Belgium’s defense minister announces disbandment of a unit amid violence and harassment concerns, emphasizing zero tolerance for discrimination and extremism.
A unit of about 30 soldiers of Belgium’s armed forces will be disassembled because of serious matters of violence and harassment, the minister of defense stated on Thursday. Ludivine Dedonder said several people were already positioned under protection, while suspects were discharged or transferred to other departments. She stated there is no place for any form of “sexism, racism or extremism” within the country’s army.
Speaking at a news discussion alongside defense chief Adm. Michel Hofman, Dedonder stated she was reported of the violence within the Fourth Engineer Battalion in an email in November. She was warned by a relative of one of the soldiers who had been a target, she stated.
Dedonder stated investigations were immediately undertaken, focusing on “serious acts” of violence. “Among other things, we are talking about critical treatment, assault and battery, blackmail, threats between soldiers, the pressure exercised by soldiers on their peers, and an obligation of quietness about these facts,” the minister declared. Dedonder said the violence took place during hazing and exercise sessions, lasted for several months, and complicated officers, non-commissioned officers, and less professional soldiers.
Moreover, a month ago Defence Minister Ludivine Dedonder undertook an appeal to the population to join as reservists in the Belgian Army, a day after the Army Reserve Reform Act was enacted. As an increasing number of individuals are interested in the military, Dedonder stated the Act was enacted to make reserve military positions more attractive and give vets and former reservists more opportunities to reenlist. For example, reservists will no extended have to revive their application annually.
“With the 2024 recruitment drive, we are offering 2,500 open places for military soldiers, as well as 460 positions for civilian personnel and 1,050 for reservists, including positions for student reservists,” stated Dedonder in a press release.
“Many people reach me and say they are interested in helping their country or want to get involved in society and help guarantee the safety of their fellow citizens. The Defence Ministry offers possibilities in this regard, especially in the Reserve, which is expanding its capabilities with this,” she said.
“As a reservist, you can use your wisdom and experience in a unique setting: you work together with experienced soldiers and civilians of the department for a mission where your talents and talents make a difference,” Dedonder stated. “Whether it is a few days a year or a whole year, there are various ways to join the Reserve and we are peeking for very diverse skills.”
Dedonder’s request did not come out of the blue: since Russia’s aggression on Ukraine nearly two years ago, the security situation in Europe is no longer sound. Russian President Vladimir Putin makes regular dangers towards Europe, and the Chief of Defence of the Belgian Armed Forces Michel Hofman has cautioned of a possible attack on the Baltic states.
“With this law, we make it more comfortable for reservists to join the department, depending on their employment path,” stated Dedonder. “The reserve is an important pillar of the department that I want to persist to strengthen.
