Together with the TÜV Austria Academy, the Austrian Armed Forces have developed a model for the certification of military qualifications. This pilot project enables skills and abilities acquired in the military to be translated into civilian terms and made visible and usable in accordance with international standards. At an event held on June 21, Major General Erwin Hameseder, the Federal Armed Forces’ Commissioner for Militia, presented the first twelve certificates to militia leaders.
“Ultimately, employers and civilian companies are also saved a lot of time and money if the employee concerned receives confirmation of requirements, experience and qualifications that are also in the interests of the company,” says Major General Erwin Hameseder. The certificates were developed on the basis of the training documents of the Austrian Armed Forces and illustrate the respective qualification and understanding of security. The level ranges from certified militia soldiers to various commander functions and expert status. This makes the civilian usability clear and emphasizes the added value for the employer. Based on this, the employer can also use the newly acquired skills of the certificate holder in civilian functions and areas.
Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner was also pleased with the developments: “As citizens in uniform, our militia soldiers make an important contribution to Austria’s security – in uniform but also in their companies. With this initiative, we want to create an incentive for the mutual recognition of military and civilian training.” Subsequently, the project will also be linked with the Chamber of Commerce and a cross-political consensus will be found. This certification is intended to improve the acceptance of militia activities in companies. A certificate is valid for two years.
