Military service reform: extension is imminent – ​​what can we expect?

Military service reform: extension is imminent – ​​what can we expect?

The discussion about the future of military and community service in Austria has gained momentum in recent weeks. The Military Service Commission, headed by Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner (ÖVP), is actively working on reform proposals to revise the structure of the service. Three different models are to be presented for further development by the end of the year. Reports indicate that there is a unanimous recommendation to extend military and community service, although official confirmation of the proposals is still pending, as [5min] reports.

The reform plans provide for several options. The first option could include an extension of military service to six months followed by four months of mandatory military exercises. Alternatively, an option of eight months of military service plus two months of exercises is also being discussed. A third option could include four months of military service with six months of exercises. An increase from nine to twelve months is also proposed for community service.

Recruitment and increasing acceptance

A central point of consideration is the development of an incentive system that is intended to increase acceptance among young men and improve recruitment. A committee of experts, led by Erwin Hameseder, has been discussing the necessary reforms since June. Hameseder himself has clearly spoken out in favor of extending basic military service and criticized the abolition of mandatory militia exercises, which was carried out in 2006.

In the context of the discussion about compulsory military service in Austria, reference is also made to developments in other countries. In Germany, for example, the Bundeswehr is planning a comprehensive reform to attract additional personnel. Above all, the aim is to create a “new military service” that will require young men to fill out a questionnaire about their willingness to serve in the military. The Bundeswehr is aiming to increase its troop strength from currently around 180,000 to around 200,000 soldiers, with the focus here also on recruiting volunteers, as [Tagesschau] reports.

The goal in Germany is to recruit 5,000 young people for military service in the first year, which begins with six months of basic training. The incentive to extend service could be created through various advantages such as special driving licenses or the crediting of military service when waiting for a place at university.

Contrary to the general recruitment efforts, the effectiveness of the dissemination of these incentive systems and the CAF (Cost-Appraisal Framework) to analyze the costs in detail is the major challenge. If the Austrian approach to recruiting young men is actually implemented, it could have far-reaching effects on the security policy landscape in the country.