Ha Giang’s geographical location is of special strategic importance to the Northwestern region and to the whole country. Over the past years, its Party committees, people and armed forces have focused on leading, directing the building of widespread powerful self-defence, militia, and reserved forces which play a key role in the implementation of military and defence work. To that end, one of the breakthrough solutions is to build strong and effective military party cells at grass roots level.

Self-defence and militia force of Ha Giang province practicing combat readiness

Thoroughly grasping resolutions, directives and instructions on strengthening the Party’s leadership over the implementation of local military and defence work and the consolidation of strong and widespread self-defence and militia forces in the new situation, the provincial military committee has coordinated with sectors and branches to implement and enhance the effectiveness of military party cells at grass roots level. To date, 100% of the communes in the province have established their military party cells pursuant to the Party Charter and instructions of superior levels, ensuring strict conformity with organizational principles, smooth operation with high quality. Major issues, focal tasks have all been discussed and agreed on in party meetings, thus strengthening the Party leadership over military and defence work at grass roots level. Quarterly, biquarterly and annually, those party cells hold reviews and seek solutions to overcome shortcomings and limitations. As a result, the effectiveness of leadership, direction over the military and defence work, the building of self-defence and militia force, socio-economic development, hunger eradication and poverty alleviation, defence and security have been maintained, meeting the requirements. Particularly, shortcomings and weaknesses in the operation of communes’ military command, especially in the area of building the all people’s defence and people’s heart and mind defence posture have been improved; the quality of the self-defence and militia forces at grass roots level has been enhanced significantly.

The establishment and operation of military party cells at grass roots level in the province of Ha Giang created several valuable experiences

First, it is necessary to strengthen the Party leadership and the advisory role of military party committees, local party committees and functional agencies, particularly at district level, in leading, instructing and inspecting the establishment and operation of military party cells at grass roots level. This matter is decisive to the establishment and effective operation of the cells.

Second, the foundation of the cells must stick to the Party’s principles and Charter, the instructions of higher levels and be realistic. This is an indispensable principle, ensuring high quality and efficiency of the cells’ operation.

Third, thoroughly coordinate all relations; resolutely overcome shortcomings and regularly pay attention to building those cells strong politically, ideologically and organizationally.

Fourth, regularly pay attention to planning, educating, training and admitting party members to the cells, first and foremost members of party committees, secretaries and vice-secretaries.

Senior Colonel Nguyen Son Ha

Commissar of Ha Giang Military Command