Allowances for Defense Ministry officers to be doubled

Allowances for officers of the Ministry of Defense of Uzbekistan will be doubled. The announcement was made on April 16 during a briefing to President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who also serves as Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, on issues related to social support for military personnel, improvements in the training system for reserve officers, and preparations for May 9 — the Day of Remembrance and Honor.

According to the report, updates were presented on efforts to enhance the army’s combat readiness and training, including the introduction of new systems for educating and preparing personnel.

In particular, it was noted that comprehensive strategic and command-staff exercises, training camps, field exercises, and courses are being conducted regularly within the armed forces. Special attention is being paid to developing key combat qualities among personnel, such as moral and psychological resilience, the ability to manage fear and emotions in real combat situations, and decisive action.

Based on an analysis of modern warfare, new methods and forms of combat are being incorporated into all training and exercises. Measures are also being taken to improve the mobility of units, enhance their combat capabilities, and strengthen their ability to carry out assigned tasks independently.

Additional measures aimed at advancing the system for training reserve officers were also reviewed. It was noted that analysis of ongoing military conflicts around the world highlights the importance of forming a pool of trained reserve officers in peacetime and properly assigning them by specialization to meet mobilization needs during wartime.

Currently, reserve officers are being trained in 42 specialties at military training centers and faculties within four higher education institutions and two higher military educational institutions. It was also proposed to establish five additional military training centers at Urgench State University, Termez State University, Andijan State University, Samarkand Institute of Economics and Service, and Andijan State Medical Institute.

In addition, a new system will be introduced at state universities to train reserve officers through a three-year bachelor’s program in “pre-conscription military education.” At the Military Medical Institute, for the first time, students admitted to clinical residency and master’s programs who wish to undergo military training will be able to study on a tuition-contract basis. This opportunity will also be extended to students of non-state higher education institutions.

Training of reserve officers will also be introduced in modern and specialized fields such as artificial intelligence, drones, and robotics. New curricula and training programs will be developed for military training units based on the experience of advanced foreign armies.

Special attention is also being given to the social protection of military personnel. This issue was identified as a priority during a Security Council meeting chaired by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on January 13 this year.

In particular, it has been proposed to double monthly service-related allowances for officers of the Ministry of Defense of Uzbekistan and to increase the salaries of contract-based enlisted personnel and sergeants by 10 percent.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev supported the proposals, noting that their implementation will strengthen the social protection of military personnel and their families, as well as enhance the prestige and attractiveness of military service. He has signed the relevant documents.