This week, Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner was able to send the amendment to the Military Law Amendment Act for review. It contains a series of innovations aimed at making the armed forces even more attractive as an employer – including a “parent month” for basic military service and a “training voucher” for militia soldiers.
Defense Minister Tanner: “With this amendment to the law, we are taking another step forward on our ‘Mission Forward’. The changes provide further incentives for service in the armed forces and, after decades of discussion, eliminate disadvantages for our soldiers in military service and training. It is another important step that will ensure that the armed forces become an even more attractive employer. One thing is clear: this can only be one step of many. There is still a lot to be done, especially when it comes to better pay for our professional soldiers.”
One of the most important innovations is the introduction of a “parental month” for soldiers performing their basic military service, service as a regular soldier or training service. This leave of absence in connection with the birth of a child enables parents to fulfill their family obligations while continuing their service to their country and countrymen.
In addition, this amendment to the law is intended to create the legal basis for a “training voucher” for soldiers in the militia in order to further strengthen the militia system. People who take part in militia exercises will receive a payment of up to 100 euros per day of training. This remuneration can be used for civilian vocational training and further education purposes and is intended to serve as an incentive to become more involved in the militia. It is also intended to encourage the economy to support the militia more strongly.
The new measures also include the introduction of hardship compensation under social law in order to eliminate disadvantages under social insurance law with regard to childcare allowance and the family time bonus for persons in military service and training. This should ensure that periods of service are appropriately recognized and remunerated.
“For me as a militia commissioner, the ‘training voucher’ and the elimination of disadvantages under social security law are milestones in making the militia more attractive and gaining its acceptance. These projects in particular were preceded by years and decades of discussions and negotiations. I would like to thank Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner for her tireless commitment to improvements for our militia,” said Militia Commissioner Major General Erwin Hameseder on the planned amendment to the law.
In addition, this amendment creates the basis for a medal for bravery in the Austrian Armed Forces to honor soldiers who have shown exceptional bravery and commitment at the risk of their own physical integrity during a military national defense mission, a security police assistance mission or a mission abroad.
“Overall, with this amendment we are sending a strong signal for the attractiveness of serving in the armed forces and, above all, for the appreciation of our soldiers. After all, they are the ones who ensure the security of our country and all Austrians on a daily basis. That is why I will continue to fight for improvements, especially for our cadre personnel,” concluded Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner.
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