At the “Military of the Year 2021” matinée, the Austrian Armed Forces recently honored soldiers, civilian employees and army units for special achievements in 2021.
Based on various assessment criteria such as professionalism, motivation, moral courage and inventiveness, a winner was chosen in each of six different categories. This year, the title of “Soldier of the Year 2021” went to Styrian officer Captain Marco Schutti. Due to the current Covid-19 situation, the event was held online. “Our service personnel perform outstandingly every year and many of them would deserve this award, but it’s like in sport, there can only be one winner in each category. I would like to thank all the nominees and winners for their dedication and high level of responsibility. They have all achieved great things for the common good,” congratulates Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner.
Soldier of the Year
34-year-old Styrian Captain Marco Schutti went on several short-term Covid assistance missions with his 3rd Supply and Transport Company of Supply Regiment 1. In May 2020, he took over the complete operation of the Hagenbrunn postal distribution center with 270 men, and in February of this year he and his company carried out antigen tests around the clock with four test buses at the borders of Salzburg and Vorarlberg. In April 2021, he supported the Styrian military command with the delivery of around one million test kits. As the responsible company commander, Captain Schutti mastered all of these challenges with flying colors. Recruit of the year
19-year-old Wolfgang Pirker from Villach was (Militär Aktuell reported) saved the life of a cadre soldier of the 7th Jäger Brigade during an orienteering run. His quick and competent action, coupled with the correct diagnosis – a suspected heart attack – saved the life of a participant. Pirker stabilized the soldier, alerted the civilian rescue team and independently decided to transport the patient to the nearest medical service. Civilian employee of the year
Günter Pribil, who comes from the northern Weinviertel region, has been a key player in the supply of medical supplies since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. As a dispatcher, he not only ensures the timely provision of medical supplies for the Austrian Armed Forces, but was and is also a key person in setting up the Republic of Austria’s strategic crisis stockpile.
Unit of the year
Since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, the units of the “Operative Air Transport System 130” of the Austrian Armed Forces Air Support have been particularly challenged, as additional missions have to be carried out in addition to daily operations, training projects and planned aircraft missions. First and foremost, this involved retrieving sick soldiers from the operational areas. Compliance with all Covid regulations and the increased need for planning and coordination made things more difficult for the crews. Special Awards
The SMN-Mobile (Secure Military Networks) team and the Laboratory, Investigation and Inventory Squadron of the Großmittel Army Ammunition Facility each received a “Special Award”. The SMN-Mobile team worked under enormous time pressure to develop software that allows members of the armed forces to work remotely with a secure connection. The Laboratory, Investigation and Inventory Squadron has succeeded in retreading ammunition for the first time in the world. This process has resulted in savings of 20 million euros on new purchases. The “Military of the Year” event honors special initiatives and exceptional military achievements. This recognition is an expression of modern corporate management and appreciation of all soldiers and employees of the Austrian Armed Forces.
