The Slovak Army plans to hire 3500 new people, which should increase its number of professionals to 82 percent, the SITA news wire wrote.
Jaroslav Kuca of the army's personnel management department said that the year 2004 is crucial for the Slovak Army because the number of new hires and departures will be its highest ever.
Over the last three years, 10,405 soldiers and civilian employees have left the Slovak Armed Forces, whereas the number of newly employed staff has only reached 5,259.
According to Model 2010 - the reform concept for the Slovak Army - the staff of the Slovak army will be reduced to 23,373 people, 67 percent of whom will be non-commissioned officers and basic privates.
Compiled by Beata Balogová from press reports
The Slovak Spectator cannot vouch for the accuracy of the information presented in its Flash News postings.
