Dissertation summary: Improving the quality of political education (PE) for non-commission officers and soldiers (NCO, S) in the infantry regiment of Laos People''s Army (PA) now

Research objectives: Interpretation clarifies NCO, S in the infantry regiment and the basic problems of PE and improving the quality of PE for NCO, S in the Lao People''s Army infantry regiments; proper assessment of actual status, indication of cause and drawng some experience to improve PE for NCO, S in the Lao People''s Army infantry regiments at present; analysis and clarification of the impact factor, determination of requirements and proposal of solutions to improve quality PE for NCO,S in the Lao People''s Army infantry regiment now.

1. Overview of the thesis

Thesis topic: "Improving the quality of political education (PE)   for   non­commission   officers   and   soldiers   (NCO,   S)   in   the infantry regiment of Laos People's Army (PA) now" is a matter that has   been     cherished,   interested   by   fellow   (FL)   for   long   time. Especially, with over 20 years of experience in learning, training, work and practices of leadership and command unit, FL should have 

a basic understanding of political education for NCO, S in basis unit

Stemming from the practical, FL think that raising the quality 

of political education for NCO, S in the Lao People's Army infantry regiment   is   now   significant   problem   practical,   insightful   both theoretical   and   practical   knowledge   However,   this   is   a   new   and difficult topic for FL; but, on the basis of collection documentation system, abundant survey data and incorporate the enthusiastic help of the experts, the scientists, FL can deploy researching this topic

During the process of performing the tasks of research, FL acquires   and   selectively   inherits   the   research   results   of   related scientific   work;   but,   this   is   an   independent   research   work,   not overlapping with the accepted and announced scientific works

2. Reason for selecting the thesis topic

Laos People's Army is the army of the people, originating from the people, serving for the people; nature working class (WC) and profound People; fighting sacrifing for the goal, the ideal of the party,   because   independence   and   freedom   of   our   country,   for socialism (SO). The process of building, fighting and mature, the Lao People's Army has always been cared about education comprehensive training by the Party and President Cay XoN Phôm Vi Han, in which political education for staff, soldier is spent much time. Regarded PE 

is an important means of leading a key role in all aspects of military operations,   directly   contribute   to   forming   political   quality,   ethics, lifestyle and practical operational capacity of NOC, S

Over the years, the infantry regiment always been interested 

in   building   and   strengthening   comprehensive   by   the   Party,   State, Defense   Ministry   Party   committees,   commander   of   the   infantry regiment often interested leadership, directed to implement PE for NCO, S in oder. The results of PE contribute to creat general quality and combat strength of the units, ensuring the ability to successfully complete the assigned tasks

However, compared with the objectives,  requirements and tasks   of   military   construction;   building   comprehensive   strong infantry regiment, firstly strong politics, ideology and organization, the quality PE for NCO, S is limited and inadequate, especially the renewal program, content, form of PE has been slow, the method of 

PE has not really flexible, creative; one part of NOC, S awareness against the Party line and policy, state law, the task of the revolution; plots and tricks of the enemy is not fully true and profound. The determination to strive for learning, cultivate discipline, work is not high; previous difficult situation complicated, some NOC, S clearly showed   the   lack   of   consistent   political   stability,   accountability, motivation and quality of implementation of tasks assigned is low, some units also incident discipline violations must be handled

Currently, the entire Party, people and armed forces are implementing slotted Resolution Ninth Congress of the Party into life in the context of the world, the region and the country are more   complicated   The   hostile   forces   continue   to   promote   the strategy   of   "peaceful   evolution",   promoting   "free   movement", 

"self­transformation"   combined   with   turmoils   with   increasingly sophisticated tricks, cunning order Laos against the revolution, in which the field of politics, ideology, culture, ethics, lifestyle is the key goal. Lao People's Army is the focus of enemy sabotage by conspiracy, tricks, "depoliticizing" the army, the military attempt 

to make the step away from the leadership of the Party, the far left political   orientation   and   position   battlefront,   troops   do   not   be trusted mainstay of the Party, State and people. These social ills and the downside of the market mechanism has been applied daily, hourly in thoughts, feelings officers and soldiers. The lives of the majority   of   officers   and   soldiers   in   the   infantry   regiment   has improved, but still many difficulties, especially in the rear guard family, affects thought, emotion and performance tasks at the unit. 

