According to the press service of the Belgian army, it is still too early to predict a possible effect Camp Waes on the overall recruitment figures. That will become clear later. “We have noted that there is more interest in the accelerated process to join the special forces.” The TV program revolves around the rigorous training of these elite soldiers.
Since the beginning of this year, the army has introduced a ‘fast track’ for young people who aspire to a career in the special forces. Today, candidates for that job must first do a number of years of traditional military service. This is no longer necessary with the new fast track. Young people are immediately trained as paratroopers. The best recruits can then quickly move on to the special forces themselves.
For the first accelerated training, which will start in September, 45 places have been provided on the Dutch-speaking side, spread across the barracks of Tielen, Gavere and Schaffen. On the French-speaking side there are 43 available places, in the barracks of Flawinne and Schaffen. The interest appears to be remarkably high, especially in Flanders.
On the Dutch-speaking side, there are today 169 people in the running for 45 places, the army press service said. So there are almost four candidates for every available place. (Registrations will remain open until May. Young people may still register.) On the French-speaking side, the influx is smaller: 77 people are in the running for 43 places. “Camp Waes therefore appears to have an effect on the number of registrations,” it said.
Boost
The reconstruction of the moribund Belgian army is accompanied by a major recruitment operation. There is hope within the army leadership that this will happen Camp Waes can also boost general recruitment. The armed forces want to recruit no fewer than 2,500 soldiers this year: 300 officers, 950 non-commissioned officers, 1,250 soldiers and sailors. 1,250 reservists and 500 people for ‘civilian duties’ are also wanted.
Before its recruitment, the army struggled for many years with a Xavier Waterslaeghers syndrome: the idea that its own armed forces, just like in the popular TV program FC the champions, consists mainly of pot-bellied and lazy bargoers. Camp Waes Now contrast that with a completely different picture. The particularly challenging TV program has reached more than a million Flemish viewers for weeks.
Minister of Defense Ludivine Dedonder (PS) is happy: “I am pleased that programs like Camp Waes – congratulations to the participants! – stimulate interest in the special forces and the Belgian army. Such programs offer a unique insight into the military world. At Defense the possibilities are endless, both for people with and without a diploma. So even for those who don’t want to join the special forces, there are hundreds of other jobs available.”
There has been talk of a French-language version for some time now Camp Waes, but for the time being the French-speaking public broadcaster RTBF is not taking any action. Also for a subtitled rebroadcast of Camp Waes doesn’t seem interested.
