Officials from the Ministry of Defence told Parliament’s National Security, Defence and Public Order Committee that all women who complete specialized military training courses at military departments will have the option to join the reserve forces and register for military service on a voluntary basis.
Ministry representatives also explained that universities will no longer allow students to attend military department courses during their first year of study. Instead, students will become eligible for the training in their second or third year.
The proposed changes will also end the practice of awarding graduates of military departments the rank of sergeant upon completing the program. Instead, graduates will receive the status of soldier, according to the Ministry of Defence.
Authorities will continue to conduct regular monitoring of military departments within educational institutions. Ministry officials further stated that students will no longer have to pay for specialized military training courses. Beginning in 2030, the state is expected to fully cover the cost of these programs.