Soldiers to stay maximum eight years in the military

Soldiers to stay maximum eight years in the military

In the future, soldiers will receive only fixed-term contracts of up to eight years in the Belgian army.

This is how Defence Minister Steven Vandeput (N-VA) intends to eradicate the problem of over-age soldiers. "This way, there will constantly be positions available for young people in the field", announced the minister's cabinet to the Mediahuis news group.

After eight years, soldiers will have the possibility to access higher functions or to specialize themselves, but most will have to leave National Defence.

Steven Vandeput does not intend however "to put these soldiers on the street" but to help them in their job search. Defence could train them to become police or prison officers, or help them find a job in a private security company.

The Minister also intends to give priority to these soldiers in selection procedures for civil service positions. 

(Source: Belga)


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