Eight national champion swimmers and wrestlers have joined the Territorial Defence Reserve of the Hungarian Defence Forces, as announced at a military press event held on Monday at the Bálna Defence Centre.
At the event, Sergeant Ádám Boncz, a recruitment NCO, recalled to the media that the Defence Forces’ campaign titled ‘I Love It, I Protect It!’ was launched on 17 June and has since attracted continuous interest, with more and more citizens expressing interest in the reserve service of the Hungarian Defence Forces.
Boncz emphasized that sport and national defence can intersect in many ways, as professional athletes, due to their sports careers, have developed a level of discipline that can also be valuable within the Hungarian Defence Forces. He highlighted that these individuals, who have made the country proud with their sporting achievements, now have the opportunity to show how they can serve the nation.
Reservists are only required to complete seven days of service per year, in return for which the Defence Forces have developed a special benefits system.
Territorial Defence reservists who are university students are compensated with additional points or scholarships, and all reservists receive enhanced remuneration for their service, Boncz Ádám reminded.
He stressed that Territorial Defence reservists can choose the form of their basic training: they can complete the necessary twelve modules either on Fridays and Saturdays or through a five-week intensive programme. The basic training for Territorial Defence reservists includes, among other things, field reconnaissance, live firing, and drill exercises, the sergeant added.
Upon signing the contract, Territorial Defence reservists receive a gross signing bonus 150,000 forints, and for each year of service, they receive a gross availability fee of 600,000 forints, paid in monthly instalments of 50,000 forints. An additional referral bonus has also been introduced: a gross amount of 500,000 forints is awarded to any volunteer reservist who refers a candidate who subsequently signs a contract with the Defence Forces after completing basic training. Territorial Defence reservists can also participate in international missions on a voluntary basis.
Applications can be submitted online, but those who prefer to inquire in person can visit recruitment offices in the county seats. The central recruitment office at the Bálna Defence Centre has extended opening hours to accommodate those interested, where they can also learn about the history of the Hungarian Defence Forces.
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