Kazakhstan Approves Military Reserve Duty to Strengthen Combat Efficiency

Kazakhstan’s parliament has approved a bill establishing a new form of military service in the form of reserve duty, designed to enhance the nation’s defense readiness.

This initiative is expected to bolster the military’s readiness by training specialists in key areas, expediting mobilization processes, and increasing overall combat efficiency, The Caspian Post reports, citing The Times of Central Asia.

The new legislation introduces a status for “military reservists,” who will be equated with active servicemen during training camps and exercises.

The recruitment of reserve forces is set to begin in 2025, marking the start of a program modeled on successful practices implemented in other Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries and beyond. The move aligns with Kazakhstan’s defensive strategy to maintain an army capable of safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

In the initial phase, the Ministry of Defense plans to enlist approximately 2,000 reservists from across the country, with future adjustments based on military needs. The service will be voluntary, requiring recruits to meet medical and age criteria: officers may serve up to the age of 60, while sergeants and soldiers can serve up to 50.

Reservists will undergo training at military units in their local areas. The training program will be funded by the state budget. During 30-day training camps, participants will receive payments equivalent to their average monthly salary, while routine training sessions will guarantee them at least the minimum wage.