Circular No. 97/2010/TT-BQP guiding the work of competition and reward in the People's Militia force.

CIRCULAR

Guidelines for competition and reward work in the People's Militia Self-Defense Force

_________________________________________________

MINISTER OF NATIONAL DEFENSE

Based on the Law on the People's Militia Self-Defense Force dated November 23, 2009;

Based on the Law on Competition and Reward dated November 26, 2003 and the Law Amending and Supplementing Certain Provisions of the Law on Competition and Reward dated June 14, 2005;

Based on Decree No. 42/2010/NĐ-CP dated April 15, 2010 of the Government, detailing and guiding the implementation of certain provisions of the Law on Competition and Reward and the Law Amending and Supplementing Certain Provisions of the Law on Competition and Reward;

Based on Decree No. 104/2008/NĐ-CP dated September 16, 2008 of the Government, stipulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of National Defense;

After reaching consensus with the Central Steering Committee for Competition and Reward/MoPA (as stated in Circular No. 1758/BTĐKT-VI dated July 7, 2010 of the Central Steering Committee for Competition and Reward);

Considering the proposal of the Director of the Political General Department,

PART I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation

This Circular guides certain aspects of competition and reward work within the People's Militia Self-Defense Force, including forms and contents of organizing competitions; titles of competition achievements and their criteria; forms, recipients, and criteria for rewards; authority to decide on recognizing competition achievements and rewards; competition and reward funds and award amounts; procedures and documentation for granting competition achievements and rewards.

Article 2. Applicability

This Circular applies to collectives and individuals within the People's Militia Self-Defense Force and collectives and individuals responsible for managing, directing, and commanding the People's Militia Self-Defense Force as specified in Articles 4, 17, 18, 20; Clause 1 of Article 21; Clause 1 of Article 22; Clause 1 of Article 23; and Article 24 of the Law on the People's Militia Self-Defense Force, specifically:

1. For collectives and individuals within the People's Militia Self-Defense Force:

a) Core militia self-defense units from squad level and above;

b) Officers and soldiers belonging to core militia self-defense forces;

c) Officers and soldiers belonging to broad militia self-defense forces mobilized to perform national defense, military, and civil defense tasks according to orders from competent authorities, as stipulated in Article 44 of the Law on the People's Militia Self-Defense Force.

2. For collectives and individuals responsible for managing, directing, and commanding the People's Militia Self-Defense Force:

a) Village Militia Cadres, Militia Self-Defense Force Commanders at commune, ward, town levels (hereinafter referred to collectively as commune level), Militia Self-Defense Force Commands of agencies and organizations at grassroots level; Militia Self-Defense Force Commands of ministries, central agencies;

b) Chairpersons, Deputy Chairpersons of People's Councils and Heads of People's Committees at commune level; Chairpersons, Deputy Chairpersons of People's Councils and Heads of People's Committees at district, city district, provincial city level (hereinafter referred to collectively as district level); Chairpersons, Deputy Chairpersons of People's Councils and Heads of People's Committees at province and centrally-administered city level (hereinafter referred to collectively as province level); heads of ministries, agencies equivalent to ministries, government agencies, Party bodies at central level, Office of the National Assembly, Office of the President, State Audit Agency, Supreme People's Procuracy, Supreme People's Court, central bodies of political-social organizations, economic groups, and state-owned corporations established by the Prime Minister (hereinafter referred to collectively as central ministries and agencies); state agencies, political organizations, political-social organizations, public service units, and economic organizations (hereinafter referred to collectively as grassroots-level agencies and organizations);

c) Officers and soldiers and units under the Ministry of National Defense, Military Zones, Services, Arms, Corps, Command of the Capital City of Hanoi, Provincial Military Commands, and Militia Self-Defense Force Commanders at district level.

Article 3. Principles of Competition and Reward

Implementing Article 6 of the Law on Competition and Reward and the Law Amending and Supplementing Certain Provisions of the Law on Competition and Reward (hereinafter referred to collectively as the Law on Competition and Reward); Article 3, Article 4 of Decree No. 42/2010/NĐ-CP of the Government, and specific regulations as follows:

1. Organizing competition movements, examining and presenting competition achievements and rewards for the People's Militia Self-Defense Force shall be carried out by military agencies at all levels under the leadership and guidance of local party committees, governments, heads of agencies and organizations; management by higher-level military agencies and coordination with competition and reward agencies at the same level.

