Military expenditures:
2.3% of GDP
(2018)
2.27% of GDP
(2017)
2.44% of GDP
(2016)
2.36% of GDP
(2015)
2.29% of GDP
(2014)
country comparison to the world (CIA rank, may be based on non-current data):
38
[see also: Military expenditures country ranks ]
Military forces:
People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN): PAVN Ground Forces, PAVN Navy (includes naval infantry), PAVN Air Force and Air Defense, Border Defense Force, and Vietnam Coast Guard; Vietnam People's Public Security; Vietnam Civil Defense Force
(2019)
Military service age and obligation:
18-27 years of age for compulsory and voluntary military service (females eligible for conscription, but in practice only males are drafted); conscription typically takes place twice annually and service obligation is 2 years (Army, Air Defense) and 3 years (Navy and Air Force)
(2019)
Maritime threats:
the International Maritime Bureau reports the territorial and offshore waters in the South China Sea as high risk for piracy and armed robbery against ships; numerous commercial vessels have been attacked and hijacked both at anchor and while underway; hijacked vessels are often disguised and cargo diverted to ports in East Asia; crews have been murdered or cast adrift; the number of reported incidents increased from two in 2017 to four in 2018, primarily near the port of Vung Tau
