Minister Tanner launches military service commission for new security strategies

Minister Tanner launches military service commission for new security strategies

Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner gave the official starting signal for the newly founded “Military Service Commission” on June 2, 2025. This commission, headed by Major General Erwin Hameseder, is made up of 23 members who will carry out their functions on a voluntary basis. The first meeting took place at the Federal Ministry of Defense with the aim of discussing the further development of the military and civilian service as well as the staffing of the militia. Tanner explained that the security situation in Europe has deteriorated, which underlines the need for a strong Bundeswehr as Austria's strategic reserve. A first report with three proposals is to be presented by the end of the year in order to ensure the operational readiness of the Armed Forces and to increase exercise activities, as ots.at reports.

The commission will consist not only of military experts, but will also include representatives from different walks of life. These include, among others, members of the federal ministries, the civil service agency as well as business and youth. Future meetings will be convened as necessary to address pressing security challenges further exacerbated by ongoing conflicts and natural disasters.

Adjustments in the defense structure

The discussion about conscription and the militia is becoming increasingly important. According to kleinezeitung.at fundamental changes in the structure and training of the basic military service could be pending. Consideration is being given to how conscription can be made more attractive while at the same time responding more flexibly to the demands of modern threats. These considerations take place against the background that security policy no longer only consists of military aspects, but that spiritual national defense is also emphasized.

The security policy strategy should be presented to the National Council in order to enable a cross-party discussion. The aim is also to involve the population in security policy processes through citizen dialogues and town halls. Tanner emphasizes that defensiveness must not end at the barracks fence and that a comprehensive understanding of security is required that also takes disinformation and cyber threats into account, as weekend.at shows.

Strengthen social resilience

A central concern of the new security strategy is strengthening social resilience. The technical equipment is important in order to be able to react to hybrid threats. The minister emphasizes that schools should play a crucial role in teaching media literacy and democratic resilience. These steps are essential to ensure the protection of democratic values, social stability and state sovereignty.

The Military Service Commission also includes various advisory members who represent different disciplines. These include, among others, representatives of the youth representatives, community service and the Chamber of Commerce. Through this diversity of opinions and expertise, the Commission will try to find the best possible solutions to the challenges of the coming years and to continue to guarantee Austria's security.