2. At the same time period, for the same achievement, if already awarded a competition achievement and reward in another field, then no competition achievement and reward will be awarded in the People's Militia Self-Defense Force, or if already awarded a competition achievement and reward in the People's Militia Self-Defense Force, then no competition achievement and reward will be awarded in other fields.

3. In cases where commendation is being considered and proposed but the individual or collective is under disciplinary action or under investigation for disciplinary action or has unresolved complaints and reports, commendation will not be granted.

Article 4. Responsibilities for organizing competition movements and rewards

Implementing Articles 8, 9, 10 of Decree No. 42/2010/NĐ-CP and specific regulations as follows:

1. The Ministry of National Defense directs competition movements; identifies and selects collectives and individuals with outstanding achievements to present competition achievements and rewards or propose the Prime Minister to present competition achievements and rewards for the People's Militia Self-Defense Force nationwide.

2. Military Zones, Navy Service: Organize and direct competition movements; identify and select collectives and individuals with outstanding achievements to present competition achievements and rewards or propose higher-level authorities to present competition achievements and rewards for the People's Militia Self-Defense Force under their jurisdiction.

3. Provincial Military Commands, District Militia Self-Defense Force Commands, and Commune Militia Self-Defense Force Commands: Organize competition movements; identify and select collectives and individuals with outstanding achievements to present competition achievements and rewards or propose higher-level authorities to present competition achievements and rewards for the People's Militia Self-Defense Force under their jurisdiction.

4. Militia Self-Defense Force Commands of agencies and organizations at grassroots level: Organize competition movements; identify and select collectives and individuals with outstanding achievements to present competition achievements and rewards or propose higher-level authorities to present competition achievements and rewards for the self-defense forces under their command.

5. The People's Militia Self-Defense agencies at all levels shall take the lead and coordinate with commendation and reward agencies at the same level to assist party committees, administrative authorities, heads of agencies, and Commendation and Reward Councils at the same level in organizing and implementing commendation movements and rewards for People's Militia Self-Defense forces under their jurisdiction, or proposing higher-level rewards for such forces.

Chapter II

FORMS, CONTENT, SCOPE OF ORGANIZING COMPETITIONS, ACHIEVEMENT TITLES AND STANDARDS FOR ACHIEVEMENT TITLES

Article 5. Forms of Mobilizing Competitions

1. Regular Competition

Shall be launched at the beginning of each year, aiming to inspire cadres and soldiers of the People's Militia Self-Defense forces to strive to achieve the best results in their daily, monthly, quarterly, and annual work targets and tasks.

2. Competitions in batches or on specific topics

Shall be organized to implement key and urgent tasks during specific stages and periods, aimed at inspiring cadres and soldiers of the People's Militia Self-Defense forces to strive to achieve the best results in urgent tasks or difficult and complex tasks such as combat readiness, combat, support for combat, border, sea, and island defense, exercises, disaster prevention and mitigation, epidemic control, search and rescue, forest fire prevention and firefighting, environmental protection, and other civil defense tasks.

Article 6. Content of organizing the competition movement

1. Clearly define the goals, scope, and target groups for competitions, based on which specific competition criteria and contents shall be established. The determination of competition content and criteria must be consistent with the actual conditions of localities, grassroots organizations, and People's Militia Self-Defense units. Competition activities within the People's Militia Self-Defense forces shall be closely linked to the "Determined to Win" competition movement in the Vietnam People's Army.

2. Based on the characteristics and organizational structure, training, and operational nature of the People's Militia Self-Defense forces, appropriate forms of competition launch shall be determined to prevent any ostentatious or superficial practices in competitions.

3. Implement measures to organize and mobilize for competitions, monitor the competition organization process, conduct pilot guidance to draw lessons and disseminate good experiences to participating entities.

