On Tuesday, the 13th Day of Compulsory Military Service took place in the presence of Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner under the motto “New models for military and civilian service” at the House of Industry in Vienna. The concerns of the “Conscription for a military Austria” platform were presented, in particular with regard to strengthening comprehensive national defense, compulsory military service, the militia system and budgeting. The platform comprises 20 member associations with around 200,000 members.
“Without compulsory military service, the tasks of national defense in Austria would not work. The security situation has changed drastically in recent years – therefore a rethink is also necessary. And with the report presented today by the Military Service Commission presented today marks the start of the discussion process on what military service, alternative military service and the militia should look like in the future. The fact is that compulsory military service is the basis for everything! Without compulsory military service there are no conscripts, without conscripts there are no cadre soldiers and no militia. One cannot exist without the other,” says Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner.
After the opening by Brigadier Erich Cibulka, Chairman of the umbrella organization, and the welcoming address by Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner, retired Major General Peter Fender, Secretary General of the umbrella organization, spoke about military service in the Second Republic. Major General Erwin Hameseder, Chairman of the Commission and Militia Commissioner, then reported on the procedure and results of the Military Service Commission 2025. This was followed by panel discussions with the military spokespersons of the parliamentary parties.
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The member associations of the “Conscription for a military Austria” platform include the Officers’ Society, the Non-Commissioned Officers’ Society, the Charges Society, the Austrian Militia Association, the Professional Officers’ Interest Group, the Association of Austrian Peacekeepers, the Comradeship Association, the Black Cross and the Pharmaceutical Comradeship Association. The umbrella organization itself acts independently of political parties and is committed to the constitutional mission of national defence.
The referendum on compulsory military service in Austria took place on January 20, 2013. Two questions were put to the vote: “Are you in favor of introducing a professional army and a paid voluntary social year?” and “Are you in favor of retaining general compulsory military service and civilian service?”. With a turnout of 52.4 percent, 59.7 percent of voters clearly decided in favor of retaining compulsory military service.
