Entitlements and Incentives for Defense Force Members Under Proclamation No. 1286-2023

The “Defense Forces Proclamation No. 1286-2023” establishes a comprehensive framework outlining various entitlements and incentives for members of the Ethiopian defense forces. These provisions are designed to support active-duty members and their families, boost morale, and recognize distinguished service.

Entitlements for Members of the Defense Forces

Members of the defense forces on active duty are entitled to several essential benefits, generally provided free of charge:

• Basic Provisions:
  • Rations
  • Housing
  • Military uniform
  • Transportation
  • Medical care
• Medical Services for Families and Discharged Members: Additionally, family members of active-duty defense force members who qualify for free medical service, as well as members discharged due to injury, ill-health, or old age, have the right to free medical service at public health institutions in their residential areas. The specific implementation of this will be determined by an agreement between the federal government and the states, with further details provided by subsequent regulation.

Incentives for Members of the Defense Force

To significantly boost the morale and welfare of defense force members, several incentives are provided:

• Automobile Purchase: Members with 30 or more years of service are entitled to purchase one personal automobile free of customs duties and other related taxes. Further details regarding this incentive will be provided in a subsequent directive.
• Private Residence or Land Facilitation:
  • The government will facilitate means to acquire private residence or land for construction for members who have provided service for 30 years or more, provided they do not already own such property.
  • The government will make every effort to facilitate means to acquire private residence or land for construction for members who have provided service for 20 years or more, if they do not already possess such property.
  • For a general officer, the plot of land provided for building a private house will specifically be located in the city of Addis Ababa. The detailed procedures for these facilitations will be determined by Regulation.
• Service Precedence: Every active member wearing a military uniform and carrying a valid identification card shall receive precedence (priority) in obtaining service at any public or private service-providing facility.
• Discounts: Every active member wearing a military uniform and carrying an identification card is entitled to a 10% discount when purchasing goods or services from government-owned organizations.
• Voluntary Incentives from Private Sector: The Ministry is tasked with collaborating with stakeholders to encourage private service providers and commercial enterprises to voluntarily offer motivational activities. These may include price discounts, and demonstrating respect and recognition for the patriotism and contributions of defense force members.
• Free Public Transportation: Every active member wearing a military uniform and carrying an identification card is entitled to free transportation services on publicly-owned city buses and light trains.
• Development Enterprises: The Ministry is authorized to establish development enterprises with the aim of improving the life of the army, enhancing combat readiness, and supporting the Ministry’s overall objectives. This includes the establishment and operation of entities like the Defense Army Foundation.

Medals, Certificates, and Privileges of Awardees

The Proclamation also meticulously details various medals and certificates to be awarded, some of which come with additional privileges or monetary/in-kind awards, recognizing exceptional service and heroism.

Additional Privileges for Medal Awardees (Article 72)

An awardee of any of the specified medals (specifically those mentioned in Article 51 (1) and (2), and paragraph (o) of Sub-Article (3) of the Proclamation) shall receive:

• Free Medical Treatment: Free medical treatment in public hospitals and health centers.
• Educational Priority: Priority to pursue education in public educational institutions.
• Employment Priority: Priority for employment where their qualification meets the job descriptions required by government offices, organizations, and institutions for a given position.

Medals Entitling Monetary or In-Kind Awards (Article 78)

The following medals specifically entitle the awardee to monetary or in-kind awards:

• The Medal of the Black Lion
• The Medal of the Victory of Adwa
• The Medal of Battlefield Heroism (First, Second, and Third Class)
• The Medal of Gold Star for Heroic Loyalty
• The Medal of Silver Star for Heroic Loyalty
• The Medal of Distinguished Performance (also referred to as “Distinguished Labor” in some translations)
• The Medal of Distinguished Commandership (First, Second, and Third Class)
• The Medal of Distinguished Combatant (First, Second, and Third Class)
• The Medal of Distinguished Combat Support or Combat Service Support (First, Second, and Third Class)

Type of Award and Beneficiaries (Article 79)

• Monetary Awards: Monetary awards given to an individual or a group are to be granted entirely to the awardee if they are surviving. If the awardee is deceased, the monetary award will be given to their heir.
• Awards to Military Units: An award given to a military unit shall be in kind (non-monetary). Its specific utilization will be determined by a Ministry directive.
• Award Amount: The exact amount of the monetary award for each medal shall be determined by a specific Regulation.
• Higher Rank, Higher Award: An awardee of a medal of higher rank (as defined by the Proclamation) shall be entitled to a proportionally higher monetary award.