4. Summarize and evaluate the results of the competition movement; for long-term competition campaigns, intermediate summaries shall be conducted halfway through to draw lessons; at the end of the campaign, comprehensive summaries and evaluations shall be carried out, selecting outstanding and excellent collectives and individuals for public recognition and rewards.

Article 7. Scope of Organizing Competitions

1. Depending on the nature, content, and goals of the competition, the competition movement of the People's Militia Self-Defense forces may be launched nationwide, throughout military regions, or within individual localities, agencies, and units.

2. Regular annual competition launches mainly occur within the scope from provincial level down to Navy Military Region and central ministries and sectors.

Article 8. Awards

1. For collectives:

a) The title of Outstanding Unit;

b) The title of Advanced Unit.

2. For individuals:

a) The title of National Model Competitor;

b) The title of Ministry of Defense Model Competitor;

c) The title of Grassroots Model Competitor;

d) The title of Advanced Competitor.

Article 9. Standards for achievement titles for collectives

1. Outstanding Unit

Shall be awarded annually to the People's Militia Self-Defense units at the commune level, grassroots organizations, and mobile units at platoon, company, battalion, and equivalent levels that meet the following standards:

a) Innovative, overcoming difficulties, excellently completing all competition indicators and assigned tasks for the year; all test or inspection contents achieving satisfactory or higher standards, with at least 80% achieving good or excellent grades;

b) All individuals in the collective have completed their assigned tasks;

c) There is an individual who has been awarded the title "Model Worker at the Grassroots Level";

d) There is a regular, practical, and effective competitive movement;

d) Internal unity, exemplary compliance with Party policies and State laws; no individual being disciplined with a warning or higher penalty.

2. Advanced Unit

Shall be awarded annually to the People's Militia Self-Defense units at the commune level, grassroots organizations, and mobile units at platoon, company, battalion, and equivalent levels that meet the following standards:

a) Successfully completing all competition indicators and assigned tasks for the year; all test or inspection contents achieving satisfactory or higher standards, with at least 65% achieving good or excellent grades;

b) All individuals in the collective have completed their assigned tasks;

c) Having regular, practical, and effective competition movements;

d) Internal unity, compliance with Party policies and State laws; no individual being disciplined with a warning or higher penalty.

Article 10. Criteria for commendation titles for individuals

1. National Model Soldier.

To be awarded annually to commanding officers of regular militia units, mobile units, Battalion Commanders, Deputy Battalion Commanders of Militia Self-Defense Forces at commune level, specialized staff holding the position of Deputy Battalion Commander of Militia Self-Defense Forces of agencies and organizations at grassroots level, and Militia Self-Defense Forces of central ministries and sectors who have outstanding achievements, selected from those individuals who have twice consecutively received the title of Model Soldier of the Ministry of Defense; they must be trusted and respected by all people, worthy role models for learning throughout the country.

2. Model Soldier of the Ministry of Defense.

To be awarded annually to commanding officers of regular militia units, mobile units, Battalion Commanders, Deputy Battalion Commanders of Militia Self-Defense Forces at commune level, specialized staff holding the position of Deputy Battalion Commander of Militia Self-Defense Forces of agencies and organizations at grassroots level, and Militia Self-Defense Forces of central ministries and sectors who have outstanding achievements, selected from those individuals who have three times consecutively received the title of Model Soldier at the grassroots level; they must be trusted and respected by all people, worthy role models for learning within the entire militia self-defense force.

3. Model Soldier at the Grassroots Level.

To be awarded annually to commanding officers of regular militia units, mobile units, Battalion Commanders, Deputy Battalion Commanders of Militia Self-Defense Forces at commune level, specialized staff holding the position of Deputy Battalion Commander of Militia Self-Defense Forces of agencies and organizations at grassroots level, and Militia Self-Defense Forces of central ministries and sectors who meet the criteria for the title of Advanced Soldier; at the same time, they must have innovative ideas to improve technology, or apply new science and technology, have useful solutions to improve work methods and enhance the effectiveness of study, work, and production activities; or have outstanding achievements in performing their assigned responsibilities and positions, contributing positively to the completion of common tasks of agencies and units; they must be trusted and respected by all people.

