"He Doesn't Deserve a General's Rank." Řehka Sends a Clear Message to His Successor and Babiš's Government
General Karel Řehka voiced his concerns regarding the involvement of soldiers in non-military tasks, emphasizing the need for a clear focus on military readiness and the appropriate roles of the armed forces.
The outgoing Chief of Staff, General Karel Řehka, expressed strong disapproval of the military being called upon by politicians for tasks such as flood response and border security. In an assertive statement directed at military commanders and the Minister of Defense Jaromír Zůna, Řehka insisted that soldiers must have the courage to speak honestly with political leaders. He underscored that the military's primary responsibility is its operational capabilities and readiness to serve the nation, making it clear that they should not be diverted to perform tasks that can be managed by civilians.
In reference to recent instances where the army was heavily deployed during crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the Vrbětice ammunition depot explosions orchestrated by Russian intelligence, Řehka declared that this reliance on the military for non-combat roles needs to end. He echoed sentiments expressed by his predecessor, Petr Pavel, in emphasizing that the armed forces have their primary duties, and expanding their role into civilian spheres puts unnecessary strain on military resources and capabilities.
Ŕehka's message carries significant implications for the future of the Czech armed forces, signaling a desire for the military to return to its core functions and for a separation of military and civilian responsibilities. This stance may serve as a foundation for a more rigorous discussion on the role of the military within society and how it interacts with political authorities, potentially reshaping the expectations placed on military personnel going forward.