Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) announced its first-ever recruitment of reservists, a move which defence officials say will further professionalise the military.

Recruitment into the Reserve Force, one of four branches of the RDF, will begin on August 19 through September 3.

ALSO READ: Rwivanga: Recruitment of reservists to ‘professionalise’ RDF

The New Times breaks down key things to know about the recruitment into the Reserve Force.

1. Who are reservists?

According to the new law governing the RDF, passed in June, the Reserve Force is made up of soldiers on full-time active duty and others who serve part-time, but who can be recalled to active duty whenever necessary.

The Reserve Force will be made up of operational reservists, re-enforcement reservists (or those who retired from active military service), and strategic reservists.

ALSO READ: 30 years later, RDF continues to inspire a nation

Specialists may be medical doctors, engineers or other people with special skills and knowledge.

Reservists may be based in Rwanda or abroad.

They become reservists after training.

2. Why recruit reservists today?

The recruitment of reservists comes at a time the RDF wants to professionalise further, Spokesperson Brig Gen Ronald Rwivanga said during a press conference on Friday, August 16.

While Rwanda has expressed concern at the threats to its security by Congolese leaders, the recruitment for the Reserve Force "has nothing to do with the security situation in the region,” Rwivanga said,

"It has more to do with professionalising our defence forces, in such a way that we include reservists of different types.”

3. Age limit for reservists

Operational reservists must be aged between 18 and 25 with at least secondary education and the limit may be extended to 28 if the candidate has special knowledge and skills.

For strategic reservists, even a 40-year-old with special skills, knowledge and experience needed in the military can be allowed to join the Reserve Force, Rwivanga said.

ALSO READ: 30 years later, RDF continues to inspire a nation

4. Training of reservists

The recruits will be given basic military training. For operational reservists, they will attend a six-month training at the RDF Combat Training Centre, Gabiro. They will have to serve for 18 months, after which they can return to their ordinary lives.

For strategic reservists, they will be given basic training appropriate for the age.

5. Eligibility to join the Reserve Force

The applicants must be Rwandan, healthy, and willing to join the RDF.

They must not have been sentenced by courts of law or blacklisted from public service.

They must exhibit good, acceptable conduct.

They must have at least secondary education. For strategic reservists, they must have university education with skills and knowledge required in the military.

6. How do they serve?

Reservists serve when they are called to active duty. Otherwise, they live their civilian lives. They get their salaries when they are on training or active duty.

Reservists may be hired on a permanent basis if they are open to that, and the RDF deems it necessary.

7. Employment outside the army

Reservists may have jobs in civilian life, and they are recalled to military service when they are needed.

Reservists will be entitled to a special moratorium on job security, said Rwivanga. That means that they still retain their jobs, while they are on training or military duty.

"The Ministry of Defence will be engaging with the employers to ensure the reservists’ job security,” Rwivanga said.

"However,” he noted, "if you are dismissed at your workplace on grounds of misconduct, don’t use the Ministry of Defence to get your job back.”

8. Rights and promotions

Reservists have a right to promotions if they have requirements determined by the RDF statute.

They have the right to medals given to members of the RDF.

While they are active, reservists have the right to military education, medical treatment, access to recreational facilities of the military.

Reservists may have access to jobs in industries and income generating projects under the Ministry of Defence. They may have opportunities and internships in institutions and agencies affiliated to the Ministry.

9. End of contract

A reservist contract is terminated when he or she has achieved retirement age.

The contract may be rescinded. The reservist may be granted the request to leave the Reserve Force.

The contract may be terminated in the case of medical discharge, dismissal, stripping of military ranks and medals, definite prison sentence of up to two years, or death.

10. Misconduct of reservists

If a reservist is involved in misconduct or criminal acts while they are on military service, they are held responsible by the RDF or military courts, Rwivanga explained.

If the misconduct or criminal acts are committed while the reservist is in civilian life, they are held to account by civilian courts, he said.