4. Advanced Soldier.

To be awarded annually to commanding officers of regular militia units, mobile units, Battalion Commanders, Deputy Battalion Commanders of Militia Self-Defense Forces at commune level, specialized staff holding the position of Deputy Battalion Commander of Militia Self-Defense Forces of agencies and organizations at grassroots level, and Militia Self-Defense Forces of central ministries and sectors who meet the following criteria:

a) Successfully completing assigned tasks according to their roles and positions (ready for combat, combat support, defense of independence and sovereignty, political security, social order and safety; taking the lead in protecting production, preventing and mitigating the consequences of natural disasters and epidemics; mobilizing the people to implement the Party's guidelines and policies, State laws; participating in building strong grassroots and local areas).

b) Fully implementing training programs and contents. For examination or inspection items, all contents must achieve the required standards or higher, with at least 65% achieving good or excellent results.

c) Successfully complete labor production, study, and work tasks.

d) Strictly adhering to the Party's policies and State laws; having a spirit of unity, mutual assistance, actively participating in commendation movements; having a healthy lifestyle and moral conduct.

Article 11. Proportion of commendation titles

1. Commendation titles for collectives.

a) Victory Unit: Not exceeding 5% of the total number of regular militia units, mobile units at platoon, company, battalion levels and equivalent.

b) Advanced Unit: Not exceeding 35% of the total number of regular militia units, mobile units at platoon, company, battalion levels and equivalent.

2. Commendation titles for individuals.

a) National Model Soldier: Selected from individuals with outstanding achievements among those who have twice consecutively received the title of Model Soldier of the Ministry of Defense.

b) Model Soldier of the Ministry of Defense: Selected from individuals with outstanding achievements among those who have three consecutive years receiving the title of Model Soldier at the grassroots level.

c) Model Soldier at the Grassroots Level: Not exceeding 5% of the total number of regular militia personnel, mobile personnel, Militia Self-Defense Forces at commune level, Militia Self-Defense Forces of agencies and organizations at grassroots level, and Militia Self-Defense Forces of central ministries and sectors.

d) Advanced Soldier: Not exceeding 20% of the total number of regular militia personnel, mobile personnel, Militia Self-Defense Forces at commune level, Militia Self-Defense Forces of agencies and organizations at grassroots level, and Militia Self-Defense Forces of central ministries and sectors.

Chapter III

FORMS, OBJECTS AND CRITERIA FOR REWARDS

Article 12. Forms of Reward

Based on the functions, tasks, organization, staffing, and activities of the militia self-defense force, the main forms of commendation applied to the militia self-defense force include:

1. Heroic Labor Medal.

2. Orders, including:

a) First-Class Military Merit Order, Second-Class Military Merit Order, Third-Class Military Merit Order;

b) First-Class Military Service Order, Second-Class Military Service Order, Third-Class Military Service Order;

c) First-Class Homeland Protection Order, Second-Class Homeland Protection Order, Third-Class Homeland Protection Order;

d) Bravery Order.

3. Certificate of Merit, including:

a) Certificate of Merit of the Prime Minister;

b) Certificate of Merit of the Minister of Defense;

c) Certificate of Merit of the head of a central ministry or sector;

d) Certificate of Merit of the Chairman of the People's Committee of a province.

4. Letter of Commendation, including:

a) Letter of Commendation of the Commander of Military Region, Commander of the Vietnam Navy;

b) Letter of Commendation of the Chief of the Provincial Militia Self-Defense Force Command;

c) Letter of Commendation of the Chairman of the People's Committee of a district;

d) Letter of Commendation of the Chairman of the People's Committee of a commune;

đ) Letter of Commendation of the Chief of the Militia Self-Defense Force Command of a district;

e) Letter of Commendation of the Chief of the Militia Self-Defense Force Command of a central ministry or sector;

5. Commemorative Medal "For the Cause of Mass Armed Forces".

6. In addition to the above forms of commendation, competent authorities may implement appropriate forms of encouragement for individuals and groups to promptly set good examples in commendation movements.

