MILITARY RECRUITMENT MODEL FOR ARMED FORCES OF SMALL STATES AND MIDDLE POWERS

• Main Authors: Jaroslav Usiak, Erik Gorner
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: UNISCI 2018-01-01
• Series: Revista UNISCI
• Subjects: Small states; middle powers; military recruitment; military conscription; allvolunteer force; armed forces; state
• Online Access: http://www.unisci.es/military-recruitment-model-for-armed-forces-of-small-states-and-middle-powers/

States have many functions. The core one should be keeping its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Diplomacy and international law cannot guarantee their security. An armed force is an inherent part of each state that wants to be truly independent. Small states and middle powers have more difficulties when recruiting manpower for the military service compared to the great powers. The aim of this article is to find out what kind of recruitment model is the most suitable for small states and middle powers, focusing on the example of European democratic states. The article concludes that the best military recruitment system is based on a strong link between armed forces and society. National defence education is also of high importance. Regular armed forces should be composed of highly trained professionals backed by reserves