The ceremonial swearing-in of the conscripts for the November 2018 enlistment date took place at the Walgau barracks in Bludesch. 40 recruits from Vorarlberg, Tyrol and Salzburg took their oath of allegiance to the Republic in the presence of numerous prominent guests of honor. In his speech, National Councillor Reinhard Bösch thanked the recruits for their willingness to complete their military service and presented the Walgau barracks as one of the important new security islands in Austria.
The young soldiers completed their general basic training at Jäger Battalion 23 in Bludesch. However, they will continue their service in Innsbruck, Salzburg and Bregenz as cooks, drivers or guards. Some of them are also interested in a career as instructors, driving instructors, mechanics or logisticians in the armed forces.
In his speech, military commander Brigadier Ernst Konzett praised some important changes for the armed forces: “I see the investment in modern personal protective equipment, vehicles and the announcement of new helicopters as a light on the horizon.” Many family members and friends of the conscripts attended the ceremony. To round off the event, the Vorarlberg military band played a concert in the square and guests and soldiers were treated to a sample from the field kitchen.