Article 13. Recipients and criteria for awards

1. For commendation forms from Certificates of Merit of the Prime Minister to Heroic Model of the People's Armed Forces, implement according to Articles 39, 40, 41, 45, 46, 47, 48, 50, 60, 70, 71 of the Law on Competition and Commendation and Articles 25, 26, 27, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 38, 43, 49 of Decree No. 42/2010/NĐ-CP of the Government.

2. For commendation forms such as Certificates of Merit of the head of central agencies and organizations; Certificates of Merit of the Chairperson of the People's Committee at provincial level; Certificates of Merit of the Chairperson of the People's Committee at district level; and Certificates of Merit of the Chairperson of the People's Committee at commune level, implement according to Articles 72, 74, 75, 76 of the Law on Competition and Commendation and specific regulations of the heads of central ministries and sectors, and Chairpersons of People's Committees at all levels.

3. Certificate of Merit of the Minister of National Defense.

a) For individuals: Awarded to individuals who have excellently completed their tasks and met one of the following criteria:

- Having continuously achieved the title "Model Soldier" for two consecutive years and once received a Certificate of Merit from the Head of the Unit at various levels;

- Achieving outstanding results in performing urgent tasks or participating in campaigns and movements initiated by the Ministry of National Defense.

b) For groups: Awarded to groups that have excellently completed their tasks and met one of the following criteria:

- Having continuously achieved the title "Victorious Unit" for two consecutive years;

- Achieving outstanding results in performing urgent tasks or participating in campaigns and movements initiated by the Ministry of National Defense.

4. Certificate of Merit of the Heads of Units at various levels.

The Certificate of Merit of the Heads of Units at various levels is awarded to individuals and groups that have actively participated in movements, campaigns, or urgent tasks organized and initiated by the unit, with standards set by the Heads of Units at various levels but must meet the following general criteria:

a) For individuals.

- Successfully completing assigned tasks and responsibilities;

- Possessing good moral character and ethics; being united and exemplary in implementing Party policies, State laws, and military discipline;

- Actively studying to improve professional skills.

b) For groups.

- Successfully completing assigned tasks;

- Internal unity and compliance with Party policies, State laws, and military discipline; no disciplinary violations from warnings upwards;

- Fully implementing benefits and policies for all members of the group.

5. Commemorative Medal "For the Cause of Mass Armed Forces".

a) Awarded to civilian militia officers and soldiers who have worked in the militia force for at least six years; consistently fulfilled militia duties without disciplinary violations from warnings upwards;

b) Awarded to civilian militia officers and soldiers who have achieved outstanding results and been commended by the President, Prime Minister, or Minister of National Defense (regardless of time served in the militia force; not yet awarded the Commemorative Medal "For the Cause of Mass Militia");

c) Awarded to individuals outside the militia force who have made significant contributions to organizing and building the militia force, recognized by competent authorities;

d) The Commemorative Medal "For the Cause of Mass Militia" is only awarded once to each individual.

Chapter IV

AUTHORITY TO DECIDE, PROCEDURES, AND DOCUMENTATION FOR COMMENDATION PROPOSALS

Article 14. Competence to Decide on Awards

Implementation shall be carried out according to Articles 77, 78, 79, 80, and 81 of the Law on Encouragement and Reward, and the regulations on the authorities of the Heads of units at all levels in the Military, specifically as follows:

1. The Minister of National Defense:

a) Recognizes the title of Outstanding Soldier of the Ministry of National Defense; presents the Certificate of Merit from the Minister of National Defense; presents the Commemorative Medal "For the Mass Armed Forces Cause";

b) Recognizes the title of Outstanding Soldier of the Base for Militia and Self-Defense Forces of the Central Ministries and Agencies.

2. The Head of the Regional Military Command:

a) Recognizes the title of Determined Victory Unit for collective militia and self-defense forces at the platoon, company, battalion level, and the Base for Militia and Self-Defense Forces at the commune level, and the Base for Militia and Self-Defense Forces of agencies and organizations at the grassroots level;

b) Presents Certificates of Merit to collective and individual militia and self-defense forces under the management of the Regional Military Command.

