The Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken (Flemish nationalist) has launched a new recruitment drive for the country’s military. During the next year the Belgian military intends to recruit a total 4,800 additional personnel. This will include both soldier and civilian support staff. The aim is to double the number of people that work for our country’s army, air force and navy between now and 2035.
During the coming year the Defence Minister and military chiefs intend to recruit 2,800 new soldiers, 1,050 reservists and 960 civilian support staff. Between now and 2035 up to 34,500 additional soldiers, 12,800 additional reservists and 8,500 additional civilian support staff will be recruited. This will constitute a doubling in the number of people employed by the Belgian military.
The recruitment campaign is for positions in all branches of the armed forces. The section of the military that deals with defence against cyber warfare in particular will be strengthened.
Mr Francken says that in order “to make our military effective again” a lot of new personnel will be required. He adds that although the plan is ambitious it is also realistic. Currently there are on average 4 applicants for every situation vacant within our armed forces.
The head of the Belgian military’s recruitment service Margot Van Waeyenberghe told VRT News that currently a wide range of skills are being sought.
We are looking for IT people, technicians, logistical staff, but also psychologists, prevention officers, etc. We have jobs on offer in every field and for people with every level of academic attainment.