The concept of mandatory military training for Rwandan high school graduates gained attention during recent election campaigns, with the Social Democratic Party (PSD) advocating for a year of military training after high school to instill values and foster national service.
PSD believes this initiative would enhance the youth's understanding of their role in safeguarding the nation's integrity.
During a press conference on Friday, August 16, 2024, the RDF leadership addressed ongoing reforms within the Reserve Force, including new pathways for youth entry into this unit. Brig Gen Rwivanga reiterated that Rwanda has not implemented a mandatory military training system.
He stated, "While some countries have compulsory military service, we offer the 'Indangamirwa' civic education program, which is not mandatory. Unlike other nations where military training is compulsory for all high school graduates, in Rwanda, participation is a choice."
He also clarified that the option available in Rwanda allows individuals aged 18 and above to join the Reserve Force, which is distinct from the compulsory military training programs in other countries.
Responding to journalist's inquiry to know whether the newly announced youth recruitment into the Reserve Force was related to the previously suggested idea of mandatory military service for high school graduates, Brig Gen Rwivanga confirmed that the two are unrelated, emphasizing that Rwanda does not have a mandatory military training programe.
Currently, the RDF has opened registration for Rwandan youth interested in joining the military service through the Reserve Force.
The Reserve Force is one of the four components of the RDF alongside the Army, the Air Force, and the Military Health Service, traditionally comprised of retired regular soldiers who continued to contribute to national security before full retirement.
The RDF has now introduced two additional pathways for entry into the Reserve Force: one for young people who meet specific criteria and another for individuals with specialized skills, regardless of age.
Recruited youth will serve in the Reserve Force, ready to be called upon for military duties as needed. The RDF has invited interested young people to register for entry into the Reserve Force, with selected candidates undergoing six months of training at Gabiro Combat Training Center.
Eligible candidates include those who have completed at least secondary education, with varying age limits depending on their educational level. Secondary school graduates must be not older than 25 years, IPRC graduates not older than 26 years, and bachelor's degree holders aged 28 years and below.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/rdf-reacts-to-military-training-requests-for-high-school-graduates