3. The Head of the Naval Zone Command:

Recognizes the titles of Determined Victory Unit, Advanced Unit, Outstanding Soldier of the Base, Advanced Soldier, and presents Certificates of Merit to collective and individual coastal defense forces under the management of the Naval Zone Command.

4. The Commander of the Base for Militia and Self-Defense Forces of the Central Ministries and Agencies:

Recognizes the titles of Advanced Unit, Outstanding Soldier of the Base, Advanced Soldier, and presents Certificates of Merit to collective and individual self-defense forces under the management of the Base for Militia and Self-Defense Forces of the Central Ministries and Agencies.

5. The Commander of the Provincial Military Command:

a) Recognizes the title of Advanced Unit; presents Certificates of Merit to collective militia and self-defense forces up to battalion level.

b) Recognizes the title of Outstanding Soldier of the Base, Advanced Soldier, and presents Certificates of Merit to individual militia and self-defense forces up to battalion-level officers.

6. The Commander of the District Military Command:

a) Recognizes the title of Advanced Soldier; presents Certificates of Merit to officers up to company level, village teams, and militia and self-defense soldiers.

b) Presents Certificates of Merit to collective militia and self-defense forces up to company level.

7. The competence to decide on rewards of the Chairmen of People's Committees at all levels and the heads of central ministries and agencies for militia and self-defense forces shall be implemented according to Articles 79, 80, and 81 of the Law on Encouragement and Reward and specific regulations of the Chairmen of People's Committees at all levels and the heads of central ministries and agencies.

Article 15. Procedure for Examination and Awarding

1. For militia and self-defense forces under the management of the Provincial Military Command and District Military Command:

a) The Base for Militia and Self-Defense Forces at the commune level, the Base for Militia and Self-Defense Forces of agencies and organizations at the grassroots level, platoons, and companies of militia and self-defense forces organize evaluations for commendation titles and identify collectives and individuals meeting the conditions and criteria for awards within their authority.

b) In cases where higher-level examination and awarding of commendation titles and rewards are proposed, the military offices compile and report to the Chairman of the People's Committee at the same level for consideration and comments (through local encouragement and reward offices at the same level), then compile and report to propose higher-level military offices for consideration and decision on rewarding (through the Standing Office of the Encouragement and Reward Council).

c) The Encouragement and Reward Council of the Provincial Military Command and District Military Command is responsible for assisting the Political Commissar (Political Instructor) and unit commanders in implementing the procedure for examination and awarding of commendation titles and rewards within their authority.

2. For coastal defense forces under the management of the Naval Zone Command:

b) The Base for Coastal Defense Fleets and Battalions organize evaluations, compile, and propose the Naval Zone Command Chief to examine and award commendation titles and rewards for coastal defense forces under their command (through the Standing Office of the Encouragement and Reward Council of the Naval Zone Command).

b) The Encouragement and Reward Council of the Naval Zone Command is responsible for assisting the Naval Zone Command Chief in implementing the procedure for examination and awarding of commendation titles and rewards within their authority.

3. For self-defense forces under the management of the Base for Militia and Self-Defense Forces of the Central Ministries and Agencies:

b) The Base for Militia and Self-Defense Forces of the Central Ministries and Agencies organizes evaluations for commendation titles and identifies collectives and individuals meeting the conditions and criteria for awards to issue decisions on presenting commendation titles or rewards within their authority.

b) In cases where higher-level examination and awarding of commendation titles and rewards are proposed, the Base for Militia and Self-Defense Forces of the Central Ministries and Agencies compile and report to the head of the ministry or agency for consideration and comments, then compile and submit to the Minister of National Defense (through the Militia and Self-Defense Force Department under the General Staff, the Standing Office of the Ministry of National Defense's National Defense Work).

c) The Militia and Self-Defense Force Department compiles and reports to the Standing Office of the Encouragement and Reward Council of the Ministry of National Defense.

