The defence ministry has seen a sharp rise in applications from people wanting to train as reservists, news website Nu.nl reported on Tuesday.

So far this year, 4,100 people have applied, more than in all of 2024. The defence ministry wants to boost the number of part-time soldiers from 8,300 to 20,000 by 2030.

Reservists combine military service with a civilian job, supporting the military during exercises, emergencies or crises. Training takes place mainly on weekdays, and reservists must be available around 20 days a year.

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the Netherlands has invested billions of euros in expanding its armed forces, with reservists forming a key part of that growth. The ministry now works with more than 400 employers across the country, offering arrangements such as extra paid leave for training.

Employers’ organisations and unions want to include similar provisions in collective labour agreements to make it easier for staff to serve part-time.

The outgoing junior defence minister, Gijs Tuinman, has also urged sectors to include options to become a reservist in new pay and conditions deals.

Some sectors have already done so: reservist agreements were recently added to the civil service CAO, and unions are pushing for similar terms at Rabobank.

Special schemes also exist for medical staff, allowing doctors and nurses to train as military medics while continuing their hospital work.

For other professions, becoming a reservist can be harder, though employers often find tailored solutions. “In the armed forces you learn valuable skills — teamwork, leadership, resilience — that you bring back to your job,” said Robin Biersma of employers organisation VNO-NCW. “t benefits both sides.”

Princess

Numbers may also have been boosted indirectly by princess Amalia who said this summer she is to take a second degree in law and will also become a military reservist.

Amalia will combine her second bachelor’s degree with a placement at Defensity College, where university and college students receive basic military training and are officially considered reservists upon completion.