Indiensttreting

Indiensttreten, also spelled indiensttreding or indiensttreten, is the formal act of beginning one's duties as an employee of a state or public organization, such as the armed forces, police, or civil service. It marks the official start of service after recruitment and training and is distinct from the recruitment process and from mere appointment by title. In many jurisdictions, indiensttreden requires taking an oath or making a declaration of loyalty to the constitution or state, and may be accompanied by the issuance of credentials, such as a uniform or badge.

The process typically includes recruitment and selection, medical and background checks, completion of basic or specialized training, and formal appointment by a competent authority. Depending on the system, indiensttreden can occur on a specific ceremony, at the conclusion of training, or on the first day of duty. A probation or introductory period often follows the induction, during which performance and suitability are evaluated.

The term is commonly used in the Netherlands and Belgium, and it has equivalents in English, such as enlistment, commissioning, induction, or sworn-in appointment, depending on context. It is governed by national civil service or military regulations and is associated with rights and obligations of official status, including salary, rank, and employment conditions.

Historically, indiensttreten has been tied to conscription or public service, but in contemporary administrations it more often denotes the formal entry of trained professionals into state service.