On 9 June, the Austrian Armed Forces will be holding a virtual ceremony as an information event to mark “Militia Day” from midday. The main focus will be on experience reports, information and milestones under the motto “By the militia and for the militia”.
As a token of appreciation, Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner will send a virtual message. Video messages from high-ranking military representatives will also be sent out. “The militia soldiers are a guarantee for the resilience of the Austrian Armed Forces. Through their commitment to Austria’s security, they make an important contribution to companies and organizations on the one hand and are an indispensable part of the Austrian Armed Forces on the other. We are proud and grateful for the achievements of our soldiers,” said Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner. Looking back on an eventful year
Looking back on an eventful year, many milestones will be highlighted again at this event. For example, the first partial deployment, the draft law on equal pay for the militia, the 200 million euro militia package (report), the introduction of modular militia non-commissioned officer training, the introduction of a “Militia” information module and a militia service center, and the nationwide roll-out of “Militia recruits militia” to encourage volunteers to join the militia. Through such measures, volunteers are specifically promoted as professionals and militia soldiers. In addition, there is a financial incentive system that strengthens the willingness to train and serve in the militia during basic military service. The skills acquired in the Austrian Armed Forces are also to be “translated to civilian life” and made certifiable according to ISO standards in the future. Intensive work is being carried out on the implementation, to the mutual benefit and in particular to the benefit of companies – the security partners of the Austrian Armed Forces. The basis of the Militia Day is 9 June 1808: on this day, the patent on the organization of the Landwehr was issued. It supplemented the regular Austrian army during the Napoleonic Wars. Archduke Johann championed the idea of general popular armament and is thus considered the founder of the militia. Four years ago, on June 9, 2017, the “Day of the Militia” took place for the first time in Spielfeld. Every year, a uniform-wearing permit is issued for all militia soldiers in Austria for “Militia Day”. This allows the uniform to be worn to and from work and at the workplace – but only with the consent of the employer and in compliance with the conditions of employment law. The militia soldiers will be informed of this by their commanders. Information and the link to the livestream can be found at www.bundesheer.at.
