In this article, we list the 5 Countries with the Most Reserve Military Manpower in the World. If you would like to read our detailed discussion of the topic and see the complete list, go to 15 Countries with the Most Reserve Military Manpower in the World.
5. Philippines
Total reserve military manpower: 1,200,000
The Philippines Army has a major support program named Philippine Army Reserve Command which was specifically proposed for the management and organization of the reserve force. As of 2024, the total reserve military manpower in the Philippines is 1,200,000. The Reserve Command Philippine Army has a basic ROTC (Reserve Officers Training Corps) to provide training to the reservists who join through the semester program.
4. Russia
Total reserve military manpower: 2,000,000
Being the largest country in the world, the Russian military is a mixed force of professionals and conscripts who are capable of conducting a full range of operations. As of 2024, Russia has a reserve military manpower of 2,000,000. Russia has raised the upper age limit for men who are called for compulsory military service to 30, and the country has also maintained a mobilized reserve including men who signed up to receive military training periodically after their professional service ends.
3. Taiwan
Total reserve military manpower: 2,310,000
Having the 24th most powerful military in the world, Taiwan’s military primary responsibility is the defense of the country’s sovereignty and external security. As of 2024, Taiwan has a reserve military manpower of 2,310,000. In recent times, Taiwan has greatly mobilized its military reserves and society to respond to natural and man-made disasters.
2. South Korea
Total reserve military manpower: 3,100,000
Ranked number two on the list, the South Korean military is known for having professional personnel who train regularly for multinational and bilateral exercises. As of 2024, the military manpower of South Korea is 3,100,000. Male citizens from Korea who have been discharged from the military are automatically placed in Reserve Forces for the coming six to eight years. Every person part of the reserve personnel must attend multiple training sessions each year.
1. Vietnam
Total reserve military manpower: 5,000,000
Topping the list is Vietnam, with a reserve military manpower of 5,000,000 in 2024. People’s Army of Vietnam (PAVN), the national military force of Vietnam, includes the Ground Force, Navy, Air Force, Border Guard, and Coast Guard. PAVN is one of the largest militaries in its region and has participated in numerous conflicts since it was founded in the mid-1940s.
In 2022, the Vietnamese army used 2.3% of the country’s total GDP for military expenditure. Also, Vietnamese male citizens aged 18 to 25 are required to perform compulsory military service.
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