Belgian defence Minister Ludivine Dedonder (Francophone socialist/PS) is pressing for more people to sign up as army reservists. Yesterday, parliament approved the army reserve reform law. It provides greater opportunities for former soldiers and former reservists to reapply. Reservists no longer have to renew their application annually. Ms Dedonder is eying 1,050 new reservists.
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Defence Minister Ludivine Dedonder calls for people to join the army reserve
Colin Clapson
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According to the minister, more and more people are interested in the army: "The 2024 recruitment campaign includes 2,500 vacancies for military personnel, as well as 460 places for civilian staff and 1,050 places for reservists, including places for student reservists" .
Ms Dedonder’s appeal does not come out of the blue. Since the war in Ukraine that has been going on for almost two years the security situation in Europe has been a cause for concern. Russian President Vladimir Putin regularly speaks threatening language towards Europe and the Belgian chief of the defence staff Michel Hofman has already warned of a possible attack on the Baltic states.
The new threat necessitated a reform of army reserve legislation.
Measures include:
Retired professional soldiers will be able to join the reserve cadre at their own request.
Professional soldiers leaving the army will be able to join the reserve cadre for a period of 10 years.
Reservists can extend their term till the age of 60.
Pillar of defence
"The law makes it easier for reservists to join the defence department while taking account of their career path” Ms Dedonder says. "The reserve is a pillar of the defence department. I want to continue to strengthen it."