Professional armed forces new trend in Europe : transformation of the Czech armed forces

Abstract

In 2001 the Czech Republic decided to abandon conscription in favor of professional armed forces. Western European countries are following the same trend, since the new security environment requires quickly deployable, highly skilled and well-equipped forces. The current round of reforms started with Belgium and Netherlands, and have seen followed by France, Spain, Italy and Portugal. These countries are beneficiary from experience in United States and United Kingdom. The Czech Republic professionalization is the natural continuation of a process that started in 1999 with NATO membership. In 2001, the new Minister of Defense received the task of creating an all-volunteer force. A Plan to transition the armed forces was created. Transformation will likely start after the upcoming elections. The new concept should make the Czech Republic a more effective member of NATO. This thesis concentrates on transition experience from conscription to volunteer forces with special attention to the United States, Great Britain, Belgium, France, Spain and Italy. It discusses issues of procedures, processes, problems and their managerial solutions in the current environment of the Czech Armed Forces.