President of Kazakhstan Qasym-Jomart Toqaev has announced the need for a deep transformation of the Ministry of Defense. The Security Council Apparatus, together with the ministry, must present a military reform plan within ten days, infohub.kz reports.
"At a recent meeting with the Security Council Apparatus, I outlined priorities for work in the military sphere. Our army has been frozen in the past century. At the same time, the command system must be completely restructured in line with advanced international experience. A comprehensive approach is needed; for this, one must have a vision, and only well-educated officers with broad horizons possess such a vision. The goal of the reform is to form a new-model army," Toqaev emphasized.
The head of state instructed that the army be placed on the path of digital transformation and that technology be used instead of people wherever possible.
"New approaches to army development are required. Template solutions, 'showcase' maneuvers, and beautiful reports are needed by no one," the president noted.
What tasks have been set for the defense minister
The first task is to radically improve the efficiency of budget spending.
"All allocated funds must yield maximum results for ensuring the state's defense capability. Misuse of funds, and especially embezzlement, is unacceptable. No one will escape responsibility for such actions," Toqaev said.
The second task is to reform the Armed Forces taking into account modern threats. To assess and select personnel, the president proposed introducing transparent criteria.
"Promotion to command positions should be carried out exclusively on the basis of experience and competencies, and not on the principle of personal loyalty," he stated.
The third task is to strengthen ideological and educational work among servicemen based on the values of the Constitution, the history of military affairs, and the achievements of Kazakh and world culture. According to the president, the army should become a school of professional training and a source of knowledge and patriotism, and the life and safety of every serviceman should be an unconditional priority.
"Defending the Motherland is the sacred duty of every citizen. Those who have dedicated their lives to military service deserve the care and support of the state. Service in the army should not inspire fear and horror; the army is called upon to be an institution that, using the best examples of the past and present, educates young warriors and true patriots of their Fatherland," the head of state said.
Toqaev also called for objective coverage of the service of military personnel, especially those who have received high marks and commendations from the command.
The president emphasized that he expects a clear, phased reform plan, not voluminous concepts and roadmaps. The document will be considered at a Security Council meeting in the second half of October. The Security Council Apparatus will coordinate the army's reform.