Military Discipline Improves

CHISINAU, May 24, 2012 — The military discipline and the rule of law in the National Army has improved in the first four months of 2012 as compared to the similar period of the previous year. This information was presented at the meeting of the Military Council held Thursday, May 24, at the Ministry of Defense HQ.

The Military Police Commander, Col. Vladimir Iliev, stated the number of misdemeanors had decreased in the National Army by 43 percent as compared to 2011 and the number of serious discipline violations — by 20%. Most often, these misdemeanors are: deserting the army, violating the relationship statutory rules among the military men, thefts and physical violence. Thus, 10 service members were convicted for infringements while in the army.

According to the quoted source, 54 serious discipline violation cases were recorded in the army. 19 of these were committed by servicemen, which is 35% of the total number of such cases recorded in the army. Most often, offenders leave the unit deployment place, use alcoholic drinks. They are also punished for absence from the army without any valid reason and violation of public order.

The analysis of misdemeanors and serious discipline violations reveals a few factors encouraging such phenomena. First, this happens because of the quality of enlisted young men and their level of education. Second, this is soldiers’ lack of discipline, ignorance of service duties and the formal control of the way they follow their service duties, as well as the way commanders of different ranks organize their daily program.

Therefore, the Minister of Defense asked commanders of units and institutions to make sure the rule of law is respected in the National Army both, by conscripts and servicemen. Vitalie Marinuta ordered some organizational measures to improve accommodation and working conditions for conscripts and remove factors that make young people commit discipline violation acts.