06.02.2021.
Minister Stefanović: Decision on conscription by the end of the year
Today, the Minister of Defence, Nebojša Stefanović, expressed his belief that by the end of the year, after the public debate, there would be an opportunity for our country to decide whether it wanted to reintroduce conscription, and what model.
When asked how much it would cost the state to reintroduce mandatory military service, and whether it would also apply to women, Stefanović said that the model which was being discussed at the moment did not imply women’s obligation to do military service, but that they would be able to do it voluntarily.The Minister pointed out that some form of discussion about the reintroduction of mandatory enlistment was underway, and that Serbia had not made a decision on that issue yet.
"One of the aspects is the financial one. It is not easy without a strong economy. Our economy is getting stronger, and thus the power of our country is getting stronger," he pointed out.
The reintroduction of mandatory enlistment would cost around eight billion dinars a year, including everything from uniforms to accommodation, Stefanović pointed out, adding that the costs would be slightly higher if they decided to give recruits somewhat higher salaries than symbolic.
He also said that some people with specific knowledge could serve, for example, in special IT units, to help their country with their knowledge.
“In that way, no one will feel that they allegedly spent a few months in the military in vain, and the stereotypes of the military as the place where young people go to clean toilets and clean up fallen leaves will be challenged”.
He pointed out that no military in the world had enough money to be able to hire enough engineers, IT specialists and other professionals.“There are a lot of complex issues and that is why there is a public debate. The General Staff and of course the parliament will adopt a position on everything at the end of the debate," Stefanović emphasized.
TANJUG
