Defence Minister: Czech Army needs 30,000 professional soldiers

According to Defence Minister Martin Stropnický, the Czech Army is low in personnel. Speaking in a Czech TV political debate programme, Mr. Stropnický said the Army needs at least 30,000 professional soldiers in the future, with additional 5,000 in reserves. The current target of 27,000 professional soldiers is not sufficient, he said, adding that the Army plans to recruit some 2,000 soldiers this year. The Defence Ministry registered some 22,000 professional soldiers, 6,400 civilian employees and 1,100 civil servants who are subject to the civil service law at the beginning of this year.

Author: Ruth Fraňková