For the first time in the history of the Second Republic, the militia of the Austrian Armed Forces is mobilized nationwide. In Styria, a company from the Styrian Jäger Battalion and the Jäger Company Deutschlandsberg are mobilized for this purpose. The head of the West Styrian company, Lieutenant Christian Rath, sees this as an “opportunity for the militia”.
“We’ve been practicing for years just in case. Now it’s here and we’re ready,” says the 29-year-old Voitsberger with motivation. Rath’s civilian job is as an aircraft technician at an international aircraft manufacturer in Wiener Neustadt. His employer shows understanding for his militia commitment. The Deutschlandsberg Jäger Company was formed in November 2016 from around 160 militia soldiers from Jäger Battalion 17. The number of volunteers grew steadily thanks to successful recruitment at the Straß barracks. The company currently has 233 militiamen. Regular activities such as militia get-togethers, family adventure days and the integration of the militia comrades into the service operations of Jäger Battalion 17 have also strengthened cohesion outside of military exercises. Numerous Carinthians, Viennese and Burgenlanders now also belong to the West Styrian company.
The unit completed its first test in September 2017 during a 10-day property protection exercise in St. Martin im Sulmtal in western Styria. The focus was on the scenario of a security police assistance operation. An assumption that could now become reality in view of the imminent mobilization. In September 2018, the West Styrian company trained in combat techniques in alpine terrain on the Seetaler Alpe. Helicopter training with the Black Hawk armored personnel carrier and shooting exercises were also on the agenda. Most recently, the company was deployed to Airpower in Zeltweg in September 2019. It was responsible for checking people and baggage. 10,000 people were checked per hour.
Lieutenant, as a member of the Deutschlandsberg Jäger Company, you will now be serving with the Austrian Armed Forces for around three months. How is your employer compensating for your absence?
My employer accepts my commitment to the militia. After all, during military exercises I learn certain soft skills and techniques in the areas of leadership, organization and presentation, which I can also use in my civilian job. Of course, one thing is undisputed: my absence means that I am missing an experienced specialist. This must and will be compensated for by my colleagues. I am extremely grateful to them and my superiors, who show understanding for this.
What does your private environment say?
I have the full support and backing of my family to go on a mission.
As commander of the Deutschlandsberg militia fighter company, you – like thousands of other militia soldiers – are facing “mandatory” partial mobilization for the first time. How do you assess this situation?
I see the current situation as an opportunity for the militia. For the first time, we can prove what we can do. I see the fact that our company belongs to the illustrious circle of mobilized units as an honor and confirmation of our work. After the successful deployment at Airpower 2019, I am confident that my comrades and I will also be able to complete future missions. The duration of the mission is new territory for us, but we will master that too. After all, that’s what we’re here for: we’re the strategic reserve.
What feedback do you receive from your comrades in view of the imminent partial mobilization?
Many were expecting the deployment and even volunteered in advance. Of course, there are people for whom mobilization is a real challenge. Those who work full-time in systemically important areas or now have childcare obligations. The current situation is also an economic burden for many self-employed people. Nevertheless, our comrades are fully motivated and want to do their bit. No one wants to let the company down.
