Belgium’s defence sector received over 6,000 job applications in the first two months of this year, more than half of the record 10,000 received last year.
Minister of Defence Theo Francken (N-VA) announced this on Wednesday evening in the Chamber’s Defence Committee.
So far this year, 6,200 applicants have expressed interest in joining the Defence forces. At this rate, the military could receive 20,000 to 30,000 applications by the end of the year.
“We have never seen so much interest in Defence,” said Francken.
The Defence Minister expressed no concern about the recruitment needed to strengthen the military. However, he warned of a potential shortage of instructors.
Last year, 2,500 recruits – one in four applicants – were able to begin training, but if the number goes up to 20,000 to 30,000, only 1 in 12 to 1 in 8 would be able to start training, so many would be disappointed.
The minister pointed out that there were also shortages of beds, equipment, rifles, uniforms, and camps needed to support the increased intake.
The entire chain of resources must be able to keep up with the demand, he noted.
