First voluntary soldiers

The voluntary military training (VMT) programme was concluded by 22 men and 9 women during a ceremony where they swore the SVK Armed Forces Oath of Allegiance and were promoted into the rank of 2nd Degree Pte. During the 12-week training they acquired basic military skills in the following specialties: marksman, engineer, decontaminator, and signaller. According to the assessment of their commanders, they improved on physical fitness and psychological resistance, as well as achieving higher self-discipline levels. For their determination, perseverance, and the will never to give up the demanding training programme, SVK Minister of Defence Peter Gajdoš paid a visit to the Training Battalion Martin to show his support to the first VMT graduates.

“Despite the fact that many have doomed the voluntary military training to failure, it continues to be among the priorities of the SVK MOD, which we also committed ourselves to in the SVK Government Manifesto Commitments, because we are well aware of how important it is to awaken a sense of patriotism and responsibility for protecting our country among young people,” emphasised Minister Gajdoš. “I am pleasantly surprised at the voluntary soldiers' attitude, which they demonstrated on training through their great commitment and strong will to prove to themselves to be up for the demands of the training. And the result is just excellent,” concluded Chief of the General Staff Gen Milan Maxim. Named as the best graduate, Ján Bodorík wants to enlist in the military and become an active duty soldier.