Ministry of Defense announces military training for MBO students starting by 2026

Starting no later than 2026, MBO students in the Netherlands will have the opportunity to participate in a 10-week National Resilience Training program designed to prepare them as reservists, the Dutch Ministry of Defense announced. This military-style training will be offered at 21 regional education centers (ROC's) across the country.

Participants in the program will undergo intensive military training, gaining skills such as shooting and providing military first aid. A portion of the program will take place in the field to allow students to develop hands-on, practical skills. "It is an intensive program," said Erik Noordam, project leader, in an interview with ANP.

In addition to the MBO program, the Dutch Ministry of Defense plans to extend similar opportunities at higher education levels. Starting this fall, universities and universities of applied sciences (HBO) will introduce defense minors as part of their curricula.

Noordam further added that discussions are underway to make the resilience training available as part of job training or for individuals temporarily unemployed.