A scalable armed force adapts to threats. The organization must be large enough to deter and compact again in peacetime.
“This requires a different way of working, training, and organizing,” explains the Secretary of State. “It is time to swiftly implement necessary changes in the armed forces so that we are ready when needed.”
The required professional soldiers, reservists, and civilian personnel must not only flow in faster but also be trained and integrated into standing units more quickly.
Tuinman: “I hereby call on our non-commissioned officers, the backbone of our armed forces. They have traditionally been familiar with taking responsibility.”
Strong through volume and smart through specialization
Defence is designing both a peace and a wartime organization. “We are moving towards an armed force of professional soldiers. Additionally, there will be a substantial flexible layer,” Tuinman explains. “This consists of units with reservists. This change will lead to an armed force that is strong through volume and smart through specialization. Proportional rights to position will accompany this. There may even be a new name for reservists.”
Service model
Defence is also expanding the service model. The organization is scaling the service year up to 1,500 people. In addition, there will be a resilience training of 10 to 12 weeks for young people. Immediately afterwards, they become reservists. With a defense minor at the higher professional education level, this is also possible for students. For secondary vocational and university levels, Defence is still exploring the possibilities.
No new conscription obligation
There will also be a voluntary survey for 18 to 27-year-olds. They will be asked if they are interested in a job with Defence. Furthermore, Defence is examining how it can attract underrepresented groups, such as women. The conscription obligation will not be reintroduced.
Attractive employer
Working for Defence must become more attractive. Tuinman: “We need to be less selective, pay more attention to the individual, and offer challenging work. We will modernize training and expand training capacity. The motto is: ‘Defence has a place for everyone’.”
New paths
The implementation of all these measures requires, according to the Secretary of State, flexibility, adaptability, and perseverance. “We will implement on a large scale and learn from it. We need to explore new paths and require everyones involvement. We will leave no one behind.”