Bundesheer plans military service reform: Experts are calling for longer mobilization!
Bundesheer plans military service reform: Experts are calling for longer mobilization!
Österreich - In Austria, the extension of the basic military service is currently being examined, a topic that has been required by experts for a long time. A commission of the Federal Army, chaired by Miliz Commissioner Erwin Hateseder, aims to rethink the current duration of six months. In the Ö1 "lunch journal", HAMESEDER expressed that the shortening of the military service was a "serious mistake" by abolishing the mandatory militia exercises in 2006. He emphasized the need to react to the changing geopolitical conditions to ensure Austria's defense ability. The Commission's report should be available by autumn 2025, as reported on the website of oe24.at
changes and resistance
Minister of Defense Klaudia Tanner (ÖVP) in an interview with the Kurier did not rule out a reform. Tanner described the six months as "really very short" and emphasized the need to improve the operational and exercise opportunities of the armed forces. While some experts consider the so-called "6 Plus 2" model to be necessary-the so far for 6 months of basic service and two months mandatory militia exercises-the Greens, represented by military spokesman David Stögmüller, have already announced resistance to an extension. An expansion of the service is not negotiable for the Greens.
In view of the geopolitical situation and the Ukraine crisis, General Staff Robert Brieger also emphasizes that a regular practice of the soldiers is essential in order to be prepared in an emergency. Tanner stated that all options, including the increase in the defense budget and new exercise methods, had to be put on the table. However, it remains to be seen how the coalition partners will react to the suggestions, since a change in basic military service could be potentially unpopular among male voters.| Details | |
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| Ort | Österreich |
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