Lieutenant-General Martin Wijnen, the outgoing Commander of the Royal Netherlands Army, has issued a stark warning regarding the Netherlands’ state of preparedness in the face of a potential military conflict with Russia. In a recent interview with the Dutch newspaper, De Telegraaf, Wijnen called for both military and civilian readiness, drawing parallels with the more vigilant postures of neighboring countries closer to Russia.
In his role, which he has held since 2019, Wijnen urged the Dutch government and public to not be complacent due to geographical distance, emphasizing that “The Netherlands should not think our safety is guaranteed because we are 1,500 kilometers away.” His comments come at a time when Europe is reassessing its security landscape and defense capabilities in light of Russia’s growing military assertiveness.
According to Wijnen, other nations like Sweden, Finland, and the Baltic states—due to their proximity to Russia—have adopted a more robust attitude toward potential conflicts. He suggests the Netherlands take a page from their books, arguing that the entire Dutch society needs to be prepared for adverse scenarios. This preparation includes civilians being ready with emergency supplies of food and drinking water.
Highlighting the strategic challenges posed by Russia, Wijnen contended that a strong army acts as a critical deterrent. He expressed concern over the current personnel shortage within the Dutch military, stressing the importance of addressing this issue to maintain a credible defense force. “There is only one language that Russia understands, and that is one of a strong military,” Wijnen stated, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
The Lieutenant-General has high hopes for the newly introduced voluntary ‘Service Year’ for young people, which is based on a Swedish program aimed at strengthening military ranks. Despite the initial participation of around 600 young individuals, Wijnen’s aim is to attract two to three thousand participants each year, with the expectation that a third will pursue a military career and another third will serve as reservists. This program aims to develop a cohort of 18-year-olds capable of supporting the professional army and filling any gaps.
Germany’s Defense Minister, Boris Pistorius, echoed Wijnen’s sentiment in a separate interview with Die Welt am Sonntag, in which he warned of potential dangers Europe might face later this decade and highlighted the continent’s need for greater involvement in its own security.
Military service in the Netherlands has not been mandatory since 1997, but Wijnen referred to the voluntary ‘Service Year’ as “the right to serve,” noting the enthusiastic response from participants. However, further expansion of this initiative is currently hampered by a shortage of training staff and limited space in military facilities.
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