On   the   other   hand,   before   the   new   requirements   of   national defense   tasks,   requirements   of   building   the   revolutionary   army regular, advanced and exemplary, take constructive political basis poses high demands for raise the level of enlightenment, political bravery for officers and soldiers in the army. More than ever, the Lao   People's   Army   general,   the   infantry   regiment   in   particular need to strengthen the PE for NOC, S

Therefore,  the  authors  selected:  "Improving the  quality of  political education for officers and soldiers in the infantry regiment  

­ Interpretation clarifies NCO, S in the infantry regiment and the basic problems of PE and improving the quality of PE for NCO, S 

in the Lao People's Army infantry regiments

­ Proper assessment of actual status, indication of cause and drawng   some   experience   to   improve   PE   for   NCO,   S   in   the   Lao People's Army infantry regiments at present

­ Analysis and clarification of the impact factor, determination 

of requirements and proposal of solutions to improve quality PE for NCO, S in the Lao People's Army infantry regiment now

4. Object and scope of research

*  Research object: Improving PE for NCO, S in the Lao People's Army infantry regiment is the research object of the thesis

* Scope of research: The study and survey of PE activities for   NCO,   S   in   the   Lao   People's   Army   infantry   regiments;   the material, data limited from 2008 to 2015 and orientations and tasks from 2015 to 2020

5. Theoretical, practical basis and research method 

* Theoretical basis: The topic is studied based on theoretical 

basis of Marxism ­ Leninism and Ho Chi Minh, Cay Xon Phôn Vi Han’s  opinion,   the   guideline   and   the  views   of   the   Laos   People's Revolutionary Party (PRP), Resolution of the Party Committee of the Ministry of Defence on PE organization, military for officers and soldiers in the unit

* Practical basis: Reality of PE activities for NCO, S in the 

Lao   People's   Army   infantry   regiment   from   2008   to   2015;   the summary   report   on   PE   work   of   infantry   regiment,   the   General Political   Department   (GPD),   General   Department   of   Consultant (GDC)   The   investigation   and   survey   data   of   authors   during   the research practice

Leninism, the thesis uses synthetic methods of scientific research and interdisciplinary majors, in which combination of methods analysis, synthesis,   logic­historical,   comparative,   survey,   surveys,   practical summaries and expert methods are particularly focused

6. New contribution of the thesis

­ The opinion in improving the quality of PE for NCO, S in the Lao People's Army infantry regiments

­ Learning from the experience in improving PE quality for NCO, S in the Lao People's Army infantry regiments

­ Analysis of the impact factor, defining requirements and proposing some solutions to improve PE quality for NCO, S in the Lao People's Army infantry regiment now. 

7. Theoretical and practical meaning 

 With research results achieved, the thesis will contribute to provide more scientific basis for defining guidelines and measures in leading, directing PE in the infantry regiment and be references in research, teaching, study of Party work, politicl work subjects in the Lao People's Army schools

8   Structure   of   the   thesis   includes:  The   introduction,   3  chapters (6 periods), conclusion, related announced works, reference   document list and appendices.

