Decree No. 71 on the establishment of national army rules

 

DECREE

Regarding the extract of Decree No. 71 dated May 22, 1946 establishing the rules of the National Army

PRESIDENT OF THE VIETNAM DEMOCRATIC REPUBLICIC GOVERNMENT

- Pursuant to Decree No. 33 dated March 22, 1946 organizing the National Army of Vietnam;

- Pursuant to the request of the Minister of Defense;

- Considering the need to reform the National Army and clearly define its organizational rules;

- After the Council of Ministers reached an agreement;

 

ISSUES THE DECREE:

Article 1: The army of the State of Vietnam is a National Army.

Article 2: The National Army, regarding the Infantry, shall be reorganized according to the rules set forth in this Decree.

Article 3: The Minister of Defense shall implement this Decree.

 

REGULATIONS

NATIONAL ARMY OF VIETNAM

(Decree No. 71 dated May 22, 1946)

 

PART ONE - ORGANIZATION

CHAPTER ONE - STAFFING

Article 1: Principles

Staffing of military units is based on various conditions, including the mobilization of units, the number of weapons and their control methods, equipment, and transportation means at each location, etc...

Military staffing will gradually be organized according to the above conditions into the following units:

Article 2: Platoon: 12 people

- Platoon leader 1

- Platoon deputy 1

- Machine gunner 1

- Ammunition loader 1

- Ammunition carrier 3

- Assault team 4

- Grenade launcher 1

-------

12

If there is a shortage of machine guns, rifles will be used instead.

Article 3: Company: 42 people

- 3 combat platoons: 12 x 3 = 36

- Company commander 1

- Company deputy 1

- Political commissar 1

- Observer 1

- Communication officer 1

- Ammunition carrier 1

---------

42

Article 4: - Battalion: 178 people plus support units

1/- 3 combat companies: 42 x 3 = 126

2/- One battalion staff (52 people) consisting of:

a) Command section

Battalion commander 1

Battalion deputy 1

Political commissar 1

Administrative chief 1

b) Administrative section

1/- Information sub-section

Secretary 1

Clerk 3

Communicator 2

Signalman (horn) 3

2/ Management sub-section

Rations manager 1

Equipment and weapon manager 1

Storekeeper 6

Barber 1

Shoemaker 2

Mechanic 1

Cook 8

Horse handler (10 horses, 8 carts) 10

Stable master 1

c) Medical section

Nurse 1

First aid personnel 5

Ambulance workers (laborers) 2

-------

52

---------

178

Article 5: - Regiment: 676 people plus support units

1/- 3 battalions: 178 x 3 = 534

2/- One regiment staff (100 people) consisting of:

a) Command section:

Regiment commander 1

Regiment deputy 1

Political commissar 1

b) Administrative section

Administrative chief 1

1/ Observation and communication sub-section:

Section chief 1

Telephone team 7

Radio team 4

Signal team:

horn 3

flare gun 2

flag bearer 8

Map observer 4

Reconnaissance platoon 12

2/ Office

Secretary 1

Clerk 2

Communicator 2

3/ Management sub-section

Rations manager 1

Equipment and weapon manager 1

Storekeeper 6

Cook 6

Paper and leather worker 2

Blacksmith and horseshoe maker 3

Horse handler (12 horses, 8 carts) 12

Stable master 1

Driver (3 vehicles) 6

Vehicle supervisor 1

c) Medical section

Medical officer 1

Nurse 2

First aid personnel 4

Ambulance workers (laborers) 4

----------

100

3/ One engineering company 42

------

676

Article 6:

Brigade: 2,289 people plus support units

1/ 3 regiments: 676 x 3 = 2,028

2/ One brigade staff (219 people) consisting of:

a) Command section:

Brigade commander 1

Brigade deputy 1

Political commissar 1

b) Administrative section:

Administrative chief 1

1/ Information and intelligence sub-section

Intelligence section chief 1

Deputy 1

Telephone operator 22

Radio operator 19

Messenger (one motorcycle) 4

Map observer 4

2/ Office

Secretary 1

Clerk 6

Communicator 3

Staff working for the Project on a part-time basis will be compensated according to current regulations, while staff working under labor contracts will be paid from the Project's operational budget. The Director of the Project Management Board decides on the allocation and specific duties of staff grouped into teams.Signalman 3

