanders at the same level regarding the competition and reward work of the unit.

3. Duties and Authorities

a) Propose to the party committees, political commissars, political officers, and commanders at the same level on the direction, objectives, contents, targets, measures to implement the competition and reward work of the unit.

b) Urge, inspect, and supervise the implementation of the Party's viewpoints, policies, State laws, resolutions, and directives from superiors and their own levels concerning the competition and reward work of the unit.

c) Regularly evaluate the results of the competition and reward work; provide advisory services for mid-term and final reviews of the competition and reward work of the unit.

d) Provide advisory services and consult with the party committees, political commissars, political officers, and commanders at the same level to consider and decide on awarding commendations and rewards according to their authority or submit to higher authorities for rewards.

4. Composition

a) Chairman of the council, head of the competition and reward team: Political Commissar, Political Officer, or Secretary of the Party Committee, Branch. For the Government Office for Official Communications, the Chairman of the Council shall be undertaken by the Director.

b) Vice-Chairman of the council: Deputy Political Commissar, Deputy Political Officer. For the Government Office for Official Communications, the Deputy Chairman of the Council shall be undertaken by a Deputy Director.

c) Vice-Chairman of the council, deputy head of the competition and reward team: Heads of the level (Commander, Division Commander, Brigade Commander, Regiment Commander, Battalion Commander, Company Commander, and equivalent).

d) In the General Staff and the Political Bureau, the Vice-Chairman of the Council shall be undertaken by the Chief of the Political Department. For the Government Office for Official Communications, the Vice-Chairman of the Council shall be undertaken by the Chief of the Political and Organizational Department.

đ) Standing member of the council shall be undertaken by the Head of the Political Department.

e) In the General Staff and the Political Bureau, the standing member of the Council shall be undertaken by the Deputy Chief of the Political Department. For the Government Office for Official Communications, the standing member of the Council shall be undertaken by the Deputy Chief of the Political and Organizational Department.

g) Other members shall be decided by the head of the agency or unit.

5. Number

a) The Competition and Reward Council of units at the regiment level, brigade level, and equivalent shall not exceed 15 members; units at the division level and equivalent shall not exceed 17 members; units directly under the Ministry of National Defense and the Government Office for Official Communications shall not exceed 21 members.

b) The Competition and Reward Team of units at the company level, department, faculty, and equivalent shall not exceed 05 members; units at the battalion level and equivalent shall not exceed 07 members.

6. Inspection System

a) The Competition and Reward Councils of units directly under the Ministry of National Defense and the Government Office for Official Communications shall inspect the competition and reward work of subordinate units twice a year.

b) The Competition and Reward Councils at the division level and equivalent shall inspect and score the competition and reward work of subordinate units once every quarter.

c) The Competition and Reward Councils at the regiment level, brigade level, and equivalent shall inspect and score the competition and reward work of subordinate units once a month.

d) The Competition and Reward Teams at the battalion level, department, faculty, and equivalent shall inspect and score the competition work of subordinate units once a week.

đ) The Competition and Reward Teams at the company level and equivalent shall inspect and score the competition work daily.

e) For units at the brigade level, regiment level, battalion level, company level, and equivalent that are stationed separately and perform special tasks, based on the characteristics and conditions of the unit, the head of the unit directly under the Ministry of National Defense shall stipulate the inspection system accordingly.

g) In addition to regular inspections, based on requirements and tasks, the Competition and Reward Councils and Teams may conduct surprise inspections.

7. Meeting System

a) The Competition and Reward Councils of units directly under the Ministry of National Defense and the Government Office for Official Communications shall meet twice a year.

b) The Competition and Reward Councils at the division level and equivalent shall meet once every quarter.

c) The Competition and Reward Councils at the regiment level, brigade level, and equivalent shall meet once a month.

d) The Competition and Reward Teams at the battalion level, department, faculty, and equivalent shall meet once a week; the Competition and Reward Teams at the company level shall convene daily.

đ) In addition to regular meetings, the Competition and Reward Councils and Teams shall convene extraordinary meetings when necessary.

e) The time, content, and materials for council meetings shall be notified and sent to council members at least three days in advance.

8. For permanent framework units, based on functions, tasks, and practical situations, the head of the unit directly under the Ministry of National Defense shall stipulate the composition and number of Competition and Reward Councils and Teams.

9. Competition and Reward Councils at all levels shall issue regulations on the organization and operation of their own Competition and Reward Councils and Teams.

