Army Commander Voices Concern Over Reluctance of Young Christians to Join Military

Lebanese Army Commander General Joseph Aoun underlined the positive effect of emergency measures and the efforts exerted by the army leadership.

The increase in the minimum wage to nearly LBP 20 million, improvements in medical and educational services, granting of a monthly allowance of $100 and provision of food have "helped boost soldiers' morale and reduce complaints".

According to An-Nahar, Aoun informed his visitors that these measures had also led to better control of units, reducing "desertions or requests for demobilization", pointing out that "requests for enlistment have increased to 20,000".

The army commander voiced his concern over the reluctance of young Christians to volunteer and join the military.

In this context, he urged Bkerke to take action to encourage the participation of these young people and avoid the marginalization of the Christian community in the army, while specifying that Christian political parties had not responded to his appeal.