1. Research works in Viet Nam relating to the thesis topic

1.1. Group of research on ideological work

Improving the efficiency of ideological work in grassroots units in charge of combat training of main force army corps of the Vietnamese   People's   Army   now   "by   Nguyen   Van   Duong   [6]; 

"Improving the persuasiveness of ideological work in the Military Technical Institute today" by Nguyen Binh Thoan [65]

1.2   Group   of   research   on   political   education   and   improving political education quality

Improving political education quality in military training, professional   and   technical   "   by   Do   Trung   Duong   author   [5]; 

"Improving   the   quality   of   legal   education   for   non­commission officers and soldiers in infantry regiments now" by Nguyen Trong Linh   [24];   "Improving   political   education   quality   for   non­commission officers and soldiers in combat base unit in the current period"   by   Le   Duy   Chuong   [4];   "Improving   political   education ability of political cadres in army units   under main force army corps of the Vietnam People's Army now" by Nguyen Van Huu [13];   "Improving   political   theory   ability   of   political   staff   at   the detachment   level   at   Radar   regiment   in   Vietnam   People's   Army now" by Do Ngoc Tuyen [60]; "Improving the quality of political training for NOC, S in the base units of Vietnam People's Army now"   by   Tran   Ngoc   Hoi   [12];   "Revolution   ideal   education   for students at People's Police Academy at present stage" by Duong Thi Thanh [55]; "Political education quality  of Lang Son police party committee   at   present   stage"   by   Duong   Quoc   Thanh   [56]; 

"Improving   political   theory   ability   of   key   staff   in   the   political system of districts in Ho Chi Minh City at the current period" of Nguyen Thi Thuy Trang authors [58]; "Solutions to improve the political education quality for non­commission officers and soldiers 

at current base unit" by Nguyen Van Su ­ Nguyen Van Quang [53]; 

"Moral   education   for   the   youth   revolution   during   the   world economic   integration"   by   Dong   Xuan   Truong   [66];   "Improving 

education quality, political qualifications for students in Political officers colleage at present" by Nguyen Thai Bao [3]; "The results and   some   problems   to   be   performed   in   political   education   in military units at present" by Nguyen Van Tuan [59]; "The education 

of political theory for the army forces (AF) of Military Commands Committee   of   Hai   Duong   City"   by   Duong   Dinh   Vinh   [67]   and 

"Education,   training   political   fields   for   youths   in   the   current military" by Tran Anh Kien [14]

2. Research works in Lao relating to the thesis topic

2.1. Group of research works on ideological work 

Objectivity and science of ideological work of DNDCM L in the new period "of author K.Ola.bun [68]; "The ideological work of DNDCM   L"   by   Sac   Sa   Vat   Xuan   Thep   Phim   Ma   Son   [106]; 

"Innovation in politics, ideology of DNDCM L in the current period" 

by   Chan   Tha   Vong   Phun   Thi   Bua   Thoong   [101];   "Improving ideological   work  quality  of   the  district   Party  committee,   Bo  Keo province, Lao People's Democratic Republic in the current period" by Tha Nong Sac Khun Kham [113]

2.2. Group of resreach works on political education and   improving political education quality relating to the thesis topic

Political ideological education for non­commission officers and soldiers in Lao People's Army at present"of Son Xay Chan Nha Lat [109]; "Improving political education for non­commission offices and   soldiers   at   Air   Defence   regiments   of   Lao   People's   Army   at present" by Bun Pheng Sit Thi Sac [115]; "Theory work of DNDCM 

L   in   innovation   period"   by   Phan   Duong   Chit   Vong   Xa   [124]; 

"Improving   political   enlightenment   to   political   staff   of   the   Lao People's Army in the current situation" by Vi Say Chan Tha Mat [128];  "Promoting ideological,  political  education in suitable with every  object   by  author   Sa  Man  Vi   Nha  Ket   [104];   "Ideoliogical, political education strategy 2010­2015" by Phan Duong Chit Vong 

Xa   [125];   "Improving   the   quality   of   education   and   training   is   a determining factor of poverty in the country" by Som Phon Chan Tha 

Vi Lay [111]; "Strengthening ideological, political education in the current   security   force"   by   Bun   Tha   Vi   [116];   "The   ideological, political education for staff, party member is regular and important work"   by  Lot   Cha  Na   Si   Vi   Lay  author   [127];   Establishing   Lao People's Army to be strong in politics, ideology at the current period 

is an objective necessity" by Chan Sa Mon Chan Nha Lat [102]; 

