45 New Army Recruits Sworn In at Diekirch Military Centre

On Friday 11 September 11, 2020, the Luxembourg Army held its 37th passing-out parade of 45 soldiers at the Military Centre in Diekirch; the ceremony took place exceptionally in a small setting due to current health regulations.

In the presence of Luxembourg's Minister of Defence, François Bausch, the 45 volunteer soldiers, including 4 women and 10 of Portuguese nationality, were sworn in. 

The ceremony marks the completion of the four-month basic training for the volunteers. This phase is intended to prepare recruits for their future military activities in the Army. Minister Bausch noted the exceptional situation in which the basic training of recruits took place, and thanked them for their commitment to the fight against COVID-19.

During the ceremony, a medal of recognition was presented to members of the Luxembourg contingents deployed during to Mali and Afghanistan in 2019 and 2020, as well as to a number of foreign soldiers. A foreign officer received an honorary distinction in the Grand Ducal Order of the Oak Crown (Ordre grand-ducal de la Couronne) at the same time.