Keystone
According to the recommendations of a commission of experts, Austria must significantly extend basic military service in order to increase its defense capabilities.
In view of geopolitical tensions, inaction is not an option, said commission chairman Erwin Hameseder. Specifically, military training should last ten months in future – currently six months is compulsory. Accordingly, the duration of civilian service should be increased from nine to twelve months. Austria is militarily neutral and is not a member of NATO.
The need for reform is undisputed, said Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner (ÖVP) on the result of the commission she had appointed. She attaches great importance to a broad political consensus.
Changes to start as early as 2027
The tasks of the armed forces cannot be achieved with the current set-up, said commission member Walter Feichtinger. It is particularly important to enable mobilization and operational readiness within a few days. According to the report, it is currently expected to take at least two months. The changes to military and civilian service should be implemented as early as January 1, 2027.
According to the commission’s report, population trends and declining suitability mean that only around one in three of each birth cohort currently performs either military service or alternative military service (civilian service).
Austria’s citizens voted in favor of compulsory military service in 2013
In response to the suspension of compulsory military service in Germany in 2011, Austria also discussed the future of its army. In a referendum in 2013, almost 60 percent of citizens voted in favor of retaining compulsory military service. In addition to soldiers in training, Austria also has professional soldiers and militiamen – i.e. civilians with military training. In total, around 50,000 soldiers could be mobilized in the event of defence.
Expert: “Trend towards a professional army has stopped”
The Commission also based its recommendations on findings from a Europe-wide survey. “The trend towards a professional army has clearly stopped,” continued Feichtinger. There are signs of a revival of conscription. In addition, women are playing an increasingly important role in the army, especially in Scandinavia. The basic idea of “overall national resilience” is recognizable, he said. In Germany, conservatives in particular are discussing the reintroduction of compulsory military service.
