Abstract

The end of the Cold War, technological changes and social-cultural evolution have brought about the end of the mass army. In most of the countries where there still exists a conscription system, i.e. almost everywhere in continental Europe, the debate on the end of the draft is now open. Among these nations, Belgium was the first to decide to adopt an all-volunteer force. It is also the country where the transition to an AVF will be the quickest. The article first describes the content of the present reform of the Belgian military organization and its various aspects. It then analyzes its structural and internal causes.