National Defence Forces (NDF) pilot project kicks off: 3,000 new candidates registered in 10 days

The National Defence Forces (NDF) as an integral part of Slovakia's Reserve Forces (RF) have opened their doors to the first new reserve candidates once their application process and eligibility assessment for the Operational, Standby and Conscription Reserves were completed.

Descending on Turecký Vrch Training Area in Malacky County, a group of 44 people – most notably President and Commander-in-Chief of the Slovak Armed Forces Peter Pellegrini, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Robert Kaliňák, Members of Parliament, well-known athletes like mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter Attila Végh and fitness trainer Branislav Martanovič, and other new arrivals – were welcomed as the first intake of reserve recruits to the NDF.

On Day 1, after initial familiarisation with the training site, 35 men and 9 women went through the in-processing procedures – paperwork, safety and security briefs, and issuance of Army clothing items and equipment for training – before being turned over to their drill sergeants.

Speaking at a press briefing at the start of the NDF pilot training, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Robert Kaliňák said: “Ten days ago, on 1 July 2025, Slovakia’s Defence and Security Resilience Act went into force, addressing a host of military, natural and other threats. I want to thank everyone who gathered courage and signed up for the first NDF training. This is especially about having an appetite to make Slovakia more resilient. I am also delighted with people’s response to the NDF Campaign – over 3,000 applications have been registered so far – and by the time the first intake of reserve recruits reported for training, more than 240 applicants to join the NDF had been processed. They will undertake training as early as this autumn. In terms of numbers, we have already exceeded the total strength of the Active Reserves.”

Participants are now undergoing 14 days of intensive training. Every day they have reveille at 05:30hrs and lights out at 21:30hrs. Throughout the day, they are all very busy engaging in vigorous physical training (PT) sessions and learning everything from the basics of medical, communications, engineer and topographical training, through to the essential elements of tactical combat, weapons handling and marksmanship, defensive and offensive actions, and CBRND. In doing so, they act on the orders and instructions of their drill sergeants and superior commander.

Speaking about his strong personal attitude towards the NDF training, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Slovak Armed Forces Peter Pellegrini said: “I have entered the training programme with full respect, because it is neither a camp, nor a reality show – the training is as real as it should be – and none of us will ever ask for special favours or demand some concessions.”

For further information, potential candidates can follow the guidance notes on the NDF website at www.noska.sk or contact the NDF Call Centre on 0960 960 960, where 15 operators are ready 24/7 to talk about the options and answer your questions.