The Czech government is ramping up efforts to strengthen its military by significantly increasing recruitment and retention benefits, offering financial incentives up to four times the current rate.
Under a newly signed amendment, recruits will receive up to one million crowns (€40,000) as a lump sum after completing a three-month probationary period—an increase from the previous €10,000 allowance.
Additional benefits include a stabilization allowance, a housing allowance and a supplement for service abroad.
Defense Minister Jana Černochová and Chief of the General Staff Karel Řehka have repeatedly warned of a growing personnel shortage in the Czech military.
Řehka has said that the army needs a net increase of 1,200 soldiers per year to meet strategic objectives.
At the start of 2024, the Ministry of Defense reported 27,826 professional soldiers and 4,266 active reserve members.
However, according to Řehka, the actual number of active-duty soldiers is closer to 24,000.
The government aims to increase this to 30,000 professional soldiers and 10,000 reservists by 2030. Despite these efforts, public willingness to join the military remains low.
A recent poll by the Median agency for Czech Radio found that only 6% of Czechs would definitely volunteer if their country or a NATO ally were attacked, while 14% said they would consider enlisting.
The move to raise the recruitment allowance comes a week after it was revealed that Russia will be doing the same. The Kremlin has raised payments for signing the first contract to over 2 million rubles (€22,000) in several regions, with recruits in the Samara region being offered nearly 4 million rubles (€44,000), according to Ukraine’s Military Intelligence (HUR).
The Czech Republic is among several European nations working to bolster their armed forces amid rising security concerns.
In March, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced plans to offer military training for all adult men by the end of the year.
Sweden, Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands have also recently explored new strategies to attract recruits.
