Austria's military service in change: Experts warn of blackout threat!

Austria's military service in change: Experts warn of blackout threat!

Austria's military service is faced with a significant change that is promoted by an expert commission led by Erwin Hameseder. This commission started its work on Monday and consists of 23 members who are to develop three model suggestions by the end of the year. The main goal is to make the army and community service future-proof and to strengthen the country's security architecture, as reported.

The defense minister Klaudia Tanner emphasizes that an extension of the military service is only one of several options. It is important to her that young men consciously choose the service of the Armed Forces. Women can voluntarily complete basic military service, but it rejects a mandatory integration and only sees this as useful when acting.

concern about the willingness to defend

Tanner expresses concern about the current willingness to defend the population. Only 20% of the citizens would be ready to defend the country with weapons. It also shows that the state of health is problematic: obesity, lack of exercise and psychological stress lead to only 79% are considered suitable. Tanner therefore calls for a more intensive examination of the health of the upcoming generation.

In order to ensure Austria's defense ability by 2032, budget increases are required. These could enable the further development of the "Mission Vorwärts" into a "mission upwards". Particular attention is paid to the scenario of a large -scale power failure, which is classified as a likely threat. In this context, the Federal Army is working on the energy -caring equipment of selected barracks.

preparations for crisis situations

The population should be sensitized to the individual crisis management, including the recommendation to stock up drinking water and medication. Tanner refers to the recommendations of the civil protection association regarding food stores. It is also emphasized that Austrian neutrality alone does not offer sufficient protection. A modern and operational Bundesheer is indispensable for the security of the country.

Participation in this questionnaire is mandatory for men, while women can voluntarily participate. The military service should begin with six months of basic service, and the training capacities are currently limited. A basic gold of around 1,800 euros per month is offered, with additional incentives for longer service times. The draft law could come into force next spring if the Federal Council and the Bundestag agree.

The approaches to reform the compulsory conscription show that there is increased attention to the willingness to defend in both Austria and Germany. Erwin Hateseder, as an experienced personality and chairman of the Raiffeisen-Holding Niederösterreich-Vienna and chairman of the Supervisory Board of Raiffeisen Bank International, brings his expertise to the Commission, which could be decisive for how the defense concept is changed in an emergency ZEIT explained in detail.