2025
Professionalization of the Czech Armed Forces: Experience, Public Attitudes and Opinions
FRANK, LiborBasic information
Original name
Professionalization of the Czech Armed Forces: Experience, Public Attitudes and Opinions
Name (in English)
Professionalization of the Czech Armed Forces: Experience, Public Attitudes and Opinions
Authors
FRANK, Libor
Edition
Banská Bystrica, Security Forum 2025: Conference Proceedings from the 18th Annual International Scientific Conference, p. 17-28, 12 pp. 2025
Publisher
Matej Bel University
Other information
Type of outcome
Proceedings paper
Confidentiality degree
is not subject to a state or trade secret
Publication form
electronic version available online
References:
Organization unit
CEVRO University
ISBN
978-80-69133-02-0
Keywords in English
professionalization; armed forces; conscription army; compulsory military service; public attitudes; national defence; Czech Armed Forces
Changed: 3/2/2026 18:37, PhDr. Libor Frank, Ph.D.
In the original language
The paper explores two decades of experience with the fully professional Czech Armed Forces (hereinafter CAF), introduced in 2005, which marked the end of more than two centuries of conscription-based military service. Drawing on available data and public opinion research, it examines the reasons behind the transformation and its implementation and the public’s experiences, attitudes, and views on the military. The analysis shows that professionalization has led to improvements in the quality and operational readiness of the armed forces, as well as a positive shift in public perception. At the same time, it reveals the limitations of the professional army model in the context of a changing security environment and the growing need to expand military capacity. The paper highlights the importance of developing new forms of civic participation in defence and strengthening the connection between the military and society as a key condition for the sustainability of the Czech Republic’s defence capabilities.
In English
The paper explores two decades of experience with the fully professional Czech Armed Forces (hereinafter CAF), introduced in 2005, which marked the end of more than two centuries of conscription-based military service. Drawing on available data and public opinion research, it examines the reasons behind the transformation and its implementation and the public’s experiences, attitudes, and views on the military. The analysis shows that professionalization has led to improvements in the quality and operational readiness of the armed forces, as well as a positive shift in public perception. At the same time, it reveals the limitations of the professional army model in the context of a changing security environment and the growing need to expand military capacity. The paper highlights the importance of developing new forms of civic participation in defence and strengthening the connection between the military and society as a key condition for the sustainability of the Czech Republic’s defence capabilities.