We Must Rebuild the System of National Defence

After the official reception Maj-Gen. József Kovács, Commanding General, HDF Joint Force Command (HDF JFC) reported to the Defence Minister, who was subsequently introduced to the workings of the HDF Operations Center. While in the Center, the Defence Minister was updated on recent developments by the commanders of the key HDF missions.

During his visit to Székesfehérvár Dr. Csaba Hende held a staff meeting for the service personnel and civil servants of the units stationed in the garrison town. In his briefing, he pointed out that the MoD continues to work towards restoring the public recognition and prestige of the Hungarian Defence Forces, adding that they consider the HDF engagement in ISAF, Afghanistan the largest and most dangerous mission of all. Talking about the aspects of organizational life, Dr. Csaba Hende said that “The Ministry of Defence and the MoD Defence Staff will continue operating in a new organizational structure as of October 1. It will be a transparent and clear structure. Our aim is to ensure that everybody can perform their responsibilities to the best of their abilities", the Defence Minister noted, adding that the restructuring of the MoD is going to be followed by the reorganization of the HDF JFC task scheme, which will be carried out in tandem with reshaping the change of command in the MoD Defence Staff.

Talking about the future of national defence, Dr. Csaba Hende stated that he had met many excellent soldiers on his visits to the HDF units who may form the basis for making progress in rebuilding the system of national defence, while also noting that this renewal must involve each and every element. The laws governing the system of national defence should be reconsidered in the course of legislation. During his speech Dr. Csaba Hende pointed out that “our troops are the cornerstones of the system of national defence", therefore they should be respected and provided with more favorable living and service conditions. We need to devise a predictable career path for officers, NCOs and signed-on enlisted personnel alike. We must provide the best members of the signed-on category with opportunity to choose continuing engagement", the Defence Minister stressed.

Dr. Csaba Hende concluded his speech by pointing out that the last significant pay rise in the military had been effected by the previous Orbán Cabinet. “We know that your remuneration has significantly dropped in real value over the years that passed since. I will turn to the government and the whole National Assembly for assistance in dealing with this problem", the Defence Minister said.

At the end of the staff meeting the soldiers had opportunity to ask the Defence Minister. Dr. Csaba Hende answered their questions about the career path model, the system of personal performance assessment, sick leaves, mission-specific medical screenings and bureaucracy.

During the last phase of the daylong program the Defence Minister took part in demo sessions to learn about the tasks, equipment and accommodation blocks of the HDF 43rd Nagysándor József Signal and Command Support Regiment and the HDF 93rd Petõfi Sándor CBRN Battalion.

Text and photo: Ferenc Demeter