Hla Htay Win became the Joint Chief of Staff on 30 March 2011 with the rank of Lieutenant General. He continued to be a Lieutenant General until at least 18 March 2012 and during this time there was at least one alleged disappearance, killing, rape or torture committed by unit(s) under his command. He was promoted to the rank of General and held this rank from at least 16 October 2012 until his retirement in August 2015.