Belgium sends invitations to 17-year-olds for voluntary service

Ministry of Defence launches national information campaign

The Belgian Ministry of Defence has started sending letters to all 17-year-old citizens of the country with a proposal to go through voluntary military service.
The initiative is aimed at attracting young people to the defence sector and increasing their interest in military service.

According to the Belgian newspaper The Brussels Times, such letters will be received by approximately 130 thousand teenagers.
The appeal explains that it is about not about compulsory military service, and about information invitation join the annual service programme for people aged 18 to 25.

Voluntary programme lasting one year

The programme provides an opportunity to one-year service in the Belgian Armed Forces with a further prospect of a professional contract.
Young people who are interested in the offer will be able to undergo basic training and then continue their service or acquire a military speciality.

The Belgian Minister of Defence stressed that the aim of the initiative is to strengthen the army's personnel reserve and create a «modern model of a new generation of service».

Staff shortages and new approaches to defence

Belgium, like most EU countries, has faced a number of challenges in recent years lack of military personnel.
The introduction of a voluntary programme for young people should be a tool to address this problem and increase trust in the armed forces.

The authorities see this campaign as the first step towards updating the reservist training system and strengthening defence capabilities in the face of new challenges in Europe.