2023-12-11 19:24:00
The eighteen young people miss nothing of the information bombarded by the recruiter. On career possibilities, sport – “hyperimportant” -, medical and psychological tests, places of barracks, type of contract (fixed-term at the beginning), salary… “The basic remuneration is 1990 euros ( raw) at the start of training” for the future infantry soldier. “I don’t know many jobs where you get paid before even being trained,” he smiles.
Defense organized Monday, at the Charleroi City of Trades, an information session for young people interested in a military career. The army is increasing recruitment initiatives. With Forem, companies, Siep (information service on studies and professions), in schools…
The barracks in Den Helder, not even afraid
Yousri, 27, would like to see himself as a rifleman in the navy. “The sea fascinates me. I’ve been thinking about joining the army for a few years. I said to myself: ‘Go ahead, you’re 27, it’s time to get started’.” “In the navy, you can’t be afraid to go out. Minimum one hundred days per year,” explains the recruiter. The barracks, of course, are on the coast. Even in Den Helder, in the north of the Netherlands, since the Belgian and Dutch navies work closely together. “We have seen the profile of the soldier: you have to be flexible, available, and courageous too. And that starts with training.”
These constraints do not frighten Yousri. “I am someone with a good head on my shoulders. Where there’s a will, there’s a way. It’s a question of motivation and discipline, he says, confidently. I want to support my country. I want to be part of the Defense.”
Military personnel are feeling better and better
Amina is only 17 years old. She was one of four young women at the information session. And the army, obviously, is his thing. “I’ve wanted to join the infantry since I was 14. I like openness, risk, courage. I think it’s a good choice for my future and for the future of the company. But what I like most about Defense is the solidarity. In combat, we must help each other, otherwise we die. There is too little solidarity in other professions. In the army, you have to have confidence in your team.”
Although the number of women in Defense reached a record in 2022 – 10% of the total – they remain a very small minority. “Yes, I thought about it. With my small size and my small body, what am I going to do in front of a stupid guy, Amina jokes. But I have courage, I have confidence in myself. And Defense is something I’ve wanted to do since I was little.”
More than 10% of Belgian soldiers are women: “We expect feminization to continue”
In the audience on Monday, there was also a rather special guest: the Minister of Defense, Ludivine Dedonder (PS), for whom recruitment (2,500 soldiers per year) and the working conditions and remuneration of soldiers are priorities. She presented the results of a study which shows that the satisfaction of Defense personnel has improved significantly since 2021. Proof, according to her, that her policy is bearing fruit.
Ludivine Dedonder (PS), Minister of Defense.
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