At the first stage, it is planned to recruit 150 participants, with a subsequent increase in the number of places to 1,000 per year. It is worth noting that participants will not be involved in combat operations, and the content of the training programs is still being finalized.
This initiative aims to address the problem of staff shortages, with training taking place in the army, navy, or air force, while information about the salary for participants has not yet been disclosed.
Additionally, there is a program for officer training designed for 30 places, which can be completed before, during, or after university studies.
Defense Minister Jon Healey stated that participants will acquire important skills such as leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving, which will be beneficial in any area of life.
This program is similar to a successful initiative in Australia, where more than half of the participants continue to serve in the military on a permanent basis. Critics from the opposition Conservative Party point to the program's limited capacity and doubt its ability to significantly impact the country's defense capabilities.
