Service in the army is becoming increasingly popular: universities may run out of budget places 0 7

According to him, for the July draft this year, 1,470 places in the VAD received applications from 1,560 volunteers. Theoretically, this means that, provided all volunteers are fit for service, a mandatory draft by lottery would not be necessary. However, practice shows that up to a third of volunteers are deemed unfit due to health reasons, so, as was the case this time, on January 21, it is likely that several hundred additional people from those who did not apply themselves will have to be drafted by random selection, the minister explained.

Spruds confirmed that the number of volunteers wishing to serve in the VAD is steadily increasing — compared to last year, it has even doubled.

"Volunteers are indeed showing interest, there are young people ready to participate actively, and we can rightfully be proud of those young individuals who are willing to undertake this service. I certainly encourage continuing in the same spirit," the politician noted. At the same time, he acknowledged that with the high activity of volunteers, there may be increased pressure on state universities and the higher education system as a whole, as free education is a major motivation for many to enlist in the VAD.

"Everything is going quite smoothly at the moment, but we understand that as the numbers grow, these challenges arise and intensify," Spruds said.

In response to a question about whether preventive measures are already being taken to address this potential problem, the minister stated that "the assessment is in progress." For example, the possibility of financial contributions from the defense sector to the higher education system is being considered.

At the same time, Spruds emphasized that new systems should not be introduced until it is clear whether the increase in the number of volunteers is a sustainable long-term trend.