50 Years of Civil Service in Austria: A Milestone in Societal Contribution

On April 1, 1975, Austria witnessed the commencement of its first civil service program, allowing young men to perform alternative service in lieu of military duty. Among the inaugural participants was Max Aufischer from Styria, who holds the distinction of being the very first civil servant, assigned the number 01. Reflecting on his experience, Aufischer emphasized that despite facing initial criticism and societal stigma, he has never regretted his choice. He described his civil service as a profound educational experience that significantly influenced his career as an art educator and cultural mediator.

Historically viewed with skepticism, civil servants have found acceptance in various sectors, including hospitals, disability care facilities, and kindergartens. To date, approximately 440,000 young men have fulfilled their civil service obligations in Austria, which currently lasts nine months. In 1975, the service duration was equivalent to the military service period, both lasting eight months. Aufischer served with the Red Cross in Styria, and his historical plaque, bearing the number one, is now on display at the Graz City Museum.

Aufischer's decision to pursue civil service stemmed from a personal experience following a severe car accident. He recounted a time spent in a hospital room filled with other patients, where he witnessed several deaths. This traumatic event reshaped his aspirations of becoming a career soldier. After initially refusing military service, he eagerly embraced the civil service opportunity when it became available.

He acknowledged the challenges he faced early in his service, including derogatory remarks and concerns about future employment in public service. Even family members were not fully supportive of his decision. However, Aufischer praised the Red Cross for their welcoming approach, which alleviated initial fears from professional paramedics regarding job security. At that time, civil servants underwent only three weeks of training in first aid, highlighting the stark contrast to the comprehensive training provided today.

Currently, the Red Cross trains approximately 4,400 civil servants annually, equipping them with extensive skills as professional paramedics. Advances in technology, improved training programs, and modernized rescue vehicles have significantly enhanced the capabilities of emergency responders. Aufischer noted that the basic equipment for ambulances in 1975 was minimal compared to the sophisticated tools available today.

In light of contemporary global challenges and military escalations in Europe, Aufischer maintains that civil service remains vital. He believes it is essential for many individuals to possess knowledge of emergency response and to understand the practical aspects of such missions. His enduring connection with the Red Cross continues through various voluntary roles.

According to Siegfried Schrittwieser, President of the Red Cross in Styria, civil service has evolved into a crucial pillar of societal support. He asserts that the current structure of emergency services would be unfeasible without the contributions of civil servants.

The establishment of civil service in Austria was a prolonged process following the restoration of national sovereignty and the introduction of universal conscription. It was not until 1975 that individuals could opt for civil service on moral grounds, as opposed to performing unarmed service in the military. In its inaugural year, only 344 civil servants began their service, whereas the numbers have surged to over 14,000 annually in recent years, aided by the elimination of the so-called "conscience test" that previously required applicants to substantiate their objections to military service.

The duration of civil service has fluctuated over the years. Initially set at eight months, it increased to eleven and then twelve months, before settling at the current nine-month term, inclusive of two weeks of vacation. The scope of civil work is diverse, with 40% of civil servants engaged in emergency response, followed by sectors like social and disability services, elderly care, hospitals, kindergartens, refugee assistance, disaster relief, youth work, and environmental protection. Interest in civil service is most pronounced in Vienna, followed by Upper Austria, while Burgenland reports the least participation. Men can be called for regular civil service until the age of 35 and up to 50 for extraordinary service, a category that gained traction during the COVID-19 pandemic when approximately 3,500 individuals stepped forward, including 2,000 former civil servants who volunteered.