Defence Minister: Armed forces require greater flexibility to respond to war environment

“It has become necessary to introduce a shorter, simpler, framework regulation that serves the flexible operation of the armed forces,” Szalay-Bobrovniczky said in the statement released late on Monday, adding that following an amendment to the Fundamental Law, the government will issue a decree which is to enter into force on July 1.

Taking into account the special public service nature of national defence, the new legislation brings to the fore the requirements of the national defence sector and abandons the emphasis on regulations governed by the labour law, leading to a big reduction of red tape and greater flexibility in place of the application of the current rigid rules, he said.

The salary system and length of service will be made more flexible and the mobility of personnel easier, faster and simpler, while commanders will be handed more discretion to determine salary increases and military tasks, he said.

At the same time, the new decree paves the way for stricter requirements regarding behaviour and military discipline, as well as boosting military capability and training, he said. The aim is to foster a new service culture and to respond to the challenges of “the age of danger”, the statement said.