The Dutch Ministry of Defense is planning to increase its armed forces to more than 100,000 members by 2030 – with the option of even doubling this number at a later date. This was announced today by State Secretary Gijs Tuinman in a letter to the Second Chamber. In it, he explains how the concept of a so-called scalable armed force is to be implemented in concrete terms.
According to Tuinman, a scalable armed force “adapts flexibly to current threat situations: large and deterrent in times of tension – efficient and compact in peacetime”.
“This requires a rethink in terms of training, working methods and structure,” said the State Secretary. “It is time to implement overdue reforms quickly so that we are ready for action when it counts.”
To this end, professional and reserve service as well as civilian personnel should not only be recruited more quickly, but also educated, trained and integrated into existing units more rapidly. Tuinman emphasizes the central role of the non-commissioned officer corps: “I appeal in particular to our non-commissioned officers – the backbone of our armed forces. They are used to taking on responsibility.”
According to Tuinman’s plans, the Dutch armed forces will be divided into a peacetime and a wartime organization in the future. “We are heading towards an armed force that consists of professional soldiers – supplemented by a broad, flexible reserve.” Tuinman continues: “This reserve is made up of units with reservists. The goal is a force that shows strength through its size and acts intelligently through specialization.” New, appropriate service regulations for reservists are also to be created.
Service model: more participation, more resilience
A central element is the expansion of the so-called Dienmodel. The one-year volunteer program (Dienjaar) is to be expanded to 1,500 participants. In addition to this, the Ministry of Defense is introducing a 10 to 12-week resilience and basic training course for young people – with subsequent transfer to reservist service. This model is also attractive for students: entry is possible via a military minor (defensieminor) at university level (HBO). Further options are currently being examined for other educational pathways (MBO and universities).
No reintroduction of compulsory military service
There are also plans to conduct a voluntary survey among 18 to 27-year-olds to gauge their interest in joining the armed forces. At the same time, the Ministry of Defense is examining how previously underrepresented groups – such as women – can be addressed and involved in a more targeted manner. However, there are no plans to return to traditional compulsory military service.
A sustainable Ministry of Defense should also be an attractive employer. Tuinman: “We need to be less selective, promote individuals more individually and offer exciting tasks. Our training courses are being modernized and capacities significantly increased. Our motto is: ‘There is room for everyone in defense’.”
According to Tuinman, one thing is needed above all to implement these measures: openness, a willingness to learn and perseverance. “We are boldly moving forward, implementing on a large scale and learning from practice. We are breaking new ground – and we are taking everyone with us. No one is left behind.”
