The swearing-in ceremony in Tamsweg on May 17 will remain an unforgettable memory for the 130 recruits, guests of honor and visitors. The soldiers enlisted in May and come from Jäger Battalion 8 and the Mountain Combat Center.
The market square in the Salzburg community provided a dignified backdrop for the recruits to take their vows. The military formations and civilian associations, resplendent in their historic uniforms, lined up in an open square. The public swearing-in of soldiers of the Austrian Armed Forces is a demonstration of the Armed Forces’ will to protect and help. However, it is also a demonstration of the young soldiers’ love of their homeland, the preservation of tradition and their willingness to take on responsibility. It is also proof of the integration and acceptance of the Armed Forces among the population. Georg Gappmayer, the mayor of Tamsweg, said: “A swearing-in ceremony is a visible sign of a functioning democracy. We are proud of our Strucker Kaserne and look forward to the swearing-in ceremony with great gratitude for the work performed. And today’s presentation of the flag ribbon by all 15 Lungau communities is a special sign of cohesion in Lungau. The presence of so many civilian associations and emergency organizations, flag delegations and guests of honor testifies to the deep rootedness of our Armed Forces in our population.”
Military Commander Brigadier Peter Schinnerl emphasized in his speech: “You, the 130 recruits of the May enlistment cycle in the Salzburg command area from Jäger Battalion 8 and the Mountain Combat Center, will take the oath of allegiance as soldiers in a few minutes. As enlisted recruits and members of the Austrian Armed Forces, you will have a special relationship with the Republic of Austria. We soldiers are the only group that can and will be called upon to risk our lives and health in an emergency. We soldiers pay – if necessary – not only a general but also a very personal contribution by risking our lives and our health. Many thanks for this! Long live the recruits who are to be sworn in.” “The Armed Forces’ remit also includes providing assistance in the event of natural disasters and accidents of exceptional magnitude. This means, of course, that the disaster relief operation, the assistance servicesas well as civilian service in lieu of military service have a high priority, but the central task must remain national defense with a strong armed forces in the future. And the conscripts are the basis of the armed forces,” emphasized Franz Eßl, Member of the National Council. https://militaeraktuell.at/neues-truppendienst-handbuch-erschienen/ With a strong “I swear …!” the recruits took the oath and confirmed it with a “… to serve!”. The swearing-in ceremony, a highlight for the recruits, is an official act in which the soldiers take their own personal vow to the Republic of Austria and to democracy. The Tamsweg Civilian Rifle Corps fired a salute in honor of the sworn-in recruits. On this special occasion, Samson (carried by a strong Lungauer) danced the Samson Waltz accompanied by his two dwarfs: this dance is a strenuous challenge for its bearer, as these giant figures are up to 6.5 meters high and weigh around 100 kilograms.
