1/ So far, 3 captains (Nyi Thuta, Tun Myat Aung, Lin Htet Aung) and 1 navy lieutnant (Kaizar Aung) publicly announced their defections from #Tatmadaw. Based on their statements, they believe "many" others want to defect. One of them even said abt it's as high as 75%.

2/ I personally believe it to be true too as one of my childhood friend who's a military officer also said the same back in March. He said he is sad about (the coup and he doesn't believe many in the military would be happy too either. I've lost contact with him after that.

3/ Many of them are yet to defect because

1 - They have nowhere to go to apartment from apartments given by military.

2 - They have families & kids

3 - No access to external information due to internet blackout

4 - Constantly being monitored both online and outside

4/

5 - The punishment for disobeying order is too harsh and their families' lives are at risk.

6 - The distrust from the public even if they want to run away from the military.

7 - Uncertainty about winning as people don't have guns.

5/ Capt Lin Htet Aung also said that more soldiers will join with people once a federal army come into play. Most of them know what Tatmadaw is doing is unjust and cruel. But, they have too much to risk and are being pressured from the top constantly.

6/ Capt Lin Htet Aung also thinks the current combined-force of Tatmadaw (Army,Navy,Airforce) is just about 350K and they are being stretched thin due to multiple war fronts. So, though the Tatmadaw may have modern weapons, we can assume that the soldiers' morale is very low.

7/ If @CrphMyanmar can give assurance and guidance on providing these soldiers a save haven as well as vetting process for those who help them, we can weaken the Tatmadaw even further. If more defections come from within, there will be more time to form a stronger federal army.

Final/ As people, we need to shift our mindset and put a little faith in them to change. After all, we still need their help. We should welcome them if they genuinely want to join with us. Meanwhile, we can first start off with #leaflets like these to make them "think".

Ideas for leaflets ( pls ignore spellings) https://twitter.com/pyaezone/status/1379386976550330370