Article 67. Standing Office of the Competition and Reward Council at all levels

1. Duties and powers

a) Drafting the work program and activity plan of the council for approval by the Chairman of the Council.

b) Preparing the agenda and organizational work for council meetings.

c) Summarizing and drafting reports on the results of competition and reward activities, determining directions and contents of competition and reward activities; results of specialized and phased competition movements implemented within the unit.

d) Advising the council to examine and propose rewards for commendation titles and forms of reward.

đ) Implementing the conclusions of the Chairman of the Council; handling council affairs on a regular basis.

e) Performing other tasks assigned by the Chairman or Vice-Chairman of the Competition and Reward Council.

2. Composition

a) The Standing Office of the Competition and Reward Council of the Ministry of National Defense shall be decided by the Minister of National Defense.

b) The Standing Office of the competition and reward council from regiment level and equivalent units to those under the Ministry of National Defense shall be the political office at the same level. The Political Department Director serves as the head of the Standing Office of the council.

c) For the Government Cryptographic Agency, the Standing Office of the Competition and Reward Council is the Political and Organizational Bureau. The Director of the Political and Organizational Bureau serves as the deputy head of the Standing Office of the council.

3. Meeting System

a) The Standing Office of the council shall convene a meeting prior to each session of the council.

b) In addition to regular sessions, the Standing Office of the council may convene extraordinary meetings when necessary.

Article 68. Secretariat, Secretary of the Competition and Reward Council, and Competition and Reward Teams at all levels

1. Duties and powers

a) Assisting the Standing Office of the council and the council in drafting programs and plans of activities of the council; summarizing and drafting reports on the results of competition and reward activities, determining directions and contents of competition and reward activities; results of specialized and phased competition movements implemented within the unit.

b) Preparing the agenda and materials, organizing the Standing Office of the council's meetings.

c) Compiling opinions of council members; drafting council resolution documents.

d) Performing other tasks assigned by the Chairman or Vice-Chairman of the Competition and Reward Council.

2. Composition

a) The Secretariat and Secretary of the Competition and Reward Council of the Ministry of National Defense shall be decided by the Minister of National Defense.

b) The secretariat, secretary of the competition and reward council, and secretary of the competition and reward team at various levels shall be decided by the unit head.

3. Meeting System

a) The Secretariat of the council shall convene a meeting before the Standing Office of the council convenes a meeting.

b) In addition to regular sessions, the Secretariat may convene extraordinary meetings when necessary.

Section 2

 BLOCKS AND GROUPS OF COMPETITION

Article 69. Organization of Blocks and Groups of Competition

1. Based on organizational structure, staffing, functions, duties, and location to organize blocks and groups of competition appropriately. Blocks and groups of competition are organized from regiment-level units and equivalent units to units under the Ministry of National Defense and the Government Cryptographic Agency.

2. The Minister of National Defense decides to establish blocks and groups of competition for units under the Ministry of National Defense and the Government Cryptographic Agency.

3. The heads of units under the Ministry of National Defense and the Government Cryptographic Agency, the heads of division, brigade, regiment-level units and equivalent units decide to establish and issue operational regulations for their own blocks and groups of competition.

Article 70. Tasks of the competition blocs and clusters

1. Develop plans for organizing competition activities.

2. Determine the content, targets, and methods of competition; launch and sign competition agreements.

3. Inspect the results of implementing the competition movement within the blocs and clusters; classify units within the blocs and clusters.

4. Mid-year and annual reviews of the competition movement; propose directions and tasks for organizing the competition movement of the blocs and clusters; exchange experiences, build exemplary models of competition to promote and disseminate widely.

5. Organize the selection and promotion of outstanding and exemplary collectives within the blocs and clusters to recommend for awarding commendation titles in the annual and phase reviews of the competition movement.

Chapter VII

IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS

Article 71. Effective Date

1. This Circular takes effect from January 1, 2024, and replaces Circular No. 151/2018/TT-BQP dated October 12, 2018, issued by the Minister of National Defense detailing and guiding competition and reward activities in the Vietnam People's Army.

2. In cases where the legal normative documents cited in this Circular are amended, supplemented, or replaced, the new documents shall apply.

Article 72. Responsibilities for Implementation

1. The Political General Department implements this Circular; takes the lead and coordinates with relevant agencies to inspect the implementation of competition and reward work in the military, including the Government Cryptographic Office.

2. Heads of agencies, units, organizations, and individuals related shall be responsible for implementing this Circular.

3. In case of difficulties during implementation, agencies and units shall promptly report to the Ministry of National Defense (through the Political General Department) for consideration and resolution./.