4. Implementation procedures at the Ministry of National Defense level.

Cases proposing rewards from the Minister of National Defense, the Prime Minister, and the State shall be carried out as follows:

a) Units compile and report to the Militia and Self-Defense Force Department under the General Staff for review and verification; complete files and submit to the Ministry of National Defense (through the Standing Office of the Encouragement and Reward Council of the Ministry of National Defense); the Standing Office of the Encouragement and Reward Council of the Ministry of National Defense compiles and reports to the Director of the Political General Department for review and submission to the Minister of National Defense.

b) In cases proposing the Certificate of Merit from the Minister of National Defense, the Certificate of Merit from the Prime Minister, the Outstanding Soldier of the Ministry of National Defense, and the Outstanding Soldier of the Nation, the Standing Office of the Encouragement and Reward Council of the Ministry of National Defense compiles and reports to the Head of the Political General Department for review and submission to the Minister of National Defense for decision on rewarding or proposal to the Prime Minister and the President for rewarding.

c) In cases proposing awards of the Order of Military Merit, the Order of National Defense, and the Order of Bravery, the Standing Office of the Encouragement and Reward Council of the Ministry of National Defense compiles, seeks opinions from relevant agencies and members of the Encouragement and Reward Council of the Ministry of National Defense, compiles and reports to the Head of the Political General Department for review and submission to the Minister of National Defense for proposal to the Prime Minister and the President for rewarding.

d) In cases where medals for Military Merit are proposed for award, after soliciting opinions from competent agencies and receiving comments from members of the Ministry of National Defense's Competition and Reward Council, the permanent office of the Ministry of National Defense's Competition and Reward Council will compile and report to the collective head of the Political Bureau of the Central Military Commission; the Chief of the Political Bureau will submit to the Standing Committee of the Central Military Commission Party Committee for review; the Minister of National Defense will submit to the Prime Minister and the President for approval to grant rewards.

đ) In cases where titles of Heroic Soldiers are proposed for bestowal or posthumous bestowal, the permanent office of the Ministry of National Defense's Competition and Reward Council will compile, solicit opinions from competent agencies, and report to the collective head of the Political Bureau of the Central Military Commission; after the collective head of the Political Bureau of the Central Military Commission provides their opinion, the collective of the Ministry of National Defense's Competition and Reward Council will convene to examine and vote secretly; the permanent office of the Ministry of National Defense's Competition and Reward Council will compile and report to the Chief of the Political Bureau to submit to the Standing Committee of the Central Military Commission Party Committee for review; the Minister of National Defense will submit to the Prime Minister and the President for approval to grant rewards.

Article 16. Reward Application Files

1. General application files at all levels shall include:

a) A proposal letter from the unit (signed by the unit leader; stamped);

b) A list of individuals or groups proposed for commendation or reward;

c) A report on achievements of the group or individual proposed for commendation or reward, confirmed by local authorities or managing organizations;

2. Application files for the Ministry of National Defense shall include:

a) A proposal letter from the unit (signed by the unit leader; stamped);

b) A list of individuals or groups proposed for commendation or reward;

c) Minutes of the examination meeting and voting results of the Competition and Reward Council;

d) A report on achievements of the group or individual with comments from the recommending level and confirmation by local authorities or managing organizations;

đ) A summary of achievements prepared concisely by the recommending level;

e) A confirmation letter from the provincial People's Committee or central ministry;

g) A confirmation of fulfillment of state budget payment obligations (if applicable);

Number of files: Four original copies (red seal), plus twenty-one photocopied sets for proposals for Hero titles.

3. Content of achievement reports:

a) Organizational characteristics and functions of the unit (for individuals, this includes responsibilities and positions held);

b) Achievements in executing key political tasks; significance, value, and scope of influence of the achievements (the report should clearly detail achievements according to the criteria for the type of commendation being sought);

c) Results of building the organization; construction of party and mass organizations; implementation of social policies and organizational life (if applicable);

d) Previously awarded commendations and forms of recognition.

4. Simplified application procedures (for immediate rewards):

a) A proposal letter from the unit (signed by the unit leader; stamped);

b) A list of individuals proposed for reward;

c) A summary of achievements of the group or individual (detailing specific actions, accomplishments) confirmed by the recommending level and with comments from local authorities or managing organizations.

Number of files: Four original copies (red seal).