3/ Management sub-section

Rations manager 20

Equipment manager (with a small workshop) 20

Weapon manager (with a small workshop) 10

4/ Transportation sub-section

Horse handler (12 horses, 10 carts) 12

Stable master 1

Driver (8 vehicles) 16

Vehicle supervisor 1

Mechanic 6

5/ Music sub-section

1 music company 42

(serves as ambulance workers during battle)

c) Medical section

Medical officer 1

Clerk 1

Communicator 2

Nurse 2

Pharmacist 1

First aid and Red Cross workers 10

Ambulance workers (laborers) 4

Veterinary doctor 1

Veterinary nurse 1

----------

219

3/- One engineering company 42

--------

2.289

Article 7:

Division: 7,115 people plus support units

1/ 3 brigades: 2,289 x 3 = 6,867

2/ One division staff 70

3/ One guard battalion 178

------

7.115

The division staff consists of:

1. Command section

Division commander 1

Division deputy 1

Political commissar 1

Secretary and interpreter 1

Clerk 1

Communicator 1

2. Office

Chief clerk 1

Clerk 3

Communicator 1

3. Operations section

Operations chief 1

Clerk 1

Communicator 1

Combat planning team (maps and plans) 4

Intelligence team 5

Communications team 3

Training team 3

Personnel team 3

Legal affairs team 2

4. Political section

Section chief 1

Clerk and assistant 6

5. Supply section

Section chief 1

Rations manager 2

Equipment manager 2

Weapon manager 2

6. Transportation section

Section chief 1

Assistant 1

Clerk 1

Communicator 1

Ministry of Transport

(drivers and mechanics) 10

7. Engineering section

Section chief 1

Clerk 1

Communicator 1

Assistant (laborers) 2

8. Medical section

Section chief (Medical officer) 1

Clerk 1

Communicator 1

------

70

Article 8: Divisions, Brigades, Corps

Depending on terrain and military equipment plans, each division consists of two or three regiments and other forces such as artillery, tanks, air force, etc. Each brigade consists of two or three divisions and each corps consists of two or three brigades.

Article 9: Specialized units and combat support units.

Units such as machine guns, mortars, cannons, telephones, radio, tanks, etc., will be combined with other units for combat according to local needs.

They will be under the command of the unit's commander to which they are attached, except in special cases with separate instructions.

Article 10: Heavy Machine Gun Squad (2 guns)

- Platoon leader 1

- Platoon deputy 1

- Observer 1

- Communication officer 1

- Gun Commander 2

- Gunner 2

- Loader 2

- Ammunition Carrier 4

- Gun Repairer 1

- Horse Handler (11 horses: 2 carry guns, 6 carry ammunition, 3 carry spare parts and materials) 11

- Horse Supervisor 1

-------

27

Article 11: 60mm Mortar Squad (1 gun)

- Platoon leader 1

- Platoon deputy 1

- Gunner 1

- Ammunition loader 1

- Ammunition Carrier 2

- Horse Handler (6 horses carry mortar and ammunition and materials) 6

- Horse Supervisor 1

-------

13

Article 12: 81mm Mortar Squad (1 gun)

- Platoon leader 1

- Platoon deputy 1

- Gunner 1

- Ammunition loader 1

- Ammunition Carrier 2

- Horse Handler (10 horses carry mortar and ammunition and materials) 10

- Horse Supervisor 1

- Observer 1

- Communication officer 1

------

19

Article 13: 25mm Cannon Squad (1 gun)

- Platoon leader 1

- Platoon deputy 1

- Gunner 1

- Ammunition loader 1

- Ammunition Carrier 4

- Horse Handler (2 horses pull the cannon, 1 pulls the ammunition cart, 1 carries materials) 4

- Horse Supervisor 1

------

13

Article 14: 37mm Cannon Squad (1 gun)

- Platoon leader 1

- Platoon deputy 1

- Gunner 1

- Ammunition loader 1

- Ammunition Carrier 4

- Horse Handler (1 horse pulls the cannon, 1 pulls the ammunition cart, 1 carries materials, 1 reserve) 4

- Horse Supervisor 1

------

13

Article 15: 75mm Cannon Platoon (1 gun)

- Company commander 1

- Company deputy 1

- Political commissar 1

- Gunner 1

- Gunner 1

- Ammunition loader 1

- Ammunition carrier 3

- Assistant 1

- Mule or Horse Handler (if mules are available, the gun can be disassembled and carried on their backs; if only horses are available, the gun must be pulled by 2 or 3 horses) 12

- Corporal Horse Supervisor 1

- Reserve 4

- One Guard Squad 12

------

39

Article 16: 105mm Cannon Platoon (1 gun)

