Czech General Staff raises concerns over army recruitment challenges

In the Czech Republic, recruitment rates for the professional army this year have been disappointing.

Chief of General Staff Karel Rzegka made this statement during the opening of the Prague exhibition, “Twenty Years Since the Abolition of Compulsory Military Service", Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Rzegka remarked, “This year's figures are not good at all, and the trend is bad,” highlighting the need for more drastic measures as “the army is no longer competitive.” He emphasized that there is currently no discussion in the Czech Republic about reinstating compulsory military service. “I think something like that is unrealistic in the foreseeable future because there is no public consensus on this,” he added.

However, he noted that serious consideration must be given to the implications of abolishing compulsory military service.

Deputy Defense Minister František Šulc pointed out that the Czech Republic is facing several negative trends, including a declining demographic curve, pressure on the labour market, and an ageing population — all of which are impacting the professional army. “If society's approach to defence training does not change, big problems await us in the future,” he warned.

At the beginning of this year, the Czech Defense Ministry reported having 27,826 professional soldiers and 4,266 members of the active reserve.

In July, it was disclosed that the Czech Republic had supplied Ukraine with 62 tanks, 131 infantry fighting vehicles, and 26 chemical reconnaissance vehicles, along with 16 air defence systems, 13 howitzers, and 12 multiple rocket launchers. The country also provided ammunition and small arms.

Additionally, the Czech Republic has announced plans for joint exercises with the United States.

By Tamilla Hasanova