Belgium launches military recruitment drive for 17-year-olds
Belgium's Ministry of Defence has sent 149,000 letters to 17-year-olds to encourage voluntary military service amid rising concerns over national defence capabilities and the geopolitical threat posed by Russia. The initiative, confirmed by Defence Minister Theo Francken, aims to address a severe personnel shortage in the Belgian Army, which currently counts only 26,389 active soldiers and a low number of reservists. This move is seen by European experts as a potential first step toward reinstating general compulsory military service, which was abolished in 1992.
The Belgian Ministry of Defence has initiated a mass voluntary recruitment drive, sending 149,000 letters to 17-year-old citizens this November. The campaign, confirmed by Defence Minister Theo Francken, urges young Belgians to consider enlisting in the army to bolster the nation's defensive capacity.
The renewed focus on military preparedness comes in the wake of recent security incidents, including the observation of unidentified drones flying over the Kleine-Brogel military base in Peer, Limburg province, earlier this month. The base is known to store American nuclear weapons and is slated to become the central hub for the country’s new F35 fighter jets starting in 2027.
Against the backdrop of the current geopolitical climate, Belgium is seeking to rearm and expand its military presence, primarily in response to perceived threats from Russia. European defence experts suggest that this "voluntary recruitment" drive is a preliminary measure that could lead to the eventual return of general compulsory military service, which has been absent in Belgium since 1992.
The voluntary military service program is open to any Belgian citizen aged 18 to 25. Those interested can apply starting in January 2026. Applicants will undergo a selection process during the summer and can begin their service in September, receiving a net monthly salary of 2,000 euros. The Belgian Army currently has 26,389 active service members and only 6,600 reservists, highlighting a critical personnel deficit.
The urgency of these measures aligns with recent warnings from European leaders. In March, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen cautioned about the potential for a "new international order" to emerge between 2025 and 2030, explicitly stating that if Europe wishes to "avoid war, we must prepare for war."
