New trend: One in three military candidates fails psychological screening

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.

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.