Social profile of applicants for military service in professional soldiers.

The Czech Republic and its army, two concepts which belong inseparably together, the Czech Republic, a country in the very heart of Europe on the one side, and a fundamental institution protecting its territory and population on the other side, in the past and at present. The latest chapter in the history of our statehood starts in November 1989. The collapse of the totalitarian regime in Czechoslovakia opened up new vistas of fundamental changes, it worked the way to the revival of a sovereign democratic security. The launching of basic economic reforms and reforms of state administration also presented the starting point for the return to the association of European democratic states. In the course of a gradual integration into European structures, the Czech Republic showed its adherence to the democratic pre-war traditions and principles. Finally, the membership of the Czech Republic in organs representing the frame of European and worldwide democracy ands safety {--} NATO in March 1999 and the European Union in May 2004 {--} can be translated as a convincing proof of the positive development. The studied group consisted of 80 respondents, 79 percent of males and 21 percent od females. The main age representation varied between 18 and 20 years of age. The decisive economic parameter in the decision making process affecting young people in joining the Army of the Czech Republic seems to be the gross income varying between 20 and 30 thousand Czech crowns. In 58 percent of applicants the recruitment bonus played a major role, whereas in 53 percent of applicants employment benefits appeared to be especially attractive. The independence of the current family was reported to be a highly significant (50 percent) and significant (41 percent) factor. The security of profession in future showed to be another decisive factor and 79 percent of applicants appreciated a higher income as compared with their present civil job. The chance to participate in the missions of the Army of the Czech Republic abroad appeared to be of minimum significance (10 percent) and only 13 percent of respondents expressed their motivation as hunger for adventure. 73 percent of applicants stated the chance to develop their physical condition as well as their interest in sports and games as highly significant. The research was based on a quantitative analysis. Two hypotheses were formulated: H1: The largest proportion of applicants for the employment as professional soldiers is represented by secondary school leavers with A-levels