The upcoming NATO Summit in Washington on 9 – 11 July 2024 is set to make significant announcements regarding the enhancement of defense production capacity for the alliance It should also be noted that high level US representatives underscore that quickly restocking military warehouses in Europe and the U.S. has been a pressing concern for NATO policymakers since the initial large shipments of weapons started flowing into Ukraine in early 2022.The focus will be on multinational procurement, co-production with Ukraine, and ensuring that defense stocks are rapidly replenished. The summit aims to align NATO’s defense plans with industry needs, assuring long-term demand signals. Additionally, air defense systems for Ukraine will be a critical topic, with initiatives led by US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to procure more systems and integrate them effectively.

The emphasis on defense production capacity and stockpiling at the NATO Summit is crucial given the current geopolitical climate and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. However, an equally pressing issue that demands urgent attention is the recruitment and retention of military personnel. The issue was also reported by Foreign Policy, which underlines that NATO has faced difficulties due to a shortage of troops and the situation is only deteriorating. Thus, a plethora of effective strategies and robust defense industries are fundamental, they may fall short without a sufficient and skilled human resource base.

Recruitment and retention are not just national issues but challenges faced by military forces across Europe and NATO. There is a need for a unified approach to ensure that member countries can maintain and grow their military personnel effectively. Despite that the issue cannot be addressed solely at the level of heads of states and governments, or at a ministerial level, the authorities must recognize the reality and become well-informed with  detailed data from military human resources managers, specialized recruiters from the armed forces, and experts from both the public and private sectors, not just through sanitized “nice data” presentations but through hard, unvarnished facts.

Enhanced training programs, better compensation and benefits, modern work-life balance policies, promotional opportunities, and robust mental health and support services are essential to improving recruitment and retention. NATO, as well as EU, leaders should facilitate a platform for sharing best practices and successful strategies among member nations. Collaborative efforts can lead to innovative solutions that address the unique challenges faced by different countries. Utilizing advanced technology, such as virtual reality simulations for training, can make the recruitment process more engaging for younger generations. Strengthening the public perception of military careers through targeted campaigns that highlight the benefits, honor, and opportunities within military service can attract new recruits.

Moreover, recruitment, retention, and human resources in the armed forces require broad cooperation and alignment with the education sector as well as the public and civil labor market. This involves not just the employer’s side but also the employees’ perspective. NATO leaders must foster partnerships with educational institutions and labor markets to create pathways that lead from education to military service and back into civilian life when necessary.

Additionally, the involvement of social partners is crucial. They should not be sidelined but should be integral from the start of the debate. Including representatives from trade unions, professional associations, and other social partners, ensures that the perspectives of all stakeholders are considered and that the solutions developed are comprehensive and sustainable.

While boosting defense production and ensuring adequate stockpiles are critical, the human element must be recognized as an essential component. NATO leaders must address the challenges of recruitment and retention with the same urgency and innovation as they do with defense production. EUROMIL, the European Organisation of Military Associations and Trade Unions, calls on leaders to prioritize this human factor attention. A comprehensive approach that includes both strategic industrial planning and a focus on human resources will ensure that the Alliance is a robust and capable military one ready to face future challenges.