"Strengthening   ideological,   political   education   for   staff,   party member   in   Kham   Muon   province"   by   Seng   Su   Li   Nha   [107]; 

"Strengthening the quality of politics, ideology in people's security forces" by Som Keo Si La Vong [110]; "The political and ideological root,   tied   in   all   areas,"   Son   La   Vong   Thong   Phôm   [108]; 

"Consolidation of ideology and theory of Party inPeople's Security Forces" by Phu Thong XA Na[126] and "Strengthening the political and ideological work for staff and soldiers in army is an objective necessity "by Thoong Si Phim Ma Vong Xa [114]

3. General research result of announced scientific work and the issues that the thesis focus to solve  

3.1. General research result of announced scientific works

Firstly, works of authors studied in Vietnam and Laos were quite insightful analysis, comprehensive views of the Party of the position, role, functions, tasks, content, form, method of the issues relating to the thesis

Secondly,   the   authors   assert,   Political   Education   is   an important part of the Party's ideological work in the army, in charge 

of spreading the theory of Marxism ­ Leninism and Ho Chi Minh, opinion   of   Cay   x n   Phôm   VI   Han,   guidelines,   the   Party's   view,ỏ  policies and laws of the State, the task of the revolution, raising the level   of   awareness,   formation   and   development   of   the   scientific worldview, establishing inclination of mind, a sense of responsibility, trust and encouragement, cheering NOC, S to well perform all tasks

Thirdly, the subjects, the articles of the authors mentioned above   have   access   research   in   many   ways,   many   different   range revolves around political Education issue, political training, spirit of the Laos People's Army but there has not yet any research works in­depth,   systematic   about   quality   improvement   for   non­commision officers and soldiers in the Lao People's Army infantry regiments now

Therefore,   postgraduate   selecting   issue   "Improving   the quality   of   political   education   for   non­commission   officers   and soldiers in the Lao People's Army infantry regiments now" is an issue 

of independence, unduplication

3.2. Issues the thesis to focus on solvement 

Firstly, studying and clarifying basic issues for improvement of political education for non­commission officers and soldiers in the Lao People's Army infantry regiments now. Full recognizing movement, its development; and based on this to analysis basically, the system of 

Secondly,   practical   investigation,   detailed   full comprehensive evaluation of reality and withdrawal of experience for improving political education quality for NOC, S in the Lao People's Army infantry regiments now

Thirdly,  analyzing  the development  of  the situation  tasks, defining   requirements   and   proposing   major   solution   system, synchronous, feasible improving quality for NOC, S in the infantry regiment Laos People’s Army now

QUALITY FOR NOC, S AT INFANTRY REGIMENT OF LAOS 

PEOPLE’S ARMY 1.1. Political education for NOC, S in the infantry regiments under Lao People’s Army

1.1.1. The infantry regiments and non­commission officers,   soldiers at infantry regiments under Lao People’s Army

* Overview of general situation of infantry regiments

The Lao People's Army infantry regiment was in the regular   army, a very important part of the People's Armed Forces, tools   sharp   violence,   political   forces   trust,   really   loyal   Party,   the   Democratic   Republic   Lao   citizens,   willing   to   force,   combat   maneuvers tied each meter of land, each citizen, solving tasks on   regional operational units in charge, arranged stationed in strategic   areas of the country ­ security of the country.

  Regarding staffing organizations include: The regimental 

commander with the heads of the political, military heads and deputy heads of the political, military and logistics deal ­ technical. The staff consists of: Political Committee, the Board of Logistics ­ Technical, Office and the infantry battalion, attached great team

