25.02.2026 20:15
Belgium has raised the age limit for reserve military service from 51 to 67, aligning it with the legal retirement age that will come into effect in 2030.
Belgium has decided to raise the age limit for reserve military service from 51 to 67.
THEY CAN BE DRAFTED UP TO 67 YEARS OLD
According to a report by HLN, which broadcasts in Flemish, the decision was made in the Defense Committee of the Belgian Parliament. Accordingly, the maximum age limit set for reserve military personnel has been regulated to 67.
IN LINE WITH THE LEGAL RETIREMENT AGE
With the decision, the age limit has been aligned with the legal retirement age, which will come into effect from 2030. According to current legislation, voluntary reserve soldier candidates must be no older than 34, while reserve officer candidates must not exceed 51 years of age.
Officials stated that the current age limits restrict the entry of new candidates into the system, expressing that the regulation aims to expand the pool of candidates.
"A STRONG RESERVE FORCE IS NOT A LUXURY, IT IS A NECESSITY"
Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken welcomed the regulation, stating, "In the current security environment, a strong and deployable reserve force is not a luxury, it is a necessity. Reserve soldiers play a critical role in both protecting the country's territory and supporting the active personnel."
Francken emphasized that the regulation would allow motivated and competent individuals to contribute to security for a longer period.
Minister Francken had previously sent a letter to 149,000 young people aged 17, calling for voluntary military service.