The Spanish Armed Forces are facing serious difficulties in recruiting and retaining personnel. Currently, the number of military personnel does not reach the minimum level set by law, and the gap between the required and actual number of service members continues to grow.
Experts cite the low attractiveness of military service for young people as one of the main reasons for the staffing shortage. Many young Spaniards do not see the army as a promising career, preferring the stability and better conditions offered by the private sector. This is compounded by the demographic factor: the country’s population is aging, and the number of potential recruits is declining.
Private companies are actively recruiting military personnel, especially those with leadership experience and a background in challenging environments. Major corporations such as Amazon, Indra, and Escribano are running targeted campaigns to attract former officers and specialists. Military professionals are valued for their leadership skills, ability to make decisions under stress, and high level of professional training.
Many officers and sergeants who have served for decades are leaving for private business, where they are offered higher salaries, career growth opportunities, and stability. For some, the transition to the civilian sector becomes a logical step after completing their service, especially if the prospects for advancement in the military are unclear.
The problem of staff attrition is especially noticeable in the Air Force and space forces, where pilots often move to commercial airlines or industrial enterprises after completing their mandatory service. According to experts, about 8% of military pilots choose to work for private companies each year, where their skills are in demand and well compensated.
According to the latest data, at the beginning of 2024, Spain had just over 116,000 active military personnel, 500 fewer than a year earlier. This is significantly below the minimum threshold set by law, which requires between 130,000 and 140,000 service members. Analysts note that the personnel shortage could range from 14,000 to 24,000 people.
Plans to increase the size of the armed forces include recruiting an additional 7,500 soldiers by 2029. However, experts believe this will not be enough to solve the problem. Moreover, demographic forecasts are bleak: by 2050, most of Spain’s population will be over 75 years old, and the number of young people fit for service will be half of what it was at the end of the 20th century.
An annual report presented to parliament notes that despite the formally high competition for army positions, genuine interest in military service is declining. Specialists emphasize that attracting new recruits will require not only improving service conditions, but also raising the prestige of the military profession.
The issue of salaries remains one of the most pressing. Military personnel complain that their earnings are lower than those of employees in other security agencies, and recent pay raises have not closed the gap. Representatives of professional associations point out that even after increased funding, many servicemen saw an increase of only 50 euros.
Difficulties related to military service, such as prolonged deployments, separation from family, and heavy workloads, also influence young people’s decisions to avoid a career in the armed forces. Many prefer stable jobs in private companies, where working conditions and salary levels are higher.
At the same time, Spain’s defense industry is actively developing and needs specialists with military experience. New enterprises are inviting former military personnel to take on management roles, relying on their expertise and connections within military structures.
The Ministry of Defense continues to work on fulfilling commitments to increase the military budget to 2% of GDP, but staffing issues remain unresolved. Experts emphasize that without comprehensive measures to make military service more attractive and improve conditions for personnel, the situation risks worsening in the coming years.
