Territorial defense students (; ) are a military youth organization in Thailand under control of the Royal Thai Army, and recently the Royal Thai Navy and Royal Thai Air Force. History Prior to World War II the Yuwachon Thahan (or "junior soldiers", Thai: ยุวชนทหาร) or more commonly referred to as Territorial Defense (Thai: รักษาดินแดน shortened as ร.ด in thai)were established in 1934 by Field Marshal Luang Pibulsonggram. At the beginning of World War II junior soldiers were sent to fight troops of the Japanese Empire that invaded southern Thailand on 8 December 1941. At the end of the war the junior soldiers were disbanded, but Lieutenant General Luang Chatnakrop (พล.ท. หลวงชาตินักรบ) created the territorial defense students to replace them in 1948. Requirements Thai nationality Age younger than 22 years Approval of parents or guardians A grade-point average above 2.50 or a certificate of passing senior scout A certificate of health. People with disabilities, fatal sickness, disease, or eye problems such as color blindness are not allowed. Body mass index of less than 35 for male, and less than 30 for female (obesity) Must have appropriate body height and size corresponding to age Passing a fitness test of an 800-meter run in 3 minutes 15 seconds, 34 sit-ups in two minutes, and 22 push-ups in two minutes. Female applicants have more relaxed requirements. Students are required to cut their hair so that the white of their scalp is visible on 3-sides, and a small patch of hair is visible on the top of the head. Applicants who do not meet fitness test requirements are ranked by their scores. Applicants with higher scores have priority. Applicants who do not meet other criteria may be accepted in a case-by-case basis. Number of applicants is proportional to the funding. Study Royal Thai Army Territorial Defense students have to study 80 hours per year and attend a period of field training, but commonly only for Grade 2 through Grade 5 students. The students must have a perfect presence for training course and are not allowed to skip any exams. At the end of every semester territorial defense students have to pass an exam to continue their study at the next grade. Territorial Defense students have to pass: Marksmanship test using a rifle, where the test parameters are related to grade Paper test of multiple-choice questions (Only for year 3 to 5 students) Physical test covering