The war in Ukraine continues and an end is not yet in sight. That is why NATO member states are called upon to protect the borders of the NATO area in Eastern Europe. In concrete terms, this means that units of the army go to Slovakia. They come from, among others, the Lieutenant General Best Barracks in Vredepeel, on the border of Brabant and Limburg. The Helmondse Anouk is a soldier at that barracks and does not yet know whether she should pack her bag for the mission in Slovakia.
Interest in a job in the army has increased with the outbreak of the war. For example, the Ministry of Defense noticed an increase in the number of applications. “A large proportion were already interested in a job with the army in any case,” says Major Sander Heffelaar. Another part is now actually noticing how important the army is: “That ensures that people have a kind of calling and want to mean something.”
Info days
For two years now, the barracks in Vredepeel have therefore been organizing special information days to recruit interested parties and thus prepare them for practice. 22-year-old Anouk from Helmond attended such an information day. She now works with the AMRAAM platoon, which specializes in anti-aircraft defenses. “During my day-to-day work, I don’t notice much of the war in Ukraine,” says the Helmondse. “Of course you are more alert because you know what is going on in the world.”
Two years ago, Anouk was still an applicant at the barracks in Vredepeel, now she explains herself to a new generation. One of them is Lennard: “It’s great that you can now see everything up close and your questions are answered immediately, which is perfect for me,” he says. “I’ve already applied, I can’t wait to get started. Just train in good shape and then we’ll go for it!”
Chelcey still works as a security guard, but wants more action and is therefore determined to serve our country as well: “You have to be willing to give something for it, you work in a team and take care of each other, I really want to do that.”
‘Training by future colleagues’
The new way of recruiting colleagues is bearing fruit in Vredepeel, says Major Heffelaar. “People will soon be trained here by their future colleagues, as happened with Anouk.”
There is a chance that new recruits will be sent on missions in no time, such as to Slovakia, says Major Heffelaar. “Who wouldn’t want that, that’s the dream you’re doing it all for.” When asked whether Anouk is also going on a mission: “I only know if they say, you’re going…, then I’m going”, she decides firmly.
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