On Monday, September 23, the show “Bonsoir chez vous,” hosted by Saskia Violette, posed the question: should military service be made compulsory again? Around the theme “Is our army still up to par?“, Saskia Violette explored with her guests why the country is no longer investing in its military. Lawyer Nadia Bouria noted that this trend is not unique to the army. “It’s like in all major sectors; we no longer invest in justice, schools, or health. When a state can no longer allocate funds to these areas, it’s because its money is going elsewhere.” She added, “Today, the most significant expense is social security coverage.“
Mathieu Ladeveze, a French journalist with DH, stated he is surprised by the state of the Belgian army. “We never see the Belgian military. We don’t know where they are or what they’re doing. Without any negative preconceptions, I wonder what purpose this Belgian army serves? I hardly see it anywhere.” He believes this lack of visibility is one reason why there are fewer recruits: “The Belgian army is not appealing to young people; they don’t want to work there.“
Manuel Abramowicz, the founder of the site Resistances, argued, “There is funding available; we just won’t find it where it is needed.” He lamented, “It is unfortunate to say, but it’s a reality—the Belgian army has never gained significant glory. It only behaved like a real army on two occasions: in 1914-1918 and, regrettably, while under German command in the Waffen-SS.“
In the remainder of the program, the panel also addressed the rise in online scams.
The Future of Military Service in Belgium: Is Compulsory Service Necessary?
Current Status of the Belgian Army
This Monday, September 23, the show “Bonsoir chez vous”, hosted by Saskia Violette, engaged in an essential conversation regarding the state’s military efficiency and the potential necessity of reinstating compulsory military service. With the question, “Is our army still up to par?”, guests delved into several pressing issues surrounding Belgium’s military expenditures.
Concerns About Investment in Defense
According to lawyer Nadia Bouria, the lack of investment in the military is part of a larger pattern affecting multiple sectors:
- Justice System
- Education System
- Healthcare System
Bouria argues that when a government cannot allocate funds adequately across these crucial sectors, it often indicates that finances are redirected to major expenses, such as social security coverage.
Warnings About the Army’s Future
Ludivine Dedonder, a prominent military spokesperson, projected dire warnings regarding the future of the army, stating:
“We have put Defense back on track, but what lies ahead resembles a return to famine.”
Dedonder’s remarks highlight the pressing need for reform and an injection of resources into the military to ensure readiness and capability.
Perception of the Belgian Military
Mathieu Ladeveze, a journalist of French origin, expressed concern over public perception and visibility of the Belgian military. He noted:
“We never see the Belgian military. We don’t know where they are, we don’t know what they’re doing.”
This statement underscores a significant issue: the perceived invisibility and lack of engagement of the military within the civilian populace, which directly impacts recruitment efforts. Ladeveze argues:
“The Belgian army is not attractive to young people; people don’t want to work there.”
Factors Influencing Military Recruitment
Several factors affect recruitment in the Belgian military:
- Low Visibility: The military rarely appears in the public eye.
- Lack of Engagement: Absence of active recruitment campaigns targeting youth.
- Perceptions of Military Roles: Many young people view service as outdated or unappealing.
Financial Concerns and Military Investment
Manuel Abramowicz, founder of the site Resistances, pointed out that financial resources exist but are misallocated:
“There is money, we just won’t find it where we need it.”
Abramowicz laments that the Belgian army has never truly received the recognition or glorification it deserves, suggesting a historical perspective influenced by both World Wars.
Case Studies: Comparisons with Other Countries
Mandatory Military Service: A Global Perspective
To fully understand the implications of potential compulsory military service in Belgium, let’s look at how this concept manifests in other countries:
| Country | Mandatory Service Duration | Age of Conscription |
|---|---|---|
| Switzerland | 4 months (basic) + annual training | 18 |
| South Korea | 21 to 24 months | 18 |
| Israel | 2 to 3 years | 18 |
| Russia | 12 months | 18 |
Practical Implications of Compulsory Service
In the event that Belgium decides to make military service compulsory again, various considerations must be taken into account:
- Recruitment Strategies: Enhanced efforts to raise awareness and interest among youth.
- Training Mechanisms: Ensure that training programs appeal to a broad range of interests, including technology and cybersecurity.
- Inclusivity: Creating opportunities for all demographics, including women and underrepresented communities.
- Financial Commitments: Ensuring adequate funding and resources are allocated for military readiness.
Conclusion: A Call for Action
The concerns raised in the discussions emphasize the urgent need for Belgium to reevaluate its military policies and priorities. As the country navigates these complex questions involving defense and public service, the input from experts like Bouria, Dedonder, Ladeveze, and Abramowicz proves invaluable. Their insights pave the way for a deeper understanding of how to strengthen national security while addressing the current logistical and financial challenges faced by the Belgian army.