Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

Gen Z recruits under pressure

New trend: One in three military candidates fails psychological screening

Photo: Zdravka Maslyankova

Generation Z is facing serious difficulties coping with stress, according to results from cadet exams at the Vasil Levski National Military University in Veliko Tarnovo, reported by BNR correspondent Zdravka Maslyankova.


While until recently physical fitness and medical condition were the main challenges for military career candidates, now the focus is more on their mental stability. For the first time, 30–40% of candidates failed the psychological test. Only half of the places were filled for the new academic year, despite 270 cadets being expected to be admitted.


"Our generation is spoiled," explain 15-year-olds Soner Günaydın and Teodor Stariradev from Gorna Oryahovitsa.

Teodor Stariradev (L) and Soner Günaydın

The problem of understaffing in the army is serious and has persisted for years. The National Military University had announced an additional intake, hoping that at least 200 cadets will take their military oath this autumn.



Editor: Miglena Ivanova
Posted in English by E. Radkova

Photos: Zdravka Maslyankova



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

GERB-SDS remains the leading political force

GERB-SDS is supported by 22.8% of voters and remains the leading political force, according to a representative survey by Market Links. ''We Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria'' is second with 13.3%, followed by ''DPS-New Beginning'' with..

published on 9/12/25 9:42 AM
Ilie Bolojan

Rosen Zhelyazkov and Ilie Bolojan discuss transport projects and improving navigation on the Danube

Romanian Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan held a telephone conversation with his Bulgarian counterpart Rosen Zhelyazkov.  The two discussed transport projects and the improvement of navigation along the Danube River, AGERPRES reported, as cited by BTA...

published on 9/12/25 8:51 AM

Climate change or mismanagement? Bulgaria faces another year of water shortages

Bulgarians are well acquainted with the wry refrain, “Winter surprised us again” — a phrase trotted out with equal parts amusement and irritation each year, as the first snowfall throws the country into disarray. But this year, perhaps it should be:..

published on 9/11/25 7:58 PM