Gam Maw left his wife and kids to join the Kachin Independence Army. He often prays for their safety. He decided to join the KIA voluntarily. This happened shortly after the new outbreak of fighting when volunteers started arriving in large numbers. Anyone can join the army, even women. Basic soldier training generally lasts three months. Among the Kachin, there is a social expectation that requires every family to send at least one of their adult children to one of the government departments of the KIO (Kachin Independence Organisation) or the KIA (Kachin Independence Army) for two years. After 2 years of service, many volunteers decide to stay full-time in service of the values and principles they learned. Thanks to this period, young Kachins have the opportunity to understand the reasons for the war and to commit themselves to the cause of independent nation-building. Most of them will remain working for the government or return to volunteer work when the need arises.