2023-11-21 15:16:00
Report in our video at the top of this article.
King Philippe visiting Camp Roi Albert in Marche-en-Famenne Jacques Duchateau ©Jacques Duchateau
The defense is currently facing recruiting challenges. Indeed, although campaigns to attract new personnel within defense have met with some success, this is, a priori, not sufficient to ensure the framework.
The king spoke with Lieutenant General Thierry Esser, Director General of Human Resources of Defense. During a work meeting, they were able to take stock of recruitment within the army.
King Philippe visiting Camp Roi Albert in Marche-en-Famenne Jacques Duchateau ©Jacques Duchateau
Lieutenant General Esser: “Defense still recruits around 2,500 soldiers per year. These are the numbers we set for ourselves.”
This does not compensate for natural departures, since around 1,300 soldiers retire each year. “There is also a phenomenon of departure at the start of a career. This represents 1,300 young people.” Then, other departures occur during their careers, representing several hundred people.
King Philippe visiting Camp Roi Albert in Marche-en-Famenne Jacques Duchateau ©Jacques Duchateau
If we count correctly, there are fewer recruits than departures. Hence an accounting deficit, partly absorbed by the engagement of civilians. “We have the ambition, in 2026, to recruit up to 2,800 soldiers. But also 460 civilians. It is civilians who allow us to increase the number of workers in defense.”
The king was able to meet young soldiers in training but also young people from the College of Labor Chaplains, in Charleroi, who are learning the various security professions. Five workshops presenting defense professions were on the program: five stands where personnel in training were able to demonstrate the know-how already acquired. But also a civilian company which maintains military equipment.
The Ardennes hunters were also able to demonstrate their military capabilities through a shooting simulation exercise.
King Philippe visiting Camp Roi Albert in Marche-en-Famenne Jacques Duchateau ©Jacques Duchateau
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