Last Friday, 240 recruits from Vorarlberg and Tyrol were sworn in at the Walgau barracks. The young soldiers arrived in January and are currently completing their basic training at Jäger Battalion 23 in Bludesch and Landeck. Provincial Security Councillor Christian Gantner conveyed the Governor’s greetings and thanks to the soldiers for standing up for the security of the country.
A large proportion of the recruits are scheduled for an assistance mission in Burgenland from April to June. The rest will remain in the two federal states and will be trained with the weapons and equipment of the High Mountain Raider Battalion before taking on a role as a militia soldier.
Military Commander Brigadier Gunther Hessel thanked the young recruits for opting for compulsory military service and said: “Being a soldier is something special. This service is associated with a multitude of experiences, strong camaraderie and a high level of responsibility for our society, for the citizens of Austria and the security of our country.” He thanked the commanders of Jäger Battalion 23 for the constantly demanding and mission-oriented training and their high level of awareness of the “core competence of national defence” and specialization for combat in the mountains. “This is how we see ourselves. Because only those who can defend and fight can also help and protect, the other way around is not possible.” Due to the Covid-19 protective measures in place, no family or friends of those serving in the armed forces or the general public could be invited to this swearing-in ceremony.
