Commission Discusses Extension of Military Service in Austria

In response to ongoing discussions regarding the need for military personnel, a new commission has been established to evaluate the restructuring of Austria's mandatory military service. Central to the commission's objectives is the proposal to extend the duration of military service. The Austrian military is currently facing challenges due to a shortage of soldiers, which has been exacerbated by a lack of volunteers willing to participate in militia training after completing their initial basic training.

Military experts widely agree that the reinstatement of mandatory militia exercises is necessary. These exercises were abolished in 2005 by former Defense Minister Günther Platter. Initially opposed to such mandatory programs that would prolong military service, Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner has now initiated the formation of this commission, signaling a shift in policy.

The commission is chaired by Erwin Hameseder, a manager at Raiffeisen and a representative for militia affairs within the Austrian Armed Forces. It comprises a diverse assembly of members aimed at addressing not only military considerations but also representing various societal sectors. This comprehensive approach is essential, as the reintroduction of mandatory military exercises would require young men to withdraw from the labor market for a specified period, likely around two months. This has raised concerns among business leaders, particularly as the economy is already grappling with a workforce shortage.

To ensure a balanced perspective, the commission includes representatives from the Chamber of Commerce, the Federation of Austrian Industries, as well as labor organizations such as the Trade Union Federation and the Chamber of Labor. Additionally, representatives from civil service organizations are involved, recognizing that changes to military service will also impact civil service obligations.

The commission also features members from youth organizations, including the federal school representatives and the national youth representation, acknowledging the broader implications of military service on the younger population.

Walter Feichtinger, a retired former head of the Institute for Peacekeeping and Conflict Management at the National Defense Academy, serves as the vice-chair of the commission. The group will also include several officials from the Ministry of Defense and a former minister, Thomas Starlinger, who previously served in Brigitte Bierlein's expert government.

Notably absent from the commission are the Chief of General Staff, Rudolf Striedinger, and his deputy, Bruno Günter Hofbauer. However, General Staff representative Günter Schöpf is part of the 23-member commission.

The commission's mandate is to present three proposals for the future structure of military service by the end of the year. The most likely scenario under consideration includes a return to six months of basic military training followed by an additional two months of militia exercises. Other options, such as extending the basic military service to one year or introducing mandatory service for women, have also been discussed; however, the latter suggestion has faced immediate resistance.