In Austria, fewer and fewer young men are suitable for military service. According to Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner (ÖVP), who presented her annual balance sheet for 2023 on Thursday, the goal for the future, in the interest of society as a whole, must be “that the young generation becomes healthier and fitter again”.
Last year, a total of 45,565 conscripts were examined for this position, which is 217 fewer than the year before. Of these, 31,516 young men were classified as fit (528 fewer than in 2022), 639 as partially fit (119 fewer), 9,989 as unfit (71 more) and 3,421 as temporarily unfit (359 more). Those who are temporarily unfit will be asked to stand again at a later date. In 2023, 15,544 military conscripts entered service.
Obesity as the biggest problem
The main reasons for the unfitness are the lack of physical fitness, mainly due to excess weight, and increasing psychological stress, says Tanner. She spoke of a task for society as a whole to take measures in the healthcare sector.
Voluntary military service for women “great success”
The problem of declining numbers of military conscripts is being addressed somewhat by the introduction of partial eligibility and voluntary military service for women, which Tanner described as a “great success.” Since its launch in April, 212 women have registered as volunteers, of whom 149 have also completed the aptitude test. 126 women have already volunteered for military service or have received a call-up order.
Slightly positive annual balance for civil servants
In contrast, the annual balance for civil servants is stable or slightly positive. Last year, 14,630 community service workers were assigned to one of the 1,501 community service institutions, State Secretary for Youth Claudia Plakolm (ÖVP) reported at the joint press conference.
90 percent of needs covered
Plakolm did not want reports of a shortage of civil servants, such as those recently reported in Upper Austria and Lower Austria, to stand. During the deployment dates in the spring, fewer officers generally reported than in the summer and fall, mainly because of the training. Demand coverage in Austria is almost 90 percent. In 2023 it increased by almost two percentage points compared to the previous year.
The largest and most popular application area for community service remains rescue. By 2023, 40 percent of community service workers were assigned to emergency services, about 26 percent to social and disability services, about 11 percent to aged care and about 9 percent to hospitals. Volunteering is “a headhunter in the social sector,” says Plakolm. Up to 70 percent of community workers would remain in the institutions as full-time or volunteer employees after their community service.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
