Raukou: Even Those With Draft Deferment Must Be Military Educated

The Minister of Defence told about amendments to the draft deferment and "benefits" for discharging militaries.

Belarus is now developing amendments to conscription into the army. Defence Minister of Belarus Andrei Raukou stated that on Belarus 1 TV channel. In addition, it's proposed to introduce benefits for those who will serve in the army, tut.by informs.

- We prepare proposals for those who have deferment. So that a person could receive a military education," Andrei Raukou announced.

Head of the Defence Ministry also mentioned possible introduction of benefits for those who would have an active military or a reserve service.

- When admission to an educational institution and equal grades, it's important for a man who served in the army to have an advantage over those who deferred from service. As well as an advantage for dormitory check-in or postgraduate work assignment," Andrei Raukou specified.

The head of the Defence Ministry stressed that "young people are reluctant to serve in the army today". Andrei Raukou reminded that last October Lukashenka "pointed out this problem".

- Only the Army can help one to become a man. He (Lukashenka) spoke about his experience and his view of the problem," Andrei Raukou said.

The minister says there are "two major reasons" why young people do not want to serve in the army.

- The first reason is a demographic one. In the early 2000s we had an excess of draftees. Probably, over the past 10 years their number has halved. This is a significant reduction," Andrei Raukou said. - The second is values of people. The world is growing more pragmatic. Given the long period of peace and tranquillity now people believe that "yes, there is an army, I respect it, but I probably won't serve there". A defender of homeland, as a social role, is diminishing.

Earlier talking about possible amendments to the legislation on draft deferment, Andrei Raukou said: "Of course, it will not be extensive, but with a certain degree of need, compliance with principles of reasonable sufficiency and social protection of citizens".

Lieutenant General Andrei Raukou spefied that a family situation, health state and other issues would serve as deferment. "After all, the Armed Forces are by no means interested in a young man with some disease".