"For" the return of the barracks to Bulgaria. This position was expressed by Krasimir Karakachanov, former Minister of Defense, and Assoc. Prof. Milen Ivanov, former Deputy Rector of the Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, on the air of "Your Day" on NOVA NEWS.
"There was no need to wait for the war in Ukraine to start a debate on the restoration of military training in our country," said Karakachanov. He recalled that back in 2016 he had submitted a bill to return conscription.
According to experts, it was a mistake to abolish the barracks. According to them, compulsory military service should be at least 6 months, and voluntary service should only be available for girls who wish to obtain such a qualification.
"It will take at least three years to bring back the compulsory barracks", said Assoc. Prof. Ivanov. He explained that there is no time to prepare so many officers and sergeants to command the new soldiers, because the required human resource is 1 to 5 — for every 5 soldiers, 1 sergeant is needed, and for every 30 soldiers, 1 officer.
Karakachanov and Ivanov claim that those who serve acquire a sense of discipline, order and respect for institutions. According to them, it will take 9 months for the youth to gain the ability to handle weapons, protect themselves in a military conflict and protect their country. The two emphasized that there is enough building stock to return the barracks, but renovation and motivation from the public are needed.