Regarding organizing Party: Party of the infantry regiments 

is an important component in the system of Party organizations in the Lao   People's  Army   by  the   Ministry  of   Defence  Party  decided   to establish;   It   operates   under   the   direct   leadership   of   the   Party Committee of the Ministry of Defense, the direction and guidance of TCCT; is organized on the basis of the party; battalion grassroots party, the Party branch in the college team. Primary team members, have organized the party platoon, company were spending ministries have party committees battalion base, a regiment with Party

stop and defeat any conspiracy, sabotage tricks of the enemy forces, firmly safeguard the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and   protection   of   the   Party   ,   protect   mode,   protect   people   and revolutionary gains stationed in the province. Fourthly, increasing production of high­performance life, morale for the troops and with other   units,   local   authorities   conducted   mass   agitation   work   to consolidate   the   political   system,   disaster   prevention,   economic development , reducing poverty, improving the material life ­ the spirit of the people and contribute to political stability, social order and safety in the province stationed unit area.

* Operation of the infantry regiments 

Firstly,   the   operation   of   the   infantry   regiments   is   rather diverse, ongoing intense, requiring officers and soldiers to have high determination will to accomplish duty. Secondly, the activities of the infantry regiment happening in many mountainous areas, midland, terrain,   various   weather   conditions   and   all   aspects,   especially material   facility   privation   Thirdly,   the   activities   of   the   infantry regiments will require the close cooperation with the committees, local government and the Armed Forces in the defense area of  the locality where the unit was stationed. Fourthly, the infantry regiments 

on training duty, being ready to combat often station on strategic areas of defense ­ security, in the remote, but should be ready to maneuver combat on every part of Nation in necessary circumstance

* Non­commission officers and soldiers in the infantry regiments Non­commission officers and soldiers in the infantry regiments  are union members, youths who were carefully selected regarding their  physical,   political   background,   social   relations,   family;   are  a  force   occupying large proportion of the units are marshalled in the modern   layout teams, platoons and squads; is the main force complete political   tasks of the unit; core force in the construction industry, combat and   military maturity; is also very important resources for social provision   after completing defense obligation.

* Basic feature of non­commission officers and soldiers

Firstly,   NOC,   S   is   the   soldiers   who   are   still   performing defense Obligations Act, the main force to perform the tasks of the unit   and   nation­building   in   the   future   Secondly,   NOC,   S   in   the infantry regiment regularly trained, ready to fight (SSCD), fight and perform other duties assigned unexpected. Thirdly, NOC, S under the social   impact   should   movements   are   more   complex   thoughts. Fourthly,   NOC,   S   in   the   infantry   regiment   diversity   of   birth, 

ethnicity,   religion,   education,   political   awareness   and   demand preferences.

1.1.2   Basic   issues   of   political   education   for   non­ commission officers and soldiers in the infantry regiments under   Lao People’s Army

* Myth: Political education for non­commission officers and   soldiers  in  the  infantry   regiments  under  Lao   People’s  Army   that   purposeful activity, organized by committees, party organizations,   heads of political, military, political bodies and staff politburo in the   infantry regiment with the program, content and manipulate realistic   flexible,   innovative   forms   and   measures   to   equip   the   basics   of   Marxism   ­   Leninism,   views   Cay   Phôm   smarting   because   he,   the  views   of   the   Party   lines   and   policies   and   laws   of   the   State,   the   military mission and the unit; revolutionary traditions of the Party   and   the   nation,   the   army   and   the   infantry   regiments;   mission,   military authorities contribute formative revolutionary soldier with   strong   political   spirit,   the   will   to   win,   ready   to   receive   and   successfully completed all the tasks assigned.

Goal   of   Policitcal   Education  is   to   improve   political 

engligntening,   helping   non­commissoned   officer   and   soldiers   to grasp thoroughly pathway and point of view of the Party, as well as policy and laws by the State; nurturing political skill and spirit, spirit 

of revoluntary vigilance, communist trust, and strong will of fingting, fostering   revolutionaly   thinking,   sentiment   and   ethics,   as   well   as sense   of   disciplinary   organization,   habit   and   behaviour,   sense   of responsibility   in   fulfilling   duties   To   educate   non­commissoned officer and soldiers how to become good peope as a man

Forces   involved   in   Political   Education  for   non­

commissoned officer and soldiers in infantry regiments are staff of officers, party members and public organizations

