On 14th February the Government of Mongolia approved the launch of the "Student-Soldier" program with the aim to intensify civil defense preparedness, allowing students aged between 18 and 25 to serve in the army during their summer vacation. The program is also designed to create a legal environment for men who did not participate in national service.

The "Student-Soldier" program, based on the Presidential Decree 92, is included in an action plan of the Government of Mongolia. According to the Presidential Decree students who want to serve in the army will be granted their bachelor diploma along with a Military service certificate and will be able to get a job in state services.

The "Student-Soldier" program was launched on April 1st. The first phase of the program deployed over 500 students of the National University of Mongolia, the Mongolian University of Science and Technology, Mongolian State University of Education and other 69 national universities and colleges for military training.

Student soldiers study four areas of Defense legislation, Common tactics and Emergency Preparedness between 9.00 and 12.00 at weekends and study military preparedness.

Student soldiers will be sent to military exercises in Altanbulag Tuv province by June 15th after the completion of their academic study.

The student soldiers will take their oaths on June 28th, the day that the Presidential Decree was issued. There are many students who want to join the peacekeeping operation under the UN mandate.