Reserve Military Service returns to the Albanian Armed Forces

Published: Friday, 02 October 2026 16:19

The Armed Forces of the Republic of Albania have opened a new chapter in the development and integration of the reserve force, with reservists returning to regular military training for the first time in more than three decades.

The ceremony marking the occasion was attended by the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Arben Kingji; Deputy Ministers of Defence Pranvera Skana and Enkelejd Joti; Deputy Chief of the General Staff, Brigadier General Razie Mehmeti; generals, force and unit commanders, General Staff directors, reservists and other representatives.

In his address, Lieutenant General Kingji expressed his pleasure at attending this landmark ceremony and emphasised the importance of building a modern, integrated reserve force capable of reinforcing the active force in support of national defence and the fulfilment of Albania’s commitments to the Alliance.

Lieutenant General Kingji noted that this process is particularly important in today’s security environment, which is characterised by rapidly evolving developments, hybrid and cyber threats, and a growing need for additional capabilities to respond to civil emergencies.

In this context, readiness must extend beyond the initial response and include the ability to reinforce and regenerate the force, ensuring the continuity of national defence during prolonged crises.

“A reserve force is not built once a crisis begins. It must be prepared in peacetime so that it is ready when the country needs it,” the Chief of the General Staff said, stressing that the reserve must train regularly and remain continuously integrated with the active force.

He added that commanders, instructors and support structures have an important role in establishing a measurable system of integration and readiness. Reservists will follow a progressive training cycle, ranging from individual and advanced training to collective exercises and integration with their assigned units.

The process is also supported by improvements to the legal framework governing reserve military service. This framework defines the procedures for activation, as well as the rights and obligations of reservists, and guarantees that they receive the same treatment as active-duty personnel during periods of service and training.

Addressing the reservists, Lieutenant General Kingji welcomed them into the ranks of the Armed Forces and praised the knowledge and skills they bring from civilian life, as well as the previous military experience held by some of them. He called on the reservists to familiarise themselves with their units, master their assigned duties, share their experience and train according to the same standards and procedures as the active force.

One of the objectives established for 2029 is to train and integrate more than 80 per cent of the reserve force.

“My vision is clear: the active force and the reserve must operate as one force—trained, integrated and ready to fulfil our national defence mission and our commitments to the Alliance,” Lieutenant General Kingji said.

He concluded his address with a message to active-duty personnel and reservists:

“Let us train together. Let us operate together and, when called upon, accomplish the mission together. One force. One standard. One mission. I wish you successful training and every success. God bless the Armed Forces!”