Interest in joining SVK Armed Forces reaches record-breaking decade high

Interest in joining the Armed Forces has reached a record-breaking decade high this year. Over the first five months of this year, the MOD has received a total 2,613 applications for staffing the 2nd Degree Private positions, which exceeds all annual average figures since 2011.

On greater interest of individuals in service with the Armed Forces, Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď said: “It is clear that the intense engagement of our service personnel in a variety of roles to protect the security of the State and the health of our citizens has accounted for the enormous interest in joining our excellent Armed Forces team. It is the pandemic that has brought the men and women in uniform closer to the public, as they have been an important mainstay of the country's crisis management for long months.” He underlined that the growing trend does not result from expensive recruitment ad campaigns, as was the case in the past, but on the contrary, it is the outcome of genuine interaction between the military and our citizens and, unlike in the past, it shows the MOD's quality and open communications with the public.

There is also lots of interest in pursuing studies at the General M. R. Štefánik Armed Forces Academy (AOS), with 854 applications received as of today. In response to this, there has been an increase in the number of AOS cadets – students up to 195.

Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď further explained: “For us, the growing trend means not only superb feedback for Armed Forces development, but also opportunities for personnel selection and manning. However, this process is conditioned by funding. Therefore, our main goal in this area is to staff all the existing positions and structures by available and qualified personnel.”

According to the SVK Armed Forces Personnel Office, most in demand are drivers with Category C and E licences in the other ranks, and IT specialists, electrical engineering specialists and medical professionals in the officer ranks.

The proposal for acceptance of SVK citizens for Active Duty Soldiers State Service takes account of the candidates' results achieved in the selection process (psychological and physical fitness tests), health condition, age, education, qualifications, courses useful for the Armed Forces, work experience, and free time activities.