16.12.2020

We take unpaid leave for service in the voluntary reserve with a contract and insurance

The service in the voluntary reserve will be fixed - up to six months, the parliament decided, adopting at second reading the proposed by the government amendments to the Law on the Reserve of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Bulgaria.

Every Bulgarian citizen up to 40 years of age, at his request and provided that he meets the requirements of the law, can serve in the armed forces for up to 6 months.

The changes create an opportunity for a term of service in the voluntary reserve. This will be done by concluding a contract that provides remuneration, health and social security.

The age limit for service in the voluntary reserve for sergeants, sergeants, officer candidates and junior officers and senior officers is increased from 55 to 60 years, and the age for service in the voluntary reserve for officers with senior military ranks - from 63 to 65 years.

The changes in the law enable employers to keep their staff by providing unpaid leave to employees and allow them to pass a term of service in the voluntary reserve.

The amendments also allow for the expansion of the education of students from the levels of secondary education, such as the acquisition of skills related to the defense of the homeland, survival in military crises, as well as the acquisition of knowledge about the missions and tasks of the armed forces.

Increasing the number of Bulgarian citizens with military training will improve the ability to replenish the stock of the armed forces. The conscript service is also expected to increase the interest and commitment of the Bulgarian citizens to their preparation for the defense of the Fatherland, the Ministry of Defense emphasizes.

The final entry into force of the changes will become a fact with their promulgation in the State Gazette.