Dragovic: Back to basic military service after Derby!

Dragovic: Back to basic military service after Derby!

After the exciting 2-1 win of Austria on SK Rapid on February 16, 2025, the 33-year-old defender Aleksandar Dragovic took a remarkable step: he continued his basic military service at the Federal Army on Monday. As krone.at , Dragovic had interrupted this service about 14 years ago to continue his career as a professional footballer. Shortly before the convocation, Dragovic made a joke about his health: "Tomorrow my ankle will probably be swollen. Maybe I'm a disabled person for the military ..."

Although Dragovic now has to appear in the Army Sports Center in Vienna every day, he remains unaffected by his footballing obligations. Like his team -mate Luca Pazourek, he will be released for all training courses and games, which enables him to participate in the upcoming matches. This special access was granted to him by the Armed Forces after Dragovic switched from Vienna Austria to FC Basel shortly before his 20th birthday, which could not be completed by his basic military service.

basic military service at the Bundesheer

basic military service in Austria includes basic military training and is an important experience for many young men. The service usually lasts six months and can be shortened or adapted for athletes and other professionals under certain conditions. According to kareer.bundheer.at , the Armed Forces stipulates that soldiers can have specific exemptions to pursue their sporting or professional activities while they meet their military obligations.

Dragovic is an example of how sporty career and military service can be brought together in Austria, which enables players to continue to compete at the highest level, while they at the same time meet their obligations towards the state. This ensures that the sport and the military in Austria can work hand in hand.