Expert: territorial defence system gives nationwide character to country’s protection
The Armed Forces continue to check the combat readiness of formations and military units. According to the Defence Ministry, the monitoring is comprehensive, with personnel practicing the deployment to designated areas, conducting exercises and training, including live firing. Training sessions of territorial defence forces are also held to improve the techniques and methods of forming territorial troops, taking into account the experience of modern military conflicts. National security expert Igor Martynov explained the role played by these military units in the country’s overall defence system.
“During the reform of the Armed Forces of Belarus, territorial defence troops appeared a little over two decades ago. They were set up to give a nationwide character the country’s defence: everyone who can hold a weapon in their hands must know where to take it in case of a threat to the country and how to use it. President Aleksandr Lukashenko has repeatedly stated that all Belarus’ regions must be ready to mobilise in a short time, and any household and family head must be able to defend the land on which they live,” the expert explained.
Belarus has always had the status of a conflict-free state on the world map. However, amid recent events and provocations, sovereignty and national security have come to the forefront of the country’s priorities. Defending the Motherland is not only the task of professional military personnel. Circumstances can put ordinary Belarusians in line, so it is necessary to prepare for a meeting with the enemy not for show, but competently, with skills. It was this strategic task that the President of Belarus discussed more than once with security bloc representatives, Igor Martynov underlined.
“Voluntarily and honestly defending one’s own family, fellow countrymen, hometown or village are included in the concept of the country’s territorial defence. The essence is simple, but no less global: in case of aggression, territorial troops are called upon to defend their land in close co-operation with the Armed Forces and other military formations. Belarusians liable for military service who have already served in the army, have a military specialty and are in the reserves are mobilised for these purposes. They should become an effective shield in the joint defence of our borders,” the expert notes.
