The Czech military is facing meaningful challenges, including internal conflicts, controversial procurement decisions, and a concerning outflow of personnel. Questions are being raised about the army’s current state after nearly four years under the current government, with concerns focusing on budget allocation and overall strategic direction.

Leadership Discord and Its Impact

A primary concern is the apparent disconnect between the Minister of Defense and the Chief of the General Staff. This “nonsembiosis,” as described by sources, is reportedly affecting the army’s overall performance and credibility. The minister’s choice of the Chief of the General Staff, someone allegedly without prior experience at the General Staff level, has been a point of contention.

All the time, only the Minister has been reaping what she had been with her wrong decision.

• Dialog barriers hinder effective problem-solving and details flow.
• Acquisition processes, such as the Leopard tank deal, have been reportedly disrupted due to funding disagreements.
• A small circle of individuals, allegedly connected to the Chief of the General Staff through special forces backgrounds, are perceived to dominate management, despite lacking broader army management expertise.

Special Forces Influence and Controversies

The influence of special forces within the army’s management structure is raising eyebrows. The alleged disputes between the Minister and General Řehka have been widely reported, but deeper concerns persist about the integration of special forces into broader army management.

An “influential group” of active reservists, including individuals named Pojar, landovsky, Mikulecký, Prchal, and Zrna, is reportedly wielding undue influence. Thes individuals, described as “brothers in the weapon” with President Pavel, allegedly receive preferential treatment.

A certain influence group grows into the armed forces and everyone pretends that nothing happens. This group, which is also a number of journalists, then puts the media image of the army in their position that suits them. When you start to oppose it,they begin to call you pro -Russian and other nonsensical stickers.

This group is also reportedly involved with Drone Nemesis, raising concerns about potential misuse of resources and influence.The situation is described as “absolutely inadmissible” from a political standpoint.

Questionable procurement: The Supacat Vehicle Deal

The acquisition of Supacat vehicles has drawn significant criticism, with allegations of inflated pricing. The vehicles, initially budgeted at approximately 600 million crowns, reportedly ballooned to 1.5 billion crowns.

The special forces allegedly requested these vehicles despite lacking sufficient funds,leading to a reallocation of resources. Specifications for the vehicles were reportedly created by a private company composed of former members of the 601st Special Forces Group.

When we kept it on the committee, General Hofirek told us that another part of the finances covered their own needs and pulled 600 million out of special forces. Common state institutions are missing much smaller amounts and they pulled it out of the hat without knowing the Minister of Defense and the Chief Executive Director of the economic Section.

Furthermore, the necessity of these vehicles is being questioned, given the Czech Republic’s reduced involvement in expeditionary missions.The vehicles are designed for environments like Iraq and Afghanistan, rendering them perhaps useless at home.

Despite these concerns, the acquisition is reportedly proceeding, with only a “ridiculous amount” being saved. Critics argue that this represents a significant waste of taxpayer money.

Systemic Issues in Procurement

The supacat deal is not an isolated incident. The army reportedly has a pattern of initially requesting basic equipment but then demanding higher-end specifications, leading to dramatic price increases.

The army makes mistakes in specifications, and if it continues, this situation will continue. The price can always move in the order of units of percent, but it cannot be one hundred or two hundred percent. This is exactly what happens in the military under the management of General Řehka.

Personnel Crisis: Soldiers Leaving the Ranks

The Czech army is grappling with a personnel shortage, exacerbated by soldiers leaving for civilian jobs. Dissatisfaction stems from low pay, long hours, extensive commutes, and limited family time.

Soldiers also express frustration with inadequate equipment and a lack of recognition. The absence of benefits, such as housing assistance, further contributes to the problem.

Any soldier who has a commitment lives in a unit or at the relevant office. But there is an increasing feeling of dissatisfaction due to low evaluation, time not only spent in the work process, but also by commuting and minimal time spent with the family. It does not have the corresponding technique, equipment and other reasons for frustration. Under such conditions, the soldier does not want to continue.

Promises of salary increases have reportedly not materialized, leading to further disillusionment. The perception that only a select “interest group” is protected within the General Staff exacerbates the exodus.