The Cypriots consider the National Guard necessary, but at the same time the vast majority demands a reduction of the term to 14 months or even a greater reduction. At the same time, they believe in the transformation of the Armed Forces into a semi-professional army, while they moderately evaluate the level of training provided to the conscripts.
All this and much more is recorded in the research presented yesterday at the University of Nicosia by the civic organization Politia. The research was carried out on behalf of the organization by the IMR Office of the University of Nicosia and was presented by the sociologist and member of the Board. of the organization Politia, Nikos Peristiani. The research was carried out between 28 May and 2 June and had nationwide coverage, both in urban and rural areas. The study involved men and women over the age of 18 and the sample size was 400 people. The sample was selected by stratified random sampling and data collection was done using structured questionnaires. According to the results of the survey, which began with the question whether they consider it necessary or not to have a National Guard, 79% answered positively. At the same time, however, in the next question, 47% of respondents answered that military service should remain, but its duration should be reduced to 14 months. At the same time, an equally significant percentage (24%) stated that they would like to abolish military service completely and to have only a professional army. As for the rest of the answers, 13% stated that they want the term to be maintained for the same period, ie 24 months, 9% stated that they want it to be abolished completely and there is no army at all, a percentage of 4% stated that they want it to be maintained military service but with a reduction of the duration but more than 14 months and a percentage of 3% stated that they want to maintain the service but with a reduction of the duration but less than 14 months. The research also asked whether 89%, however, answered in the negative. Regarding what they believe about the staffing of the Armed Forces, 37% said that they want to turn it into a semi-professional army, 34% that they want to turn it into full professional army, 21% that it wants its current composition and 8% that it wants its complete dissolution. The average evaluation of the National Guard's training was also low. With a scale of 1 = not at all and 10 = very good, the average score was 5,3. That is a little above the base. Going to the survey to ask what they think will be the advantages or disadvantages of reducing the term, 54% said that reducing the term will help young people in their education and 36 % that the injustice of young people losing two years of their lives will be removed. At the same time, 15% stated that the fugitive army will be reduced and 13% that the costs for the state and the family will be reduced. As for the disadvantages of reducing military service, it is noteworthy that 49% said there would be no disadvantages. In addition, 19% said that there would be insufficient staffing and 12% that the level of training of the Armed Forces would decrease. Equally important is the conclusion that emerges from the question of whether, in case of reduced military service, the feeling of security will remained the same or would decrease. 86% of respondents said that the feeling of security they feel would remain the same. In the middle the starters…
Regarding the funds available from the Republic of Cyprus for its defense, 43% stated that they consider them satisfactory, while 45% that they do not consider them satisfactory. At the same time, however, 77% said that they believe that the funds for defense are not being used properly, while the view was divided on whether further funds should be added to improve the weapons systems of the Armed Forces, as 49% answered in the affirmative. and 49% negative. At the same time, however, 69% of the respondents stated that there should be a renewal and upgrade of the weapons systems of the Hellenic Armed Forces. At the same time, a percentage of 37% believe that the investments made in EF have as their main goal the start-ups / commissions.Proposal from the organization "State"
The president of the state organization Politia, Petros Zarounas, also presented the proposal of the organization that will submit for public debate for reduction of the military service. Specifically, based on the results of the research, the State proposes as follows: -Military service should be reduced to 14 months.-The Armed Forces should proceed with the recruitment of a number of professional hoplites.-The recruitment of professional hoplites should be done by drawing lots among those who meet the relevant criteria and submit an application.-To provide the possibility for redemption of part of the military service (6 months) in the amount of € 10.000 per lot. 35 per call.Source: FILELEFTHEROS