Political Education Content: Firstly, to provide with necessary 

knowledge,   the   core   of   Marxism   ­   Leninism,   views   Kaysone Phomvihane   as   basis   for   non­commissoned   officer   and   soldiers   to thoroughly grasp of policy, pathway of the Party, consolidating fighting 

confidence   and   thinking  Secondly,  To   educate   non­commissoned 

officer and soldiers to firmly grasp of perspective and orientatiion of politics, the Party's guidelines and policies, the State laws and policies, the   situation   of   revolutionary   duty,   military   duty,   defense,   military 

missions and units  Thirdly, to nurture   non­commissoned officer and 

soldiers  with historical traditions of the nation, of the party, the army and units; love the motherland, solidarity, international cooperation and 

Form   of   Political   Education:  First,   centralized   political  study  Second,   political   activity  Third,   to   efficiently   organize 

activities such as reading newspapers, listening to radio, watching 

TV on orderly manner. Fourth, notice of news and political affairs.  Fifth, day of politics, culture and spirit. Sixth, self­taught form.

Political   Education   (PE)   Methodology:   First,   to   promote 

democracy, enhance self­criticism and criticism in PE to promote intellectual   and   responsibilities   of   non­commissoned   officer   and soldiers   Second,   the   method   of   persuasion   education, exemplification is a highly effective method of PR. Third, combining overall   education   with   individual   education   is   also   an   effective measure for PE. Fourth, practice of lecture method. Fifth, to perform examination   and   evaluation   of   PE   seriously,   showing   the encouragement,   reward   timely,   understanding   and   addressing   the phenomenon of distorted, wrong thought, action. Sixth, PE has been conducted in the army during the service time of non­commissoned officer   and   soldiers,   attaching   to   training   missions,   availble   for fighting,   military   labor   to   fostering   political   spirit   of   non­commissoned officer and soldiers

not   the   same  Forthly,   contents   of   PE   is   diversified,   subject   to  inheritance,   addition   and   development.  Fifthly,   PE   for   non­

commissoned officer and soldiers are introduced along with other activities of the units

* Roles of PE for non­commissoned officer and soldiers in 

infantry regiment in Lao’s People’s Army

First,   PE   is   contributive   to   raising   the   level   of   political enlightenment for non­commissoned officer and soldiers in the Lao People's   Army   infantry   regiments   Second,   PE   has   an   important contribution to consolidating and building confidence, identifying the motive force, sense of responsibility to the non­commissoned officer and   soldiers   in   education,   training,   working   and   building   units. Thirdly,   PE   directly   contributes   to   fostering   and   raising   ethical revolution, consciousness of discipline and perfect personality for non­commissoned officer and soldiers in the Lao People's Army infantry regiments. Fourth, PE has a hand in building a clean organization and building a strong unit comprehensively improving the combat power availability for fighting and won for the infantry regiments. Fifth, PE contributes to improving the political, practical operational capacity of non­commissoned  officer   and  soldiers  in  combating  against   wrong thoughts,   hostility,   firmly   safeguarding   the   Party's   ideological battlefield in the infantry regiments

1.2. Basic problems of the quality and quality improvement 

of political education for non­commissioned officers and soldiers  

in the infantry regiment of Lao People's Army 

1.2.1. Quality of political education for non­commissioned  officers   and soldiers   in the   infantry   regiment of   Lao People's  Army

*  Concept: The quality of PE for non­commissoned officer  and soldiers in the Lao People's Army infantry regiment is the sum of   values of activities in the implementation of stages, steps; programs,   content, form, method of education, which is focusedly reflected on   the quality and capacity of the subject and responsiblity attitude,   ability of the object as well as other conditions ensuring reaching out  

to goal and requirements identified.

Factors that constitute quality for PE for non­commissoned  officer and soldiers: First, the quality and capacity of PE subject 

including   party   committees,   heads   of   political,   military,   political bodies   and   political   cadres,   particularly   the   political   staff   college