A new chapter for defence: reservist service returns to the Armed Forces after 30 years

A new chapter for defence: reservist service returns to the Armed Forces after 30 years.

The Armed Forces of the Republic of Albania have marked an important development in the field of defence and the integration of the reserve, bringing back, after more than three decades, the engagement of reservists in regular military training.

The official ceremony organised on this occasion was attended by senior leaders, among them the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Arben Kingji, Deputy Ministers of Defence Pranvera Skana and Enkelejd Joti, and the Deputy Chief of the General Staff, Brigadier General Razie Mehmeti, together with force commanders and reservists.

Adapting to the new security challenges

In his speech, Lieutenant General Arben Kingji emphasised the importance of building a modern and integrated reserve, capable of reinforcing the capacities of the active force in the service of national defence and international obligations in the Alliance. He underlined that this process is essential in the current conditions. “This process takes on particular importance in the conditions of today’s security environment, characterised by dynamic developments, hybrid and cyber threats, and by the need for increased capacities to deal with civil emergencies,” Kingji stressed.

According to the Chief of Staff, readiness must not be limited only to the first reaction, but must ensure the ability to regenerate the force in prolonged crisis situations. Illustrating this vision, he added that “the reserve is not built when the crisis begins. It is prepared in peacetime, so that it is ready when the country requires it. My vision is clear: the active force and the reserve should function as a single force, trained, integrated and ready for national defence and our obligations in the Alliance.”

The training cycle and the new legal framework

The new process of integrating reservists is supported by an improved legal package, which clearly defines their activation, rights and obligations, guaranteeing equal treatment with active military personnel during the period of service and training. The training structure will follow a progressive approach, moving from individual and advanced training to collective training and integration into the respective units. Moreover, the military institutions have set a clear objective: the aim is that by 2029 more than 80% of the reserve will have been trained and integrated.

Civilian experience and the closing message

Addressing the reservists personally, Lieutenant General Kingji highly valued the valuable skills and knowledge they bring from civilian life, alongside their existing military experience. He asked them to master their functional duties and to train to the same standards as the active forces. The ceremony concluded with a message of unity and operational readiness for all military personnel: “Let us train together. Let us act together and, when required, accomplish the mission together. One force. One standard. One mission.”