The Myanmar’s modern military, originally celebrated as a liberating force against colonial rule and was established in 1941, was affectionately known as the Tatmadaw, which translates to “Royal Armed Forces”. This title, signifying national glory, shifted negatively after 1962 when General Ne Win’s coup d’état began an era of over six decades of military dominance. This period, defined by authoritarian governance and self-serving priorities, is widely considered the darkest chapter in Myanmar’s history.

Myanmar’s modern military origins dated back to December 28, 1941, with the formation of the Burma Independence Army (BIA) by the Thirty Comrades, led by Aung San, which aimed to terminate British colonial rule. The force underwent several changes, becoming the Burma Defense Army (BDA) in 1942 and then the Burma National Army (BNA) in 1943. Finally, BNA and anti-fascist resistance forces covertly formed the Patriotic Burmese Force (PBF), realigning with the Allies to oust the Japanese on March 27, 1945, known as Anti-fascist Resistance Day. (1)

General Aung San, the architect of Myanmar’s modern military, articulated the Tatmadaw’s code of conduct at the Military Academy’s first inaugural graduation on March 13, 1944. He advocated for a Tatmadaw dedicated to serving and protecting the nation and its people, regardless of ethnic and religious backgrounds, not to serve the interests of any individual, group, or political entity. He emphasized that Tatmadaw should be the servant of the country, not the other way around. Tragically his assassination on July 19, 1947, curtailed his vision, and over time, the military became a symbol of corruption and power misuse.

After declaring independence on January 4, 1948, Myanmar was engulfed in civil war. The democratic government was eclipsed and eventually toppled by the military under General Ne Win on March 2, 1962. Ne Win, under the disguise of defending unity and sovereignty, dictated Burma single-handedly, instituting a new constitution in 1974 and establishing the Burma Socialist Program Party. His rule was notorious for totalitarian, isolationist practices, and civil clashes with Communist insurgents and ethnic factions, known........

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