New Diploma Recognises Skills Acquired by Volunteer Soldiers

On Friday 9 October 2026, Luxembourg’s Minister of Education, Children and Youth Claude Meisch and Minister of Defence Yuriko Backes presented a new vocational training programme leading to the Vocational Aptitude Diploma (DAP) in Army Multi-Skilled Operations at a press conference.

According to the ministries, the first implementation of the new programme began at the start of the 2026/2027 school year at the Army School, which is part of the Lycée Technique d’Ettelbruck.

“Modern vocational training is constantly evolving to meet practical needs and open up new opportunities for young people. With this new DAP, we are recognising the skills acquired by volunteer soldiers during their period of military service by incorporating them into a nationally recognised qualification. In doing so, we are creating new pathways between professional experience, training and future career opportunities,”emphasised Minister Meisch.

“Volunteer soldiers, both women and men, play an essential role in the Luxembourg Army. Their commitment directly contributes to its missions and the smooth running of the institution. This demanding experience enables them to acquire technical skills and develop qualities such as discipline, a sense of responsibility, teamwork and perseverance. This training recognises their contribution to serving the nation’s defence while also strengthening the Army’s attractiveness as an employer,” explained Minister Backes.

Preparing for the Transition to Professional Life

Preparing volunteer soldiers for future employment in both the public and private sectors is one of the Luxembourg Army’s responsibilities. During the transition period following the completion of military service, various opportunities are already available to them. These include preparatory courses for competitive recruitment examinations provided by the Army School, academic courses to complete and improve their educational qualifications, vocational training programmes leading to a DAP, and courses at various levels offered by Luxembourg secondary schools.

The DAP in Army Multi-Skilled Operations complements this existing range of opportunities.

Military Skills Recognised as Part of the Training Programme

The distinctive feature of the new DAP is the recognition of the skills and experience acquired by soldiers during their period of military service. These are recognised as equivalent to the first two years of the DAP training programme. Candidates can therefore proceed directly to the third year of training, which takes place mainly at the Army School.

To complete the soldiers’ training and provide them with the skills required to obtain the DAP, the curriculum includes courses in the following subjects:

⁃ English and one language of their choice between French and German;

⁃ Office administration and IT;

⁃ Economics;

⁃ Applied mathematics;

⁃ Preparation for working life;

⁃ A multi-skilled workshop covering, among other subjects, basic electrical work and mechanics.


As with all DAP-level training programmes, candidates complete a final integrated project at the end of their studies. This assesses the knowledge and skills they have acquired across different subject areas.

A Multi-Skilled Professional Profile

The aim is to train employees capable of contributing to the smooth operational running of a department, premises or infrastructure. These employees must possess practical, administrative and organisational skills and may work in state or municipal administrations, healthcare facilities, educational or cultural institutions, or private companies.

Their work is structured around five main areas:

⁃ Reception, information and guidance: Welcoming and providing information to service users, visitors and colleagues, and directing them to the appropriate departments.

⁃ Administration, internal organisation and management: Carrying out routine administrative tasks and supporting the day-to-day organisation of the department.

⁃ Internal logistics and flow management: Helping organise, move and manage equipment, documents and other internal resources.

⁃ Maintenance, basic upkeep and simple repairs: Carrying out practical tasks and straightforward interventions to help ensure that premises and equipment function properly.

⁃ Workplace safety: Applying rules and procedures that contribute to the safety of people, equipment and the working environment.


The first cohort of the DAP in Army Multi-Skilled Operations comprises eleven candidates, with the first diplomas expected to be awarded in summer 2027.