Czech Defence News of the Week (28 December 2018 – 4 January 2019)

Author: nadrotmistr Pavel Vystrčil, army.cz|Caption: 7th Mechanized Brigade exercise in the Krkonoše mountains (Dec 2018)

Czech Armed Forces to take part in 200 exercise sessions held both at home and abroad this year – German idea to recruit soldiers from other European countries met with cold reaction - Daniel Koštoval, Deputy Minister of Defence – Head of the Armaments and Acquisition Division, has left his post – personal changes within the structure of the General Staff - 287 recruits started their 3-months basic training at the Training Command - Military Academy in Vyškov.

• The Chief of General Staff informed that the soldiers of the Czech Army will take part in 200 exercise sessions held both at home and abroad this year. The Czech airborne troops will take part in a Special Forces exercise in Kenya focused on forcing release of hostages in foreign territory. The largest exercise held in the Czech Republic will be the „Czech Lion“ involving 500 soldiers from the V4 countries: Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and Poland.

See also: Dukla Spirit and Joint Fires 2018 - All Arms Exercise

• Germany has announced its plans to recruit soldiers from other European countries in order to complete the ranks of Bundeswehr. The Czech Ministry of Defence responded it needed more information, but has not rejected the idea. Generally the Czech politicians have reacted negatively. General Petr Pavel, former Chief of General Staff and Chairman of the NATO Military Committee, said it could have bad influence on the situation of the Czech Army by reducing the pool of its own potential recruits.

• After 3.5 years Daniel Koštoval, Deputy Minister of Defence – Head of the Armaments and Acquisition Division, has left the Ministry of Defence by the end of 2018.

See also: Modernization Projects of the Czech Army

• On the 1st January 2019 personal changes made in the structre of the General Staff came into effect. Major General Jaromír Zůna, former Director of the Support Division of the MoD, will become the First Deputy Chief of the General Staff, replacing Lieutenant General Jiří Baloun who leaves service after 40 years of carrier. As Director of the Support Division he will be replaced by Brigadier General Štefan Muránský (former Deputy Director of the Joint Operations Centre). Brigadier General Milan Schulc, an experienced military diplomat, became Deputy Chief of the General Staff - Inspector of Czech Armed Forces, replacing Major General Jaroslav Kocián.

• On the 2nd January 287 recruits started their 3-months basic training at the Training Command - Military Academy in Vyškov, Moravia, which provides development of the Czech military doctrinal system, organises basic, professional and special education and training courses of both professional soldiers and Active Reserve force.