- Company commander 1

- Company deputy 1

- Political commissar 1

- Gunner 1

- Gunner 1

- Ammunition loader 1

- Ammunition carrier 3

- Assistant 2

- Mule or Horse Handler (if mules are available, the gun can be disassembled and carried on their backs; if only horses are available, the gun must be pulled by 2 or 3 horses) 14

- Corporal Horse Supervisor 1

- Reserve 4

- One Guard Squad 12

-----

42

Article 17: Mechanized Reconnaissance Platoon

- Platoon Leader 1 1 cargo motorcycle

- Scout 1

- Communicator 2 2 single motorcycles

- Reinforcement (carry shovels, picks, materials) ... 1 1 cargo motorcycle

First Squad:

Squad Leader 1 1 single motorcycle

Scout 6 3 cargo motorcycles

(2 vehicles have light machine guns Squad Deputy Leader 1 heavy machine gun)

Scout 1 1 cargo motorcycle

Second Squad:

Squad Leader 1 1 single motorcycle

Scout 6 3 cargo motorcycles

(2 vehicles have light machine guns Squad Deputy Leader 1 heavy machine gun)

Scout 1 1 cargo motorcycle

---------------------

23 people 4 single motorcycles 10 cargo motorcycles

Article 18:

If the above combat support units are present, they will be attached to the troops as follows:

- Battalion: 1 60mm Mortar Squad (Article 11) and

1 Heavy Machine Gun Squad (Article 10)

- Regiment: 1 81mm Mortar Squad (Article 12)

1 25mm Cannon Squad (Article 13)

or 37mm Cannon Squad (Article 14)

and 1 Heavy Machine Gun Squad (Article 10)

- Brigade: 1 Heavy Machine Gun Squad (Article 10)

2 81mm Mortar Squads (Article 12)

3 25mm or 37mm Cannon Squads

(Article 13 or 14)

1 Cannon Platoon

 

CHAPTER TWO

RECRUITMENT

Article 19: Voluntary enlistment ceremony

All current or future recruits must voluntarily enlist for a period of 3 years.

(For those currently serving, this period starts from the date (?????) they joined the military). After that period, they may voluntarily re-enlist annually up to age 40 when they retire.

At age 40, if they have reached the rank of Captain, they may remain until (??) years old.

At age 50, if they have reached the rank of General, they may remain until (??) years old, which is the maximum limit.

Article 20: Recruitment Conditions

Age: from 18 to 30. Those currently serving or were previously soldiers shall have an age limit up to 40.

Health: must be examined and accepted by a military doctor.

Cultural level: must know how to read and write the national script.

Military personnel at the rank of soldier or non-commissioned officer currently serving are exempt from cultural requirements but must undergo a health examination again and obtain a good conduct certification from the battalion commander.

Each time re-enlisting, a health examination must be conducted again, and the superior commanding officer must assess conduct and service; if not qualified, re-enlistment will not be allowed.

Article 21: Rank upon Re-enlistment

Personnel who re-enlist retain their previous rank regardless of the period they were discharged, then re-enlisted.

Personnel who previously served in the French Army or outside (?), if now enlisting in the National Army, will be assessed according to their ability and assigned a rank accordingly.

Article 22: Military Register

A military register is placed in each provincial capital, which will coordinate with administrative departments to arrange recruitment matters and store identity and military records.

Currently, this register is managed by the military command authority in each province. All documents and registers will be issued by the Ministry of Defense.

Article 23: Registers and Cards

Each military personnel's name is recorded in the main register of the military register in their provincial military headquarters, and they also have a personal record kept in the unit, a small booklet for discharge purposes, a personal identification card, and a wrist card for combat.

Details will be determined by the Minister of Defense's decree.

CHAPTER THREE

RANKS - PROMOTIONS AND TRANSFERS

Article 24: Rank

The ranks, uniforms, and allowances are established in Decree No. 33 dated March 22, 1946. Now, the following principles are added:

Article 25: Political Commissar Rank

Political commissars follow the same ranks as military commanders, but in a unit, no political commissar can hold a higher rank than the military commander.

Article 26: Medical Staff Ranks

Medical staff ranks are as follows:

1- Ambulance workers: from private to master sergeant

2- Nurses, pharmacists, veterinary nurses: from staff sergeant to lieutenant

3- Red Cross workers: from private to lieutenant

4- Physicians: from captain to lieutenant general

5- Pharmacists and veterinary physicians: from captain to major general.

