Last year, seven reserve regiments were established, supported by 21 battalions across the country.Continue reading
The success of the “I love it, I will protect it!” campaign for territorial defense reservists launched in June is proven by the fact that many thousands of people have expressed interest, said Defense Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky. Thousands have signed up, and the number of those who have signed a contract and joined the Hungarian Defense Forces has now exceeded two thousand.
In a statement, the Ministry of Defense said that the campaign is extremely popular, and the number of reservists has been steadily increasing since the arrival of the two thousandth recruit.
Since the Hungarian territorial reserve scheme was launched, never before have so many volunteers joined the armed forces in such a short time.
Hungary did not conscript its young people, but invited them to join the army. An invitation to a mission of a lifetime, to a community where belonging, shared responsibility and comradeship are fundamental and indispensable,” said the Minister.
Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky said that in peacetime, the territorial reservists also support key tasks such as border protection and flood protection. They also proved their readiness during the September floods: in addition to professional and contracted personnel, territorial reservists also stood their ground on the dams in the performance of defense tasks, the Defense Minister added.
Reservists taking part in flood protection pack sandbags on September 18, 2024. Photo: MTI/Tibor Illyés
Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky noted that it is possible to become a reservist while working or studying, the service of the reservists is also financially appreciated and new applicants are constantly welcome.
Reservists complement and assist the professional units in the performance of their duties, and the seven reserve regiments are a capillary network covering the country.
Reservists practice dismantling and reassembling a weapon on August 22. Photo: MTI/Kacsúr Tamás
The idea of “I love it, I will protect it” is that the reservists know and are able to protect their immediate environment, they are prepared for crisis situations, so that they can react to events in a decisive and organized manner, for the security of all of us, the Defense Minister explained.
Via MTI, Featured image: MTI/Kacsúr Tamás