MPs want 130,000 trained civilians ready for national crises

Dutch MPs are seeking to train 130,000 civilian reservists to support the police, army, and emergency services during national crises, according to a report from NOS. The centrist Christian Democrat CDA party in parliament has backed a motion calling for the establishment of these so-called civilian reservists over the next four years.

These volunteers would not be part of the armed forces but would serve as a support force during the first three days of a disaster when emergency and security services may be overwhelmed. The volunteers would be trained in three key areas: technical, logistics, and security skills. While the government has expressed its support for this goal, it has requested that the defense ministry provide facilities and resources for their training at no cost.

The figure of 130,000 aligns with the long-term target set by the privately run De BurgerReserve organization, which has trained around 1,000 people this year through a two-day course at its national training center.