With the signing of a declaration of intent by Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner and Federal Secretary Reinhard Hundsmüller this week, the future cooperation between the Austrian Armed Forces and the Austrian Workers’ Samaritan Federation (ASBÖ) was raised to a new level this week. The aim is to deepen, professionalize and sustainably institutionalize the long-standing cooperation, particularly in the area of international disaster relief.
Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner: “With this declaration of intent, we are laying the foundation for even closer cooperation in the field of international disaster relief. The joint use of know-how, resources and structures will help to further optimize our operational readiness for crises and disasters. Today’s signing marks a further step towards pooling resources and expertise in the interests of international disaster relief.”
-> Apple Podcasts
-> Spotify
-> Podigee
-> Deezer
-> Youtube version
The key points are the exchange of expertise on special topics as well as technical developments and experiences following operations and exercises, the mutual use of training facilities and military training areas, the intensification of joint operations within the framework of international disaster relief and the creation of opportunities for mutual participation in specialist training or exercises. This includes, in particular, closer cooperation between the Samaritan Association’s international disaster relief unit, “SA-RRT” (“Samaritan Austria – Rapid Response Team”), and the Austrian Forces Disaster Relief Unit (AFDRU), the disaster relief unit of the Austrian Armed Forces, in the areas of drinking water treatment and earthquake rescue, especially during foreign missions, particularly in the areas of mission preparation, medical supplies, logistics and their implementation.
Federal Managing Director Reinhard Hundsmüller: “The cooperation between the Austrian Armed Forces and the Samaritan Federation is a powerful signal of the importance of shared responsibility in international disaster relief. Safety and rapid assistance can only be guaranteed effectively through coordinated cooperation. Today’s signing lays the foundation for a partnership that not only strengthens operational readiness, but above all benefits those who are in urgent need of support in times of crisis.”
Details on AFDRU and SA-RRT
AFDRU has been directly and indirectly involved in many operations since 1997. AFDRU is only set up when necessary from volunteers from the active and militia ranks and is supplemented by civilian specialists, such as rescue dog handlers, if required. Responsibility for the deployment and formation of AFDRU lies with the command of the NBC Defense Center in Korneuburg. The Workers’ Samaritan Federation, founded in 1927, has developed over the decades from an organization for rescue and patient transport to a comprehensive service provider in the social and health sector.
The Samaritan Austria – Rapid Response Team (SA-RRT), the specialized international disaster relief unit of the Samaritan Association, participates in cross-border operations, advanced training and training courses. The Samaritan Association is also an active part of the EU Union Civil Protection Mechanism. In addition, the Samaritans, many of whom are volunteers, are involved in various networks in the field of international disaster relief, such as Samaritan International (SAM.I.) or the German-speaking DACH network. In Austria, the Samaritans are represented in the state crisis and disaster management organization (SKKM).
Here for further army news.
