The ceremonial swearing-in of around 250 soldiers recently took place in Vienna’s Stadthalle. The conscripts will perform their future service in the Guard and as functional soldiers at the Vienna Military Command. Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner, Vienna’s military commander, Brigadier General Kurt Wagner, and numerous other guests of honor were present at the ceremony. Prior to the ceremony, the guard music played a concert in the square.
Thanks and recognition
Dietmar Baurecht, district head of Rudolfsheim-Fünfhaus, was delighted and considered it a special honor that the swearing-in ceremony could take place in the 15th district. He emphasized the importance of the Federal Army for the security of Austria and Europe and thanked the soldiers and their families for their commitment: “Their willingness to protect our state sovereignty helps us to live as citizens of this country in freedom and with a high quality of life.” As District Chairman of the 15th District, it is important to him to uphold the Austrian Armed Forces and “comprehensive national defense”.
In his welcoming address, Vienna’s military commander, Brigadier General Kurt Wagner, thanked the recruits for their decision to perform their basic military service in the Austrian Armed Forces. He emphasized that every function of the soldiers – whether in the Guard or in service – was important for the functioning of the Armed Forces. He called on the recruits to make the best possible use of their skills, “then you will also take a lot of positive things with you from your basic military service”, said the military commander. He also encouraged the young soldiers to consider a longer-term career in the Austrian Armed Forces.
“They have taken an important step in their lives”
Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner thanked the recruits for their service: “I am particularly pleased that so many young citizens want to serve in the Austrian Armed Forces in troubled times. They have taken an important step in their lives, which shows that they are prepared to take on responsibility. Compulsory conscription and military service are central pillars and indispensable instruments of the Austrian Armed Forces, as they ensure our country’s ability to defend itself. I would like to thank them for their future service to the Austrian Armed Forces and the Republic of Austria.”
She also emphasized the central role of democracy as a fundamental value of the Republic, which must be protected, and highlighted neutrality as an important pillar.
The speeches were followed by the highlight of the ceremony: a delegation of recruits stepped up to the insignia to take the pledge of allegiance with their comrades. In front of the numerous guests of honor and their families, they pledged to protect the Republic of Austria and its people.
Award of the militia seal of approval
Following the ceremony, Federal Minister Tanner awarded the Militia Seal of Approval to “Josef Mantl Communications GmbH” and “Realkanzlei Dr. M. F. Steinbrecher GmbH&CoKG”. They received this special award for employers for their support of the Austrian Armed Forces militia.
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