Belgian Defence aims to attract more army reservists with law reform

The National Defence Committee in the Chamber of Representatives has approved a reform of the army reserve to make the status of reservist more attractive, Belgian Defence minister Ludivine Dedonder said on Thursday.

The defence ministry wants to recruit 2,500 military personnel this year and has 460 vacancies for civilian jobs. In addition, the ministry wants to recruit 1,050 reservists. The aim is to increase the number of employees to 29,100 by 1 January 2030.

This reform is designed to encourage soldiers, ex-servicemen and reservists to remain active in the reserves or to return after a break. For example, a professional soldier who is already retired can, at his or her request, be included in the reserve if the needs of the department allow it. Reservists will also no longer have to renew their application every year, Dedonder said.

The ministry will also explore the possibility of using the reserve for partnerships with the public and private sectors. "We must continue to inform employers about the added value of their employees' military profession for their civilian jobs," said Dedonder.

^{© BELGA PHOTO JONAS ROOSENS}