5. Time for submitting reward application files to the Ministry of National Defense:

a) National Model Soldier, Ministry of National Defense Model Soldier: before January 30 of the following year;

b) Regular rewards including: Heroic Soldiers of the Armed Forces, Medals, Certificates of Merit from the Prime Minister, Certificates of Merit from the Minister of National Defense, Commemorative Medals for the Mass Militia Cause: Before June 30 each year;

c) Immediate rewards: Examine and process reward applications promptly after the individual or group achieves the accomplishment.

Chapter V

COMPETITION AND REWARD FUNDS AND CALCULATION OF AWARDS

Article 17. Sources, levels of contributions to the fund; management and use of the competition and reward fund

Implement according to Article 53, 54, 55 of the Militia and Self-Defense Force Law dated November 23, 2009; Article 67, 68, 69 of Decree No. 42/2010/NĐ-CP of the Government and specific regulations on sources of funding and the use of the competition and reward fund as follows:

1. For collectives and individuals of militia and self-defense forces who are rewarded by local military authorities; central agencies and organizations:

a) The reward budget funds are extracted from the state budget allocated for national defense and military tasks and the organization, training, and activities of the militia and self-defense force under the Militia and Self-Defense Force Law dated November 23, 2009; Article 67, 68, 69 of Decree No. 42/2010/NĐ-CP of the Government; Decree No. 60/2003/NĐ-CP dated June 6, 2003 of the Government detailing and guiding the implementation of the State Budget Law; Decree No. 10/2004/NĐ-CP dated January 7, 2004 of the Government on the management and use of the state budget and assets for certain activities in the field of national defense and security.

b) Annually, military authorities at all levels; the Military Command of central agencies and organizations prepare plans and budgets, report to the Chairman of the People's Committee or the head of the agency or organization at the same level for consideration and decision.

2. For collectives and individuals of militia and self-defense forces who are rewarded by the State, the Government, the Ministry of National Defense, Military Regions, Naval Forces:

a) Award funds are used from the competition and award fund of the Ministry of National Defense;

b) Annually, the Propaganda and Education Department under the Political General Department takes the lead in coordinating with the Militia and Self-Defense Force Department under the General Staff Department and related departments and units under the Ministry of National Defense to prepare plans and budgets for rewards, submit them to the Minister of National Defense for consideration and decision. The Propaganda and Education Department is responsible for allocating the budget, ensuring materials, and guiding units to use the reward budget and materials for the militia and self-defense force.

Article 18. Prize money and preferential treatment

1. Calculation of prize money and preferential treatment:

Implement according to Article 87 of the Competition and Reward Law; Article 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77 of Decree No. 42/2010/NĐ-CP of the Government.

2. Amount of Awards:

The Propaganda and Education Department leads and coordinates with the Finance Department of the Ministry of National Defense to develop inter-departmental guidelines on the amount of prize money for various commendations and reward forms for the militia and self-defense force.

Chapter VI

IMPLEMENTATION

Article 19. Effective Date

1. This Circular shall take effect 45 days from the date of signature.

2. Abolish Circular No. 179/2007/TT-BQP dated December 4, 2007 of the Ministry of National Defense and previous regulations of the Ministry of National Defense regarding guidance on competition and reward work in the militia and self-defense force that conflict with this Circular.

Article 20. Responsibility for Implementation

1. The Chief of General Staff, the Director of the Political General Department, the Directors of general departments, the Commanders of military regions, military branches, military corps, the Commander of the Hanoi Capital Military Command, the heads of military agencies and units; central ministries and sectors, People's Committees at all levels, and the heads of relevant agencies and organizations are responsible for implementing this Circular.

2. The Ministry of National Defense assigns the Militia and Self-Defense Force Department under the General Staff Department as the permanent body for national defense work of the Ministry of National Defense to take the lead in coordinating with the Propaganda and Education Department under the Political General Department and related departments to assist the Ministry of National Defense in inspecting the implementation of competition and reward work as stipulated in this Circular.

3. During the implementation process, if there are difficulties, central ministries and sectors, localities, and relevant agencies and units should promptly reflect them to the Ministry of National Defense for consideration and resolution./.