Compulsory military service for women? Cibulka wants reform in the Austrian army!

Compulsory military service for women? Cibulka wants reform in the Austrian army!

Österreich - In Austria, the discussion about introducing conscription for women becomes increasingly louder. Erich Cibulka, President of the Austrian Officer Society, has presented clear reform proposals that go beyond the current framework of the basic military service. Vol.at reports that Cibulka calls for a exercise obligation for all soldiers in the basic military service and provides a comprehensive reform of the currently six-month service.

CIBULKA proposes a so-called “Austria year”, which is intended to include eight months of basic service and an additional four months of exercises. These four months would correspond to 120 days, which could be distributed over twelve years. He would like to implement fundamental changes in compulsory military service in order to meet military needs. First of all, volunteers and then the most suitable non -volunteers should be used for the service. Anyone who does not do military service should alternatively do community service.

contradictory views on the expansion of the women's army

The demands of Cibulka are contrasting to the attitude of Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner, who has rejected a compulsory conscription for women. Tanner refers to the lack of equality between men and women, which currently affects the participation of women in military service. Momentan können Frauen in Österreich lediglich einen freiwilligen Grundwehrdienst leisten, wie auch heute.at feststellen. Cibulka describes his idea as "very innovative" and urges a rethink in the current military structure.

In Germany, a similar picture is shown in the conscription debate. The WDR informs that Article 3 of the Basic Law postulates equality between the sexes, but Article 12a only regulates conscription for men. WDR moderator Sebastian Moritz demands that conscription should include all genders. Critics such as Doris Akrap from the “daily newspaper” describe conscription only for men as discrimination that negatively influences the social view of women.

changed requirements in the military

Moritz emphasizes that the requirements for soldiers have changed in the modern military and physical strength is no longer decisive. In this context, the inclusion of women in the Bundeswehr could create a positive atmosphere in the troop. Maja Apelt, professor of organizational and administrative sociology, also refers to the greater interest of women in peace and conflict research, which could give a differentiated view of civil society problems in conflicts.

The discussion about an extended compulsory conscription for women in Austria could not only initiate a reform process in the army, but also raise deeper social issues on gender equality and the requirements for modern forces.