STRENGTH - COURAGE - READINESS is the motto of this year's Voluntary Military Training

Following a two-year pause over the coronavirus pandemic, the Ministry of Defence has resumed its Voluntary Military Training (VMT). Those interested in joining the VMT programme are invited to submit their application for the VMT selection procedure. To reach out to the public, the MOD has launched a new website – www.vojenskapriprava.sk – where all useful information is concentrated in one place and where you can sign up for the VMT selection process.

Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď said: “Largely because of the impact of the military conflict in Ukraine, our members of the public are getting more interested in their security and in the defence of the State. For many, it is Voluntary Military Training that can give them a chance to work harder on their strength, courage and readiness to defend themselves and their country in a way that is legally compliant under the watchful eyes of real professionals.”

By the end of the 11-week VMT programme, running from 6 July to 23 September 2022, they will have developed basic soldiering skills at the Training and Mobilisation Replenishment Base Martin. On completion of the training, they will be eligible to receive a one-off payment of €1,300. In addition to basic military knowledge and soldiering skills, a large focus of the training will be on handling weapons, increasing physical fitness and mental resistance levels, as well as instilling military discipline in soldiers.

After training completion, they will be in line for the promotion to 2nd Class Private and transferred to the Reserves with the option to join the Active Reserves (AR). If so, they will be called upon to deploy on crisis management operations at home. This year, the MOD has the ambition to train 150 VMT soldiers.

For more information and application forms, go to www.vojenskapriprava.sk.