The black-led Ministry of Defense in Vienna wants to improve working conditions for soldiers with a series of changes. These measures are intended to make the military a more attractive employer; the background is the increasing shortage of personnel.
“Military service incentives” are currently the panacea to address the growing workforce shortage in the armed forces. To this end, the so-called “Military Law Amendment Act” must be revised; the corresponding amendment was sent for review by Minister Klaudia Tanner this week.
The Armed Forces wants to position itself as a better employer with three innovations in particular:
1.) Parent Month: One of the important innovations is the introduction of a “parent month” for soldiers who perform their basic military service, temporary service or training service. This leave in connection with the birth of a child is intended to enable parents to meet their family obligations while continuing their service.
2.) Training Control: In addition, the amendment to the law is intended to lay the foundation for a ‘training check’ for soldiers in the militia in order to further strengthen the militia system. People who participate in militia exercises receive compensation of up to 100 euros per training day. This compensation can be used for civilian vocational training and further education and is intended as an incentive to become more involved in the militia. It should also encourage the business community to become more supportive of the militia. The arrangement should apply retroactively to practice days from January 1, 2020.
3.) Medal: Consideration is also being given to introducing a bravery medal to honor soldiers who have shown exceptional courage and dedication in action at the risk of their “own integrity”. The last time such a medal existed was during the Habsburg era.
In addition, a number of social law inequalities must be eliminated, such as social security disadvantages in the field of childcare allowance and the family time bonus for people in military service and training.
“Attractiveness of service in the armed forces”
“Overall, with this amendment we are sending a strong signal about the attractiveness of service in the armed forces and especially about the appreciation of our soldiers,” Minister Tanner said when presenting the amendment. Militia Commissioner Erwin Hameseder adds: “The ‘training check’ and the elimination of disadvantages under social security legislation in particular are milestones for the attractiveness and acceptance of the militia. These projects in particular were preceded by years and decades of discussions and negotiations.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
