Defence Services Technological Academy

Defense Services Technological Academy
တပ်မတော် နည်းပညာ တက္ကသိုလ်
Motto	Creativity, Honour, Capability Technology for Military Might
Established	1993[1]
Type	Public
Rector	Brigadier General Nyo Saw
Undergraduates	1800
Postgraduates	300
Doctoral students	40
Location	Pyin Oo Lwin, Mandalay Division, Myanmar
Campus	4,500 acres (18 km2)
Former names	Defence Services Institute of Technology (DSIT)

The Defence Services Technological Academy (DSTA) (Burmese: တပ်မတော် နည်းပညာ တက္ကသိုလ်, pronounced [taʔmədɔ̀ nípjɪ̀ɴɲà tɛʔkəθò]), located in Pyin-Oo-Lwin, Myanmar, is the premier technological university of the Myanmar Armed Forces. One of the most selective universities in the country, the academy offers various Bachelor of Engineering degrees to male cadets only. Upon graduation, most DSTA cadets are commissioned as Engineering Officers with the rank of Lieutenant in one of the three branches of Burmese armed forces--army, navy, and air force. Some qualified cadets may choose (or be chosen) to pursue further education in Yangon Technological University, Mandalay Technological University or abroad.

History

The Defence Services Technological Academy was established as the Defence Services Institute of Technology (DSIT) in 1993^[1] when all civilian colleges and universities in Myanmar were shut down by the military government, following the 1988 nationwide uprising. The military went on to establish a parallel system of colleges and universities for itself, including DSTA, Defence Services Medical Academy, and Defence Services Institute of Nursing and Paramedical Science.

The first "intake" of students graduated with Bachelor of Engineering (BE) degrees in 1999.^[2] The academy's graduation ceremonies, as with those of all other military-run academies, are attended by the highest ranks of the military government.^[3]

Admissions

As of January, 2008, no women cadets are accepted for the DSTA.^{[citation needed]}

As one of elite academies in military ruled Myanmar, the academy maintains a rigorous selection process, including physical fitness testing, ability for teamwork and comradeship screening, psychometric and general interviews. The entrance selection process takes about 5 to 7 days at Myanmar Military Officer Selection Board in Yangon. According to official statistics, DSTA takes 1 out of 145 applicants at selection process.^{[citation needed]}

Programs

The academy offers five-year Bachelor of Engineering degree programs in various disciplines, but primarily in Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Engineering in addition to required cadet training.

Cadet training also includes basic military skills, including leadership, through a military programs that begins on their first day at DSTA. Cadets divided into one of two battalions--Anawrahta or Bayinnaung. Each battalion is divided into ten companies, in the structure of Burmese army. Most military training takes place during the winter, with new cadets undergoing Cadet Basic Training--or Beast Barracks—the first year, followed by Cadet Field Training in the second year. Cadets are housed in barracks and have leadership positions and responsibilities throughout the academic year.

Qualified DSTA graduates may pursue further education at Yangon Technological University or Mandalay Technological University. Some are selected to study abroad.

Campus

The DSTA campus is located in Wet-Won, near Pyin-Oo-Lwin on the Mandalay-Lasho highway, and on the opposite side of town from its sister school, Defence Services Academy. DSTA is part of the military education facilities established around Pyin Oo Lwin area which is also home to Defence Services Administration School, and the Army Training Depot.^[4] Engineering majors are 1 ST 2 TR 3 WR 4 NA 5 Marine 6 AE 7 Mechanical 8 EC 9 EP 10 MEC 11 AEP 12 AEC 13 MEE 14 Chemical 15 Metallugical

See also

• Defence Services Academy
• Defence Services Medical Academy
• Defence Services Institute of Nursing and Paramedical Science
• Yangon Technological University
• Mandalay Technological University

References

1. ^ ^{a b} Helen James (2005). Governance and Civil Society in Myanmar. Routledge. p. 102. ISBN 0415355583, 9780415355582. 
2. ^ "Defence Services Institute of Technology". Burmese American Democratic Alliance. http://www.badasf.org/education.htm. Retrieved 2008-12-13. 
3. ^ Thet Khaing (2006-01-09). Military engineers urged to maintain adaptability. The Myanmar Times. http://www.myanmar.com/myanmartimes/MyanmarTimes15-299/n006.htm. 
4. ^ Clive Parker (2006-10-28). "Inside Myanmar's secret capital". http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/HJ28Ae01.html. Retrieved 2008-12-13.