In the 1970s, when Min Ryan was studying in the Law Department of Yangon University, he had nothing to do with the prevailing political radicalism. One of his classmates described it this way: "He doesn't talk much and has always kept a low profile." When other students were busy taking part in street demonstrations, Min Ryan chose to apply for admission to Myanmar National Defense University. 1974 entered the exam for the third time and was admitted. A classmate said that Min's performance was mediocre and his promotion was slow, but he eventually surpassed the rank of middle-ranking officer. He used to be the Chief of Staff of the Myanmar Defence Force and the Director of the Second Special Operations Department of the Ministry of National Defense.

On March 30th, 20 1 1, he became the Commander-in-Chief of the National Defence Force of the Republic of Myanmar.

Before NLD won Myanmar's first democratic election in 25 years in June, 20 15+0 1, Min Aung Lai had never met with Aung San Suu Kyi one-on-one. However, after NLD won the election in June, 20 1 1, Min Anlai quickly promised to respect the election results.

In the months after the election, the military and NLD have been working out a framework for political cooperation after the transfer of power at the end of March. Min Aung Lai and Aung San Suu Kyi met at least three times. Minanglai knew that the military had a bad reputation in the past and tried to improve its image. People who know Min Aung Lai say that he is trying to emphasize the role that the military can play as a promoter in the current democratic transformation.