Armed forces capabilities on display for Army Day

The Ministry of National Defence’s special military detective force put on a strong display in front of government leaders on Friday to celebrate the 71st Lao People’s Army Day.
The tactical demonstrations by soldiers from the Ministry of National Defence at the Kommadam Military Academy in Phonhong district, Vientiane province, also celebrated the 65th anniversary of the special military detective force.

Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith, deputy ministers, government leaders, army top brass, ministers and senior ministry officials attended the celebratory ceremony.
Mr Thongloun praised the Lao People’s Army for staging such a challenging event to demonstrate the rich military heritage and fighting abilities of the special force.
He said the display instilled confidence in the Party and public about the army’s capacity to perform and defend the nation.
Lao People’s Army Day is officially recognised on January 20 while the special military detective force’s anniversary falls on December 25.
Troops from the special force trained for many months to prepare for the display at the Kommadam Military Academy with the programme including demonstrations using handguns, assault rifles, rocket-propelled grenades and other weaponry.
The action-packed event also comprised a hand-to-hand combat and martial arts demonstration, a parachute drop by airborne soldiers, and a flypast by military aircraft.
The special military detective force team undertakes training for the annual event under the Army General Staff Department.   

By Sangkhomsay Bubphanouvong
(Latest Update January 20, 2020)