Hungarian army sees strong influx

Written by Rainer Ackermann

Two companies of recruits have started their basic training, most of whom want to become professional soldiers. This was announced by Defence Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky on Wednesday.

The basic training will take place in Hajdúhadház near Debrecen and in Várpalota west of Székesfehérvár, where the Hungarian Army (MH) has regiments of the so-called territorial defence.

The minister referred to the ‘I love my homeland, so I protect it!’ advertising campaign. This was so successful that the number of MH personnel has increased by 3,700 soldiers since last summer. Following the abolition of compulsory basic military service for young men, the army has been relying increasingly on volunteers for a number of years, offering them flexible options to increase the country’s ability to defend itself. For example, reservists in the territorial defence force can decide at any time to sign a contract as a professional soldier.