In the presence of Defense Minister Mario Kunasek, 769 newly qualified non-commissioned officers were handed over to the Austrian Armed Forces at a ceremony on 28 February. Among them were 54 women who underwent training at the Army NCO Academy in Enns.
Academy Commander Brigadier Nikolaus Egger congratulated the soldiers who had just been promoted to constable to the accompaniment of the Upper Austrian Military Band with “On days like these…”. “When I speak of a joint success, I mean first and foremost the training success that you, ladies and gentlemen constables, have achieved together and with the professional support of your training staff. Be proud of this and enjoy today, because special moments like this are rare and therefore precious.” Constable Fabian Dorfer from Jäger Battalion 25 in Klagenfurt came top of the course. He was distinguished in nine out of ten subjects at the service examination and received the Army NCO Academy’s ring of honor for his performance. Fabian Dorfer has already completed several foreign and disaster missions and comes from Bad Kleinkirchheim.
Defense Minister Mario Kunasek spoke of a special day for the Armed Forces, but also of a special day for every single soldier newly promoted to non-commissioned officer. “Be proud of what you have achieved. Take the most beautiful profession as an opportunity to become better and better. Be a role model in your private life too,” said Minister Kunasek to the newly commissioned NCOs. Several guests of honor attended the graduation ceremony: In addition to Defense Minister Mario Kunasek, the most prominent graduate of the Army NCO Academy, Chief of Staff Robert Brieger, Member of the National Council and Chairman of the Parliamentary Armed Forces Commission Michael Hammer and the Deputy Mayor of Enns Manfred Voglsam also paid tribute to the new NCOs.
