BLUF

This article examines the issue of most former Soviet-satellite states—now in NATO—missing recruitment targets and struggling to maintain troop levels; highlighting how this has left army units understaffed and unable to reach combat readiness.

Summary

  1. Russia's invasion of Ukraine a stark reminder of Moscow's threat to the region. 
  2. Czech armed forces chief calls current system ‘unsustainable’.
  3. Training camp for Czech high schoolers aims to boost enlistment.
  4. Eastern NATO members try innovative recruitment strategies.
  5. Low unemployment rates not helping.
READ: Eastern Europe's armies struggle to enlist young people with war not far away

References