The year 1989 had changed the Army – from an instrument of repression into the certainty of protection for the state and its citizens
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- Date: 17.11.2022
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The Gentle Revolution – the 33rd anniversary of the downfall of communism in Czechoslovakia which we commemorate today – brought radical changes to what was then Czechoslovakia, with the struggle for freedom and democracy having a profound impact on the Czechoslovak People's Army.
In a statement on the Army's transformation, Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď said: “The Army was transformed very quickly from an offensive and repressive instrument of the totalitarian regime into a modern armed forces that would protect the state and its citizens, while at the same time being an active component of international security organisations.” Today's Armed Forces continue to uphold the values of democracy as one of the pillars of the state.
In 1989, we embarked on a journey that led to Slovakia's accession to NATO in 2004. Today, that journey continues as the fully professional Slovak Armed Forces introduce new capabilities into operational service and broaden their skills and ability to operate with our Allies. Most importantly, the Slovak Armed Forces are a stable partner on keeping peace in Europe. That is also largely thanks to November 1989.
The events of November 1989 led to a huge sweep of changes to the newly emerged Czechoslovak (Federal) Army. Particularly of note are the disbandment of the Army's communist political structures, a reduction in the length of military service as peacetime conscription from 24 months to 18 months, the introduction of community service as an alternative to military service, cuts to the conventional forces, a major racionalisation and reorganisation of units, and the restoration of reputation of the military personnel persecuted on political grounds in the years 1948-1989. Of significant mention are the dissolution of the Warsaw Pact (WP) and the withdrawal of Soviet Army occupation troops from Czechoslovakia, both in 1991.
In a statement on the Army's transformation, Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď said: “The Army was transformed very quickly from an offensive and repressive instrument of the totalitarian regime into a modern armed forces that would protect the state and its citizens, while at the same time being an active component of international security organisations.” Today's Armed Forces continue to uphold the values of democracy as one of the pillars of the state.
In 1989, we embarked on a journey that led to Slovakia's accession to NATO in 2004. Today, that journey continues as the fully professional Slovak Armed Forces introduce new capabilities into operational service and broaden their skills and ability to operate with our Allies. Most importantly, the Slovak Armed Forces are a stable partner on keeping peace in Europe. That is also largely thanks to November 1989.
The events of November 1989 led to a huge sweep of changes to the newly emerged Czechoslovak (Federal) Army. Particularly of note are the disbandment of the Army's communist political structures, a reduction in the length of military service as peacetime conscription from 24 months to 18 months, the introduction of community service as an alternative to military service, cuts to the conventional forces, a major racionalisation and reorganisation of units, and the restoration of reputation of the military personnel persecuted on political grounds in the years 1948-1989. Of significant mention are the dissolution of the Warsaw Pact (WP) and the withdrawal of Soviet Army occupation troops from Czechoslovakia, both in 1991.
