Portugal's New Volunteer Programme Aims to Bridge Youth and Military Gaps
Two centre-right parties have proposed a new volunteer programme to strengthen ties between young people and Portugal’s Armed Forces. The initiative, called Defend Portugal, would target citizens aged 18 to 23 and combine civic, physical, and military training. Organisers say it could help fill gaps left by the military’s shift to a fully professional model.
The plan arrives as other political groups also push for greater youth engagement with national defence, though their approaches differ in scope and focus.
The Defend Portugal programme would run for three to six weeks, with part of the training held in a boarding setting. Volunteers would receive €439.21 as a one-time payment, along with the chance to earn a free driver’s licence. Completion would count as a merit in future recruitment for the Armed Forces or related public services.
Proposers PSD and CDS-PP argue the scheme would address a shortfall in personnel—currently around 24,500 active troops—while fostering closer links between civil society and defence. They also recommend adding national defence education to the existing *Citizenship and Development* school curriculum. Separately, the Socialist Party (PS) has called for a review of the current recruitment system and exploration of new models. Meanwhile, the far-right Chega party suggests extending *National Defence Day* into a full week of activities. Both PS and Chega have put forward their own plans to boost youth involvement in military matters. The PSD-CDS proposal includes a *Strong Mind* mental health plan for service members, involving coordination with the National Health Service and support networks. This would run alongside the volunteer training initiative.
If adopted, the programme would create a structured path for young people to engage with the military before formal enlistment. The one-time payment, driver’s licence incentive, and recruitment benefits aim to attract participants. Political debate continues over how best to integrate defence education and youth involvement in Portugal’s Armed Forces.
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