Against the beautiful backdrop of Heinfels Castle in East Tyrol, 250 soldiers recently pledged to serve the Republic and the population. The young soldiers are due to enlist in May and are serving with Staff Battalion 6 and Jäger Battalion 24.
In the run-up to the ceremony, the 6th Mountain Brigade presented itself in a performance and equipment show. Visitors were able to marvel at combat vehicles and see modern mountain equipment, infantry weapons and innovations in the medical sector. At the same time, many guests took the opportunity to find out from the exhibitors about the exciting and varied profession of a soldier and the attractive employer, the Austrian Armed Forces.
The swearing-in ceremony began punctually at 5 p.m. with the announcement signal by the Tyrolean military band. Minister of Agriculture Norbert Totschnig, Brigade Commander Brigadier Gerhard Pfeifer and Governor Anton Mattle walked down the front of the military formation, those to be sworn in and the delegations of traditional associations. After the blessing of the high clergy, Brigadier Pfeifer congratulated his soldiers on their decision to complete their basic military service. “You are facing strenuous but also exciting months in the service of the Armed Forces. I wish you much soldierly happiness, fellowship and comradeship,” the brigade commander told the new recruits. “The tasks of the Austrian Armed Forces are incredibly diverse. There is talk of comprehensive national defense, military national defense and military neutrality, but ultimately it is about the soldiers being available to the Republic and the population with all their knowledge and skills. And for that they deserve my thanks,” said Governor Anton Mattle in his speech.
Agriculture Minister Norbert Totschnig also had words of praise in his speech: “The Austrian Armed Forces are important, you can always rely on the soldiers – be it during the Covid or refugee crisis or after natural disasters – the protection of the Republic and the population always take priority. Austrian soldiers are committed, hard-working, determined, flexible and courageous – whether at home or abroad.” At the climax of the ceremony, the pledge to defend the Republic with arms and to serve the population resounded with 250 voices as if from one mouth. The Tyrolean state anthem was played at the end of the ceremony, which opened with the national anthem, by the Tyrolean military band under the direction of Vice-Lieutenant Gerold Oberhauser.
