Phan Văn Giang was born in October 14, 1960 in Núi Hột village,
Đồng Hỷ district,
Thai Nguyen province but his hometown is Hồng Quang Commune,
Nam Trực district,
Nam Định province. Giang began his military career in August 1978, initially serving as an information soldier in 4th Battalion, 677th Regiment of
PAVN's 346th Division. His skills were put to the test during the
border conflict in February 1979, where he fought at the height of 893 near Pát village of
Trà Lĩnh District,
Cao Bằng Province. In November 1979, he was selected to study at the Vietnam Military College of Tank Armour Officer to specialize in tank and armor command. In December 1982, he was admitted to the
Communist Party of Vietnam. In September 1983, after he graduated from the College of Tank Armour Officer with a Bachelor's degree in tank and armored command and staff, Giang was promptly promoted to Lieutenant and assigned to the 312th Division of 1st Army Corps. Over the years, he assumed various leadership roles within the division, including Platoon Leader and Deputy Commander, while also pursuing advanced training at the National Defense Academy, where he has earned a doctorate in military science. == High posts ==