Since the beginning of this year, anyone who meets the criteria can become part of the Reserve Force in Albania.
The law, which was voted on December 19, 2024, has already come into effect and stipulates that the Reserve Force will constitute 20% of the active military force, or approximately 2,100 personnel in the next 5-6 years.
Albanian Minister of Defense Pirro Vengu stated in Parliament during the law’s approval that the reservists called to contribute will stand alongside the Armed Forces in military, humanitarian, or civilian missions, both domestically and abroad.
“This service will offer operational flexibility, allowing for rapid mobilization during crises or emergencies,” said Vengu.
Objective of the Reserve Force Law
According to the law, the maximum age to join the Reserve Force is 50 for soldiers/seamen, 55 for non-commissioned officers, and 60 for officers.
The duration of service as a reservist ranges from 14 to 45 days per year, but it can be extended in cases that require more specific training, participation in international operations or missions led by the UN/NATO/EU, humanitarian operations, or operations in support of civil defense.
“To face the increasing range of challenges and difficulties, military reserve forces must be considered a valuable and essential part of our Armed Forces. They will play an important, practical, and concrete role in addressing challenges of all types,” states the explanatory note accompanying the law.
The former Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Albania, now a Socialist Party MP, Bardhyl Kollçaku, told Radio Free Europe that the law comes as a necessity in response to the new global security situation.
“The goal of the law is to strengthen military forces, the military component, in addressing security challenges and threats, not only for Albania but also for the region and NATO,” Kollçaku said.
He clarified that, in essence, it is a voluntary service, and any Albanian citizen who meets the criteria can participate.
However, despite its voluntary nature, there are some obligations, and penalties are set in place for individuals who sign a contract and do not respond to a call to appear when the army needs their contribution.
“Military personnel who have retired according to the criteria defined by the Military Career Law in the Armed Forces, as well as civilians who meet the criteria for military service in reserves, will be recruited through a competitive procedure and sign the relevant contract for military service in the reserve, with a minimum duration of two years, renewable,” Kollçaku explained.
Praise and Reservations
Security and defense expert in Albania, Redon Qiriazi, states that the law is an added value for the Albanian Armed Forces and aligns with the country’s strategic objectives to increase military interoperability and defense capabilities.
However, he has some reservations.
“It could also be a political move. The Reserve Force would allow the display of a larger military force than we currently have, to meet NATO’s criteria,” he said.
He is also concerned about the age limits for different categories of reservists.
“We are dealing with people aged 55-60. This raises concerns as these individuals are somewhat older. The ability to be operational is somewhat difficult due to age,” Qiriazi noted.
However, former Chief of Staff Kollçaku disagrees.
“The criteria are specific for each function,” he says.
“For example, if a specialist is needed for air traffic control during a NATO exercise, an air civil service specialist will be called. In another case, a doctor, an IT specialist, etc., would be called. In these cases, age is not an obstacle, as we are talking about experienced individuals,” he said.
Nevertheless, Qiriazi remains concerned that reservists would have the right to participate in international missions.
“When units train together, especially in missions like those in Iraq or Afghanistan, integrating them within the units would undermine the integrity of the unit. If they are not constantly trained, it affects the performance of the unit,” he explained, expressing hope that these issues would be addressed through specific legal acts.
What Do Citizens Think?
“It’s very good that it was approved, our country needs it, it should have been approved earlier,” says 78-year-old Riza Proko, who served two years of compulsory military service during the communist dictatorship.
“We want and hope for peace, not war, but measures are never excessive. If we don’t protect our country, who will?” says a 69-year-old citizen.
For former military personnel Petrit Maliqi, more should have been done to activate the military bases and infrastructure before the law was passed.
“I’ve been a soldier, I’ve completed my education. But today, unfortunately, some very good structures that we used to have have been destroyed,” he says.
“Italy, Serbia, and Greece, compared to us, have a stronger military. We have many generals, but no soldiers. Reservists can serve for natural disasters, but for war situations… Where will they train?” Maliqi questions.
Should Compulsory Military Service Be Reintroduced?
Since Russia began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the idea of reintroducing compulsory military service, abolished in 2010 after NATO membership, has been discussed in Albania.
Former Chief of Staff Kollçaku says that those who have completed military service will find it easier to join the reserves, while others must undergo testing and training.
He added that this issue has been discussed in decision-making circles, but nothing concrete has emerged yet.
“When the entire population is trained, it’s better when there are large-scale threats or risks… The idea of [compulsory service] circulates, but there is no decision-making yet. It will depend on threats, challenges, and needs…” Kollçaku says, adding that, as a former soldier, he is in favor.
Qiriazi, who served for eight years in the Armed Forces, is in favor of the reintroduction of compulsory military service.
“I think many young people would respond positively. Not to bring back the military service as it was for two years, but for a few months,” he says.
Even citizens who spoke to Radio Free Europe are in favor of the return of this service, although they see it as somewhat difficult.
“Of course, it’s good to have discipline and preparation. But compulsory military service is hard to implement, as the youth is leaving,” says 78-year-old Riza Proko.
“Bringing back the army would be good, but where would they serve? We don’t have infantry, artillery, etc. Let’s rebuild these first, and then…” says Petrit Maliqi.
The active force of the Albanian Army consists of 8,500 members, and with the reservists, it is expected to increase by approximately 2,100.
The Ministry of Defense of Albania has for years called on young people to join the Armed Forces.
The government has also approved additional finances for workers in the defense sector, with salary increases up to 700 euros.
Albania is also expected to revive its old military industry.
According to authorities, the idea emerged as a necessity following geopolitical changes.
The National Security Strategy states that the goal is to modernize the Armed Forces to respond to new security challenges.
In July last year, the European Council approved a €13 million aid package to support the Albanian Army. /REL/