Article 27: Ranks of Military Personnel in Specialized Fields and Liaison Officers

Military personnel in specialized fields such as radio communications, music, armory, and machine workshops have ranks within the military and may reach the rank of major general.

Engineers have ranks from captain to lieutenant general, like physicians.

Liaison officers with foreign armies also have ranks within the military, but these ranks only have validity during the liaison mission.

Article 28: Determination of Ranks

(Already established in Article 3 of Decree No. 33 dated March 22, 1946)

For the medical field, the following rules apply:

1- Ambulance workers, nurses, pharmacists, veterinary nurses, Red Cross workers, at the rank of soldier and non-commissioned officer, will be decided by the chief medical officers of the division; at the rank of officer, it will be decided by the Minister of Defense.

2- Physicians, pharmacists, and veterinary physicians, at the rank of officer and colonel, will be decided by the Minister of Defense; at the rank of general, it will be decided by the Prime Minister's decree.

Article 29: Right to Nominate

Promotion nominations follow the order from direct commanding officers to those with decision-making authority.

Article 30: Conditions and Capacity

Each time a promotion is considered, capacity and character must be examined. For promotion from the rank of sỹ to the rank of uý, an examination according to a special program determined by the Minister of Defense shall be conducted.

Article 31: Conditions and Time Limits

Generally, the minimum periods required for each promotion are as follows:

- Promotion to the rank of hạ sĩ requires six months at the rank of binh

trung sĩ requires one year at the rank of hạ sĩ

chuẩn uý requires one year at the rank of thượng sĩ

thiếu uý requires six months at the rank of chuẩn uý

trung uý requires two years at the rank of thiếu uý

đại uý requires two years at the rank of trung uý

thiếu tá requires two years at the rank of đại uý

trung tá requires two years at the rank of thiếu tá

đại tá requires two years at the rank of trung tá

thiếu tướng requires three years at the rank of đại tá

trung tướng requires three years at the rank of thiếu tướng

đại tướng requires three years at the rank of trung tướng

However, in exceptional cases or for those with meritorious service, these rules may not apply.

Nevertheless, the longest period allowed for promotion is six years.

Promotion to the rank of binh nhất is based on loyalty in work and military capability.

Promotion to the rank of binh nhất does not require a specific time limit.

The rank of binh nhất is not a command rank.

Article 32: Periods for Promotion Review

Except in special cases, there are two review periods each year for promotion. Upon promotion, it will be counted as effective from January 1st or July 1st of the Gregorian calendar.

One month before each review period, all application papers for promotion must be submitted to the commanding officer with authority to decide.

Article 33: Transfer

The transfer of military personnel from one unit to another must be decided by the commanding officers of both units.

SECTION TWO

MILITARY ETIQUETTE AND DISCIPLINE

CHAPTER ONE

DISCIPLINE

Article 34: Principles of Discipline

Discipline is the essential strength of the military. Its purpose is to maintain unity not only among military personnel but also between the military and the people, thereby enhancing the fighting spirit of the Vietnamese national community.

Military discipline must be iron discipline, meaning strict and resolute regulations that are compulsory. Such discipline must be self-discipline, meaning everyone must understand and recognize the necessity of disciplinary regulations and enforce them thoroughly on their own.

Article 35: Obedience to Orders

Whenever an order is given by a superior for a public matter or common benefit, regardless of location, subordinates must obey without hesitation, criticism, or complaint. Superiors are responsible for their orders. Subordinates wishing to appeal or criticize must wait until a later time for discussion.

Article 36: Command Authority

Unless specifically assigned otherwise, if the primary commander is absent, incapacitated, or unable to command for any reason, command authority falls to the highest-ranking person present; if multiple individuals are of equal rank, command authority goes to the one who attained that rank first.

If two individuals attained the same rank on the same day, command authority goes to the one with longer service.

In the absence of any commanding officer, the team member who is most capable or specially designated shall assume command authority.

When multiple units cooperate to perform a joint mission, command authority belongs to the highest-ranking individual, or if they are of equal rank, the one with the longest service tenure according to the above rule.

Article 37: Political Commissar's Commanding Authority

The political commissar at each unit is responsible for assisting the commander of that unit in all matters but does not directly command and is not held accountable for military affairs; however, regarding matters with a political nature, the commanding authority must consult with the political commissar.

In terms of material, cultural, and political discipline, the political commissar has the duty to explain to the troops and the people to implement orders from various levels of command, enhance the morale of the troops, and foster unity between the troops and the citizens.

