The Albanian government has approved an increase in financial compensation for several strategic categories within the Armed Forces, benefiting personnel ranging from special forces units to military doctors and nurses.
According to the Ministry of Defense, these structures are considered national assets within the Armed Forces. The improved financial treatment aims not only to increase motivation among current service members, but also to serve as an incentive for young people to join the Albanian Armed Forces.
The new financial package applies to elite and high-risk units, including Special Forces, Commando units, combat divers, search and rescue teams, specialists in protection against Weapons of Mass Destruction, Military Police, as well as medical personnel serving in military uniform. All beneficiaries will receive monthly salary supplements in addition to their base pay.
Under the approved scheme:
- Special Forces personnel will receive additional compensation of up to 40,000 lekë per month;
- Commando Forces will benefit from an increase of up to 30,000 lekë per month;
- Search and Rescue units will receive up to 30,000 lekë per month in additional pay;
- Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) personnel will receive up to 25,000 lekë per month;
- Weapons of Mass Destruction Protection (WMD) specialists will benefit from up to 25,000 lekë per month;
- Military Police personnel will receive up to 25,000 lekë per month;
- Military doctors will receive additional compensation of up to 25,000 lekë per month, while
- Military nurses will benefit from salary supplements of up to 18,000 lekë per month.
The Ministry of Defense emphasized that the pay increases reflect the high level of responsibility, operational risk, and specialized training required for these roles, particularly in elite and emergency-response units.
The decision is part of broader efforts to modernize the Armed Forces and strengthen Albania’s national defense capabilities through better personnel retention and recruitment.