During the weekly “Ministers’ Hour” (Thurs. 4th June2015) the Minister of Defense, Ts. Tsolmon, talked about conversion and construction in the defense sector. 

-The document, “Governmental Authority of Military Policy”, which is being discussed by Parliament, is the result of colossal work by defense experts over the last 2-3 years. The armed forces, border troops, internal troops, and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) are all organized separately. Therefore, the document proposes merging these organizations under the Commander-in-Chief, (President of Mongolia). After, approval of this policy, some laws will be updated: in particular, the “Defense Law”,” Military Law”, “Law of Military Duty and Serving in the Army”, and others.

The Ministry of Defense (MoD) cannot update its weapons and equipment due to the lack of finance. Current defense spending is less than 1% of GDP. Therefore, we are concentrating on raising extra finance, from the “Armed Forces Development Fund ”, “External Co-operation Support” , and participating in “Mongolian Soldier – Construction Program”, approved in 2013.

Under this program, we are supporting internal producers of items required by the MoD.  In this connection, we have signed a memorandum with the Minister of Industry. Earlier today we opened an exhibition in the building of the “Military Song and Dance Ensemble” in order to give priority to internal producers to market their products.

Also, the Government is providing citizens with various ways to serve in the army. For example: the “Student Soldier Program” which was inspired by President Ts.Elbegdorj, has been running successfully for two years now. Last year 500 students are involved in this program; this year the number will be increased to 1000 participants.

State and Private Universities have plans to establish their own Military departments. The Mongolian National University has requested permission to establish a Military department in order to improve military knowledge, ability and disciplines.

Since 2002 a total of 11 thousand Mongolian soldiers have actively participated in UN Peacekeeping Operations; currently there are 942 soldiers in 6 countries.

So far this year, the Mongolian MoD has signed memorandums with 7 countries. Minister Tsolmon participated in the recent “Meeting of Defense Ministers” and Mongolian soldiers participated in the “Victory Day – 70th Anniversary Parade” in Moscow.  In addition, Mongolian soldiers have started their preparation for participating in the Beijing Parade this September.

Even though, soldiers are provided with apartments during their career, there are cases when retired soldiers have nowhere to live. Therefore, the MoD is launching a “Military Apartment Foundation” cooperating with banks and building companies to be repaid by mortgage credits.

At present a total of 531 Mongolian soldiers are studying abroad in total; most of them (357) in Russia.