The military service in term will be replaced with the one by contract, and the National Army (AN) will become a professional, well-equipped and able to perform its missions more efficiently. The Government has approved today Programme "Professional Army 2018 – 2021", which aims to prioritise areas of defence sector development.

The document sets out basic objectives, stages of armed professionalisation and procedures for monitoring implementation of planned measures. The transformation process of National Army will focus on two aspects of major importance – improving quality of human resources and restructuring the army, turning it into an attractive employer for military and civilians.

The transition to military service by contract will be phased in 2018 – 2021. Thus, the number of young people recruited for army will gradually decrease until complete removal of compulsory service is achieved. Similarly, programme provides for completion of vacancies in units by contracting military, providing new equipment, modernising military infrastructure through renovation and construction of administrative buildings, barracks and sports complexes. Also, in order to increase level of motivation, there are to be revised military payroll system and social package.

Additionally, the professionalisation of army will help to intensify cooperation with armed forces of other states and increase contribution of Moldova to international peace – building missions.

Programme "Professional Army 2018 – 2021" will serve as major mechanism for implementing of initial phase of defence reform set out in the National Defence Strateg and Military Strategy. The programme costs will be covered from state budget and funds provided by development partners.