The Czech defence minister Jaroslav Tvrdik has announced a bold plan to speed up the reform of the country's armed forces. If approved by the government and parliament, it would give the Czech Republic a fully professional army two years earlier than expected.
Jaroslav Tvrdik, photo: CTK
Serving a compulsory 12 months in the army may soon become a thing of the past. Originally, the aim was to have a fully professional force by the beginning of 2007, but defence minister Jaroslav Tvrdik says the interest in a military career among young men is so high that the army can afford to revise its plans and shorten the transition period by two years. Milan Kouril, head of the 33rd helicopter air base, agrees that this is a realistic goal:
"Today the army offers good career prospects, partially subsidised housing and an above average wage. The interest in this part of the country - central Moravia - is considerable, allowing us to select good candidates. If this trend is maintained it should be easy to train a professional force two years ahead of schedule."
Czech army, photo: CTK
The proposal would suit both sides - young men who do not want a career in the army would not waste a year of their lives doing military service and the army would not waste money training people who will never use the acquired knowledge. "Better focus on professionals and know where the input's going" the defence minister countered when the opposition Civic Democrats suggested shortening compulsory military service from 12 to six months in the course of the phasing out process. According to military experts this proposal would be even more costly and meaningless - because it would entail spending money on twice as many people who have no future in the army. If the ministry's plan is to work - the army would have to enrol an estimated 12,000 candidates - both male and female - in the course of 2003 and 2004. The country's higher unemployment rate and the favourable work prospects have now attracted a wave of candidates. Much depends on how the situation will develop and whether the army will be able to fill its "less lucrative" posts in such a short time. Unless it can, minister Tvrdik's bold scheme will not be given the green light in government and parliament, which have made it clear that there can be no question of endangering the army's battle-readiness even for a short period of time.
