Slovaks consider voluntary military training important

Slovaks believe voluntary military training is important for preparing the population to defend their homeland, according to a public opinion poll carried out at the turn of October and November on a sample of 1,247 respondents. As many as 72.4 percent of the respondents find it important for this form of voluntary military training to continue in the future. When asked about measures to increase the country's defence capability, more than half of the respondents think that every young and healthy man should take part in voluntary military training. However, the survey showed that only one in five of the respondents aged between 18-35 would be interested, while three quarters were not interested and 5 percent were undecided. In addition to becoming reservists, those who have complete voluntary military training will have the option of becoming active reservists. The poll showed that a financial contribution is among the most important motivational factors to join the active reserves for 76.1 percent of respondents. The voluntary military training project is one of the Defence Ministry's priorities, so it has decided to make it more attractive and make several other changes. The ministry has proposed shortening the training course from 12 weeks to 11, at the same time increasing the financial contribution paid to participants from €375 to €575. On top of that, those who have undergone training will have easier access to the ranks of the military, police and fire brigade. The training of new volunteers should continue under the new conditions, probably in the autumn of 2017.