If the squad leader is absent, then the deputy takes over, and the political commissar assists the deputy squad leader in carrying out the resolved tasks. If both the leader and deputy are absent, the political commissar may temporarily appoint someone to take command, or if necessary, take command themselves, but according to the principle that whoever commands bears responsibility.

Article 38: Professional Department Authorities

Those in charge of professional departments (telecommunications, medical services, workshops, etc.) are fully responsible for their own professional work, the management of personnel under their jurisdiction, and the use of equipment and materials.

Military commanders do not interfere with the authority of professional staff attached to their units, but if they find that such professional staff are negligent and harmful to common interests, the military commander has the right to criticize, report upwards (to both military and professional superiors) for supervision and punishment; if necessary, the military commander can halt operations and immediately report to higher authorities for adjudication.

Regarding military discipline, professional staff attached to any unit fall under the control of that unit's military commander. When a professional staff member violates rules, disciplinary action is always decided jointly by the military commander and the superior in the relevant professional field.

Violations of professional discipline are handled by the professional commander.

Matters related to professional work, orders from professional commanders at various levels, or reports from lower levels will be transmitted vertically within the system, but always with notification to the military commander.

While working, if the professional department requires assistance, the troops should provide it fully.

Article 39: Discussion on Work and Discipline

Commanders at all levels must regularly convene meetings to discuss work and discipline as needed.

During discussions, everyone has the freedom to express their opinions.

Article 40: Addressing

All ranks of military personnel consider each other as brothers.

While performing official duties, no one uses the terms "you" or "I," even when peers. Lower-ranking military personnel address superiors as "sir" or "brother" depending on the situation. Higher-ranking military personnel address subordinates as "brother."

When reporting to their commander, military personnel use titles such as "Squad Leader," "Brigade Commander," etc.

Military personnel refer to themselves as "I."

Article 41: Showing Respect

To demonstrate general discipline, military personnel must show respect to superiors in speech and conduct, regardless of place or time.

For equivalent ranks in foreign militaries, Vietnamese military personnel must also show respect.

CHAPTER TWO

REWARDS AND PENALTIES

Article 42: Forms of Reward

The following forms of reward: granting leave, issuing commendation certificates, promotion, public recognition, awarding medals.

Article 43: Leave

Types of leave include:

1- Night leave

2- Day leave

3- Special leave from 3 to 7 days

4- Annual leave: 15 days

5- Extended leave: one month

Leave shall never be considered as a proprietary right. In case of necessity for service, leave shall not be granted even if it has been approved. Moreover, the total number of personnel on leave and those who are unfit for combat shall never exceed one-third of the total number of military personnel in the camp.

During leave, if a soldier is punished, such punishment must be carried out immediately at the camp where the leave is taken.

Article 44: Commendation Certificate

Soldiers who have performed special merits shall be awarded commendation certificates. Commanders at the level of regimental commander and above have the authority to issue commendation certificates. Such certificates shall be recorded in the soldier's file and announced within the regiment.

If the commendation certificate is issued by a divisional commander, corps commander, etc., it shall be announced within the division, corps, etc.

Article 45: Public Recognition of Merits (regulated by a separate decree)

Article 46: Medals

There are three classes of medals:

1- "First-Class Military Merit Medal" to reward or posthumously award individuals with outstanding military achievements or who died heroically.

2- "Second-Class Military Merit Medal" to reward or posthumously award individuals who fought bravely, achieved significant accomplishments, were wounded, or died heroically.

3- "Third-Class Military Merit Medal" to reward individuals who courageously fulfilled their duties, benefited their own military, or caused harm to the enemy.

The First-Class Military Merit Medal is awarded by the President of the Government, while the Second-Class and Third-Class Military Merit Medals are awarded by the Minister of National Defense.

Article 47: Power to Punish

Superiors, regardless of location or unit, have the duty to warn or punish subordinates for errors in order to maintain discipline.

Article 48: Recording and Announcing Punishments

Whenever a soldier is punished, the punishment must be immediately announced to the offender. The punishment is carried out immediately and reported to superiors for review and possible adjustment or cancellation, and announced within the unit. However, if there is any injustice, the offender may appeal after the punishment begins.

If the punishment cannot be reduced, the superior who imposed the punishment must submit the appeal to higher authorities.

If punished under Articles 51(6), 51(7), and 51(8) regarding serious crimes, the punishment will be recorded in the soldier's file.

Article 49: Minor Offenses

The following offenses and similar offenses are classified as minor offenses:

a/ Wearing military uniform untidily;

b/ Being late for assembly, roll call, or leave;

c/ Negligence in maintaining weapons and uniforms;

d/ Losing personal items provided by the military;

e/ Delaying work, being lazy, negligent, or hesitant when performing duties;

f/ Wearing insignia of a higher rank (which may be classified as a more serious offense depending on the circumstances);

g/ Violating regulations or committing minor offenses;

h/ Deceiving to avoid responsibility or blame;

i/ Accidentally disclosing confidential information in official matters (which may be classified as a more serious offense depending on the circumstances);

j/ Being weak towards subordinates, being brutal, using vulgar language, or acting unfairly;

k/ Diminishing the honor and dignity of the military (indecent behavior, drunkenness, drug use, gambling, prostitution, actions contrary to moral standards, etc.);

l/ Insulting superiors.

Article 50: Serious Offenses

The following offenses and similar ones are considered serious offenses:

a/ Due to negligence in official duties causing damage to civilians or military personnel;

b/ Losing firearms entrusted (which may be classified as ordinary offenses depending on the circumstances), or selling uniforms and firearms;

c/ Theft, fraud, gambling, opium smoking;

d/ Forging documents;

e/ Refusing orders, assaulting superiors;

f/ Desertion, surrendering to the enemy;

h/ Retreat before the enemy without justifiable cause;

i/ Destroying facilities or weapons without superior orders or in cases of extreme necessity;

j/ Violating civilian property and lives, rape;

k/ Misusing authority to threaten other government agencies or officials;

l/ Propaganda to divide military units;

m/ Sabotaging national defense;

n/ Communicating with the enemy.

Article 51: Punishments for ordinary offenses include:

1- Criticism or warning before the troops

2- Criticism or warning before peer commanding officers

3- Forced to perform arduous tasks

4- Prohibition from leisure activities during rest hours or days

(from 1 day to 12 days)

5- Warning by a written notice from the command board

6- Reduction in rank for a period (from 1 day to 20 days)

7- Demotion in rank

8- Discharge.

Article 52: Authority to impose punishments for ordinary offenses.

The authority to impose punishments for each rank is as follows:

1- Sergeants can decide from clause 1 to clause 4. Specifically, for clause 4, junior sergeants have the right to punish up to 2 days, senior sergeants up to 4 days, and master sergeants up to 6 days.

2- Officers can decide from clause 1 to clause 6.

Specifically, for clause 4, second lieutenants and first lieutenants have the right to punish up to

8 days, captains up to 10 days, and majors up to 12 days.

Specifically, for clause 6, second lieutenants and first lieutenants have the right to punish up to

4 days, captains up to 6 days, and majors up to 8 days.

3- Lieutenants and generals can decide from clause 1 to clause 8. Specifically, for clause 6, captains can punish up to 12 days, majors up to 14 days, colonels up to 16 days, and generals up to 20 days.

Clause 7 and 8 are exclusive rights of those who have the authority to determine ranks.

Article 53: Punishing members of different military units

If the offender falls under the command of someone else or does not belong to a battalion, they can only be punished according to the penalties set forth above; if the punishment is deemed insufficient for the offense, it should be reported to the battalion commander or higher authorities for review.

Article 54: Punishments for serious offenses include:

(?) Imprisonment with a fixed term, imprisonment in military prisons; hard labor or execution.

Article 55:

Authority to impose punishments for serious offenses belongs to military courts. Details regarding the organization of military courts will be established by a subsequent decree.

Once a command board issues an indictment to bring charges before a military court, regardless of the level, temporary detention must take place either within the unit or in a military prison.

Matters concerning rank reduction and medals can only be implemented after a final judgment has been made.

CHAPTER THREE

MILITARY CEREMONIES

Article 56:

The purpose of ceremonies is to demonstrate discipline, honor, and the dignity of the military.

Article 57:

Military ceremonies include:

- Flag-raising ceremony

- Parade inspection

- Commendation and award ceremony for medals

- Funeral ceremony.

Article 58:

Flag-raising ceremony

Every day, morning and evening, or on solemn occasions, the military conducts flag-raising ceremonies to highlight national spirit and to remember the contributions of predecessors who sacrificed for the country.

Article 59:

The parade ceremony shall be held on major national holidays or state anniversaries.

Article 60:

The award ceremony for meritorious service or medal presentation shall be organized to confer honors upon military personnel who have been awarded.

Article 61:

Funeral ceremonies shall be conducted to express condolences for deceased military personnel.

Article 62:

The details of organizing the above ceremonies shall be stipulated by the Minister of National Defense through a Decree./.