Voluntary soldiers sign up

A total of 244 candidates (46 women) have enrolled for the Voluntary Military Training (VMT) project this year. Those interested in VMT were requested to complete and return their application forms no later than 23 June. Statistically, most applicants came from the Košice region (52), while the lowest enrolment levels were in the Trnava region (16). The same number of applications (36) was received in the Banská Bystrica and Prešov regions. The project drew the attention of 29 applicants in the Bratislava region, followed by the regions of Nitra (27), Žilina (25) and Trenčín (23). In terms of age, the youngest voluntary soldier is 19, while the oldest is 43. The total enrolment figures may still rise as applicants could have sent their applications by post.

The VMT Amendment Act, sponsored by the SVK MOD with the inclusion of an amending proposal by the Slovak National Party Parliamentary Club to increase the pay rate to 1,100 euros, has proved to be the right step ahead. Thanks to an uplift to the original training conditions, VMT is now more attractive for people.

The enrolled candidates are now expected to go through the admission process in the coming days. They will undergo medical and psychological screening. Annually, the MOD plans to train up to 150 VMT soldiers, who will, upon successful completion of VMT, move into the SVK Armed Forces Reserves, as well as having the option to join the Active Reserves. Provided that they show interest in enlisting into the SVK Armed Forces, they won't be obliged to serve in the Preparatory State Service before becoming military professionals.

This year's training of VMT members will run from 2 August until 17 October 2017 at the Training and Mobilisation Replenishment Base Martin.