SVK MOD to launch a campaign in support of Voluntary Military Training with the motto: “Our country needs each of us – YOU TOO!”

These days the SVK MOD is launching a marketing and communication campaign to increase public awareness of the Voluntary Military Training (VMT) scheme. The MOD seeks to reach out to as many young people as possible, to awaken their interest in the defence of our country on the principle of voluntariness, and to strengthen their patriotism. The motto of this year’s campaign is: “Our country needs each of us – YOU TOO!”

 
SVK Minister of Defence Peter Gajdoš said: “In line with the SVK Government Manifesto Commitments and the Slovak National Party Manifesto, Voluntary Military Training is among our priorities. And it is high time we considered ways to stimulate people’s interest in the defence of our country and touch them to the extent that they see it as their honour and duty. Therefore, we are not giving up on the VMT project and we are ready to train more young people.”
 
As part of this year’s campaign, the MOD has prepared a VMT promotion video which will be screened across the cinemas in Slovakia’s regional capitals. The video will be distributed via the Facebook and YouTube social networks. Additionally, the campaign counts on the billboard advertising at Coach Terminals and Train Stations, whilst some MOD and Army recruitment cars will be decorated with an outer decal design promoting VMT.
 
The campaign will also feature lectures and military physical training competitions for secondary school goers, which represent a potential source of candidates. The MOD will distribute brochures and posters to all secondary schools, colleges and universities in Slovakia, education branches at the regional administrative offices, job centres, and municipalities. Currently, the MOD is looking into ways to ensure a media partnership with media representatives. Moreover, VMT will be promoted in the MOD-sponsored Defence Monthly, which is distributed to secondary schools, colleges and universities on a monthly basis. The campaign will be officially launched by the MOD and SVK Armed Forces leaders in a joint press conference.
 
The Voluntary Military Training scheme is aimed at young people who wish to undergo military training. Thanks to this, they will have developed the skills and knowledge essential to enable them to perform military and crisis management tasks. Over the course of the 11-month-long VMT training, the trainees will be provided with free accommodation and catering, and the transport costs will be fully reimbursed to them. They will also receive military clothing and weapons for training and are entitled to a lump sum payment of over €1,100 for the entire duration of the training.