The Austrian Armed Forces are gradually preparing for a blackout in order to be able to provide protection and assistance in such cases. With self-sufficient barracks, modern equipment and regular exercises, the Armed Forces will provide the best possible care and support for emergency organizations in the event of an emergency. To this end, a further exercise to secure communication channels is taking place at this time. Within a very short space of time, 30 soldiers from the telecommunications force are setting up a network to ensure communication between several federal states.
“A secure connection during a blackout within the armed forces is necessary to bring order to the chaos. Because only together can we fend off modern threats. That is why we are already practising for emergencies so that the Armed Forces can continue to provide protection and assistance. Self-sufficient barracks are to be completed by 2024 so that we can react quickly and efficiently in threat scenarios such as a blackout,” says Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner.
The focus of this exercise is to ensure communication and information within the Armed Forces during a blackout. The personnel train procedures that range from moving into the barracks independently, to establishing wide-ranging communication and self-sufficient leadership skills. It is important to get to know the relevant liaison officers and exchange information with them so that this also works in an emergency. Communication via the so-called short wave is a self-sufficient connection of the Armed Forces that can be set up in the barracks throughout Austria. This connection is maintained by means of an emergency power generator. A blackout is defined as a prolonged power, infrastructure and supply failure in which nothing suddenly stops working. At this point, the Austrian Armed Forces are still largely operational with most resources, as investments are already being made in self-sufficiency. For example, communication systems, means of